Lighthouse LED Video at BC Place

BC Place, the home of MLS' Vancouver Whitecaps and the CFL's BC Lions, is now the residence of what is said to be the world's second-largest center-hung LED video system. Integrated by Lighthouse partner TS Sports, the four-sided center-hung structure features two gigantic main screens and two end screens, totaling 3500, sq, ft. feet of full-color LED video.

The addition of Lighthouse LED video is one aspect of the BC Place renewal project, which included the upgrade and modernization of the washrooms, access ramps, concourses, and concessions for more comfort and more choice, better service, and better accessibility. At the same time, BC Place renovated 50 private guest suites and introduced 1,300 premium Club Seats and two new Club Lounges. However, the highlight of the renovation is the new retractable roof that turns BC Place into a year-round, open-air facility and a new architectural signature for the province. BC Place's cable-supported roof is reportedly the biggest of its kind in the world, and enables the facility to tailor the atmosphere for any event -- from summer festivals in the sun, to football games under the stars, to indoor exhibitions comfortably protected from the rain. The transformation from indoor to outdoor, and vice versa, takes just 20 minutes. The tremendous center-hung LED video screens commandeer the attention of everyone in the stadium while the clock ticks down to game time. Meanwhile, the 360-degree LED video facade and pitchside displays deliver full-color, eye-catching sponsor messages.

Designed by Anthony James Partners, the center-hung LED video system features Lighthouse's new Impact 16 LED video product, an exceptionally bright 16mm-pitch LED video panel designed for both indoor and outdoor arenas and stadiums, particularly venues facing conditions involving high-intensity ambient light. With over 6,500 sq. ft. of LED video, the center-hung screens fill the stadium with colorful animations, sponsor messages, Lions' replays, Whitecaps' player introductions, custom video, and live concert and special event coverage.

Just before game time of MLS contests, the national anthems of both Canada and the United States are played, with beautiful, orchestrated flag animation blazing around and across the facade and pitchside video strips. Featuring 1,700 linear feet of fascia display and 550 linear feet of pitchside display -- over 2 million individual LED video pixels -- the Lighthouse 20mm fascia panels produce an, appropriate complement to both countries' national anthems.

During the game, the screen shows game action, replays, the game clock and score, slow motion, all of it coordinated with the in-game action and injury breaks.

On the project, Lighthouse partnered with LED video systems integrator TS Sports, based in Dallas, and the innovator and developer Cree, based in Durham, North Carolina.

"Lighthouse's role in BC Place's revitalization was more than just a project for us," says Ed Whitaker, director of Sales for Lighthouse NASA. "It enabled us to showcase our industry-changing Impact LED video screens and large-scale project capabilities, while becoming an integral part of a world-class facility."