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Reading Fightin Phils

Fightin Phils to Install $1 Million Video Board Project

December 11, 2012 - Eastern League (EL1)
Reading Fightin Phils News Release


(Reading, Pa.)---The Reading Fightin Phils, proud Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, announced on Tuesday afternoon that the team will be installing a $1 million multimedia video board project at FirstEnergy Stadium with the help of TS Sports of Dallas, Texas in the months leading up to the 2013 season. Once installed, the project, which includes the addition of a 30'x60' HD10 board in center field, will make unprecedented technological advances while enhancing the fan experience at America's Classic Ballpark.

"We are very excited to announce this investment into your ballpark," said Fightin Phils General Manager Scott Hunsicker. "Some may be wondering 'What was wrong with the existing video board?' and the truthful answer is nothing, but here at the Fightin Phils, we do not believe in leaving well enough alone. We do not believe in the mantra 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it'. Instead, we believe in 'fightin' for what is best for our fans and 'fightin' to provide the best fan experience possible."

The centerpiece of the improvement will be the 30'x 60' HD10 video board in center field that totals 1,800 square feet, making it the largest video board among Double-A teams and 4th largest in Minor League Baseball. As just the fifth HD10 board installed by TS Sports, Reading's will be the largest that TS Sports has ever installed. It replaces the previous video board that measured 16.5' x 36'.

With superior resolution and the clearest picture in all of Minor League Baseball, the board will be illuminated by the second most LEDs of any team behind the Triple-A Memphis Red Birds. This revolutionary LED video display will deliver spectacular brightness with an ultra-high contrast ratio, providing Fightin Phils with excellent image resolution and crowd-pleasing viewing angles. Even with an increased size and pixels, the board is environmentally friendly and will dramatically reduce carbon footprints in Baseballtown.

"A combination of size and the latest HD10 technology will provide Baseballtown the clearest picture of any board in the minors," said Hunsicker. "With the inclusion of the ribbon board in left field and monitors, the fan experience at FirstEnergy Stadium will be second to none in Minor League Baseball."

The large addition to the outfield will be paired with a 6' x 100' ribbon board that sits above the Coors Light Left Field Deck. Left field's new ribbon board will be the one-stop display for the night's line score, out-of-town scoreboard, and cutting edge video capabilities. With the new ribbon board, the Fightin Phils will have the ability to relocate elements of the original scoreboard and allow the team to maximize the impact of the main video board.

Together, the HD10 video board and ribbon display will exceed the team's current set-up by over four times.

"TS Sports is excited to partner with the Reading Fightin Phils and provide their new video display," said Brent Waldrum, head of the company's Minor League Sports Division. "The new HD10 display will add excitement to the game day experience and blow the fans in Reading away."

Other aspects of the investment include a 4'x8' video wall that will sit atop of the Weston Center Winning Smiles Stage and 25 flat-screen HDTVs that will be located throughout FirstEnergy Stadium. In terms of video production, the Fightin Phils will now have tremendous replay capabilities, enhanced HD cameras, and improved wireless camera connectivity.

"Fans that pass the stage during the game won't have to worry about missing out any game action since the stage video board will mirror that of the new HD10 board in center field," said Hunsicker. "Our musical acts, performance, and extra events will be enhanced with the addition of the video wall. It also made perfect sense to add 25 HD televisions throughout the ballpark since we are going to be able to do things from a video standpoint that has never been done in Reading."

The multimedia video board project will be the second major renovation to FirstEnergy Stadium in three seasons, following the $10 million investment in 2011. It will replace the video board that has been in place since the 2004 season and the long-standing message center in left field.

Founded in 1997, TS Sports is the exclusive integrator of Lighthouse LED displays in the United States sports market. In addition to LED displays, TS Sports also provides scoreboards and control room systems for facilities in the sports and entertainment industry. Among the company's clients are the Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs, University of Michigan, and University of Oregon.

The Fightin Phils' consultant on the project was TSE Services, a firm that offers a wide array of expertise as they guide teams to enhance video equipment, points of sale, scoreboard, and other facets to improve the fan and sponsor experience. TSE Services provides quality design, equipment, installation, and support facilities while increasing efficiency, content, and adaptability of video production.

"TSE Services is thrilled to design and integrate new-state-of-the-art LED displays and scoring systems for the Reading Fightin Phils," said TSE Services Owner and Chief Consultant Bob Masewicz. "This technology is going to add a great aesthetic as well as further the entertainment aspect to the ballpark."

Fans will have their first opportunity to check out the new video board display when it is unveiled on Friday, April 12 at Fightin Phils Opening Night at FirstEnergy Stadium when the team takes on the Erie SeaWolves. Season ticket plans, mini-plans, and group tickets for 2013 can be purchased online at Fightins.com, by phone at 610-370-BALL, and in-person by visiting the Fightins Ticket Office at FirstEnergy Stadium.

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