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Hinkle Fieldhouse, often called “Indiana’s Basketball Cathedral,” is about to get a major digital upgrade prior to the 2025-26 basketball season.
Butler University on Thursday unveiled plans for the historic Indianapolis sports venue to receive more than 2,700 square feet of LED video display technology, including a center-hung scoreboard with four curved, 14-foot-tall video screens (more images at bottom of story).
Costs for the technology upgrades were not disclosed.
In March, Butler announced a 10-year multimedia rights partnership with sports marketing firm Berwyn, Pennsylvania-based Playfly Sports, which bills itself as the sports industry’s “leading revenue maximizer.” The partnership is intended to “introduce new sponsorship opportunities, cutting-edge digital and broadcast strategies, and enhanced fan experiences aimed at growing Butler Athletics’ presence in the ever-evolving collegiate sports landscape.”
The new digital signage will mean more advertising and sponsorship opportunities for the Bulldog program.
“There is nothing better than a gameday at Hinkle Fieldhouse and this project will dramatically enhance the fan and student-athlete experience at one of the nation’s most iconic venues,” Grant Leiendecker, Butler vice president and director of athletics, in written remarks. “Playfly Sports is a tremendous partner and has significantly supported this project. Together, we are excited for the opportunity to enhance our gameday environment and showcase our teams and corporate sponsors in a fashion that has never been possible at Hinkle Fieldhouse previously.”
Hinkle Fieldhouse, built in 1928, is a National Historic Landmark, and was the largest basketball arena in the country until 1950.
Richmond, Virginia-based technology consultant Anthony James Partners provided design, procurement, and construction administration services for the upgrades. New York City-based SNA Displays is manufacturing and install the LED video displays.
In addition to the center-hung display system, the new signage includes 3-foot-high LED ribbons along the second-level fascia at both ends of the Fieldhouse, two 19-foot-long vomitory displays between the second and third levels, and eight new courtside mobile scorer’s tables equipped with LED screens.
The project includes video screens in an adjacent practice facility that are integrated into a new control-management system.
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Is nothing sacred?
The new boards will be a great addition to the Butler fan experience. They provide 21st century technology in a magnificent classic, historic setting.
Agree, it will make “historic” stand out even more. Not sure what’s ‘sacred’ about it. Hinkle is a treasure, nothing wrong with a little polish. Now only if the team on the floor started putting more points on the new boards.
Yes – my entire fan experience is centered around how many ads I can see in a single pane of view.