The NBA is set to elevate the fan experience during All-Star weekend events with the introduction of a fully lit LED court. This innovative concept will debut in Indianapolis during the All-Star Celebrity Game and the Skills Challenge, 3-Point Contest, and Slam Dunk event. The LED Court is essentially a massive television screen placed underneath the players, allowing for complete customization with graphics, lines, animations, and effects.
Considered groundbreaking by Carlton Myers, the NBA's head of live production and entertainment, the LED court will bring elements typically seen on a jumbotron directly onto the floor, integrating them seamlessly with the live action. This technology has been in development for about eight years, but the NBA held off until now, waiting for the technology to mature.
The LED court, designed and produced by ASB GlassFloor, features modular panels with LED lights underneath. The panels are topped with two layers of 5-millimeter thick laminated safety glass. The design of the court allows the LED lights to shine through, while an etched surface with ceramic dots ensures grip and friction similar to a traditional NBA hardwood floor. The flooring system is supported by aluminum belts.
Christopher Arena, the NBA's head of on-court brand partnerships, confirms that the experience of playing on the LED court is nearly identical to playing on a traditional maple floor. Rigorous testing has been conducted, with results indicating comparable performance. The NBA even brought a snippet of the floor to its New Jersey offices and tested it with players from the Brooklyn Nets.
With the technical aspects honed, the possibilities for the LED court are virtually limitless. Myers explains that any graphics and designs can be utilized, providing a dynamic and visually engaging experience for fans. The LED court will feature design and color changes, live replays, real-time stats, animations following key moments, and even interactive games for fans during timeouts. However, the NBA is mindful of not distracting the athletes and intends to use the LED court in a manner that accentuates dynamic moments, similar to how audio is employed during games.
Additionally, the LED court's versatility will be on full display during Saturday's events, where different visual looks will be created for each event happening on the floor. The NBA can customize the placement of the three-point line based on specific matchups, and sponsor logos and graphics will have more prominent placements as well. When only half the court is in use, the NBA can utilize the other half to showcase graphics and animations.
Furthermore, the LED court will enable the NBA to track specific players and display their movements with visualizations on the floor. By utilizing tracking devices worn by players, the LED court can illuminate their movements with creative visual effects, such as flame trails, stars, circles, or any other desired visual representation.
Television partners and event sponsors have embraced the LED court, recognizing the enhanced branding opportunities and the potential for a more captivating viewer experience. The NBA is eager to gauge fan reactions and assess the impact of the LED court during All-Star weekend. The league hopes that fans will embrace this innovative feature, and if successful, it may pave the way for even more exciting developments in the future.
As All-Star weekend approaches, basketball enthusiasts and casual fans alike eagerly anticipate the unveiling of the LED court—a groundbreaking addition that promises to revolutionize the live experience and further engage viewers at home.
