Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home to the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC of MLS, is not just another sports venue; it’s a testament to architectural innovation and fan experience enhancement. At its heart, or rather, soaring above its field, lies a groundbreaking feat of engineering and design: the halo display. Engineered and installed by Daktronics, a leader in LED display technology, this 360-degree halo board is the largest LED video display in sports, setting a new benchmark for stadium visuals.
This first-of-its-kind halo display, also known as the Halo Board Mercedes Benz Stadium, is more than just a screen; it’s an immersive visual spectacle. Suspended as part of the stadium’s unique retractable roof structure, the sheer scale of the halo board is breathtaking. It measures an astounding 58 feet in height and boasts a circumference of 1,075 feet. To put its size into perspective, a helicopter could easily fly through the center of this ring of vibrant LEDs. With a total display area of 61,900 square feet, the halo board mercedes benz stadium dwarfs even the largest displays in professional football by a factor of nearly three.
Rich McKay, President of AMB Sports and Entertainment, aptly described Daktronics as being “in a league of their own.” The selection of Daktronics for this ambitious project was based on their industry-wide reputation for dependability and their innovative approach to crafting solutions that push the boundaries of what’s possible. The halo board mercedes benz stadium is a prime example of this creativity, representing a structure never before conceived or executed.
Adding to the visual grandeur of Mercedes-Benz Stadium is the mega column LED display. This towering four-sided screen extends an impressive 101 feet, stretching from the first concourse level all the way to the roof. Encompassing 6,700 square feet of display space, the mega column provides another dynamic canvas for engaging fans. Remarkably, this single mega column boasts more screen area than the primary video displays in 19 professional football stadiums and 24 major league baseball venues, further emphasizing the stadium’s commitment to an unparalleled visual experience.
Technologically advanced, both the halo board mercedes benz stadium and the mega column utilize 15HD pixel layouts. This ensures full high-definition video and crystal-clear instant replays, delivering content with exceptional clarity and detail. The displays are also equipped with variable content zoning, allowing for dynamic configurations featuring a mix of live video, game statistics, vibrant graphics, engaging animations, and sponsor messages, offering a rich and diverse visual palette.
Beyond these signature displays, Daktronics has integrated 12 additional LED displays throughout Mercedes-Benz Stadium. These include fascia displays and auxiliary screens strategically positioned to maximize fan engagement. Notably, three of these displays incorporate Ultra-High Definition (UHD) LED technology with incredibly tight 2.5-millimeter pixel spacing. These UHD displays, located in two exclusive club areas, bring fans closer to the action with stunningly detailed live video and replays, creating an intimate and immersive viewing experience even in premium spaces. Furthermore, field-level perimeter displays enhance the atmosphere during Atlanta United FC matches, surrounding the pitch with dynamic visuals.
Reece Kurtenbach, CEO of Daktronics, expressed pride in providing Mercedes-Benz Stadium with the “unique, visionary halo display.” He highlighted the project as a testament to Daktronics’ engineering prowess and their ability to coordinate complex architectural integrations. In an era where venues seek to transcend conventional rectangular displays, Daktronics has positioned itself at the forefront of creative LED applications. They offer comprehensive solutions, partnering with customers to realize their vision for venue enhancements and fan experiences, no matter how ambitious.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, since its completion in 2017, has stood as a world-class destination for sports and entertainment. It’s a fitting home for the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United, and a venue capable of hosting major events like Super Bowl LIII in 2019, the NCAA Men’s Final Four in 2020, and the 2018 College Football Playoff Championship game. The halo board mercedes benz stadium, along with the stadium’s other advanced display systems, plays a crucial role in creating an unforgettable atmosphere for every event, solidifying its place as a leader in stadium technology and fan experience.
Daktronics, established in 1968, has grown into a global leader in audiovisual systems. Their expertise in large-format LED video displays, scoreboards, and digital billboards is evident in iconic installations around the world, and the halo board mercedes benz stadium is a shining example of their innovative capabilities and commitment to pushing the boundaries of display technology.
