The National Hockey League's (NHL) Minnesota Wild and its technology partner Daktronics (Nasdaq - DAKT) of Brookings, S.D. and Redwood Falls, Minn., announced today the unveiling of a comprehensive technology renovation at Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minn.

The centerpiece, a new custom HD LED center-hung scoreboard, features video displays that span blue line to blue line with over 16 times greater resolution providing excellent image clarity, contrast and wide-angle viewing capability from any seat in the arena.

"ESPN The Magazine recently ranked Xcel Energy Center as the No. 1 Fan Experience in the NHL and No. 4 in all of professional sports," said Minnesota Wild Chief Operating Officer Matt Majka. "This new technology has made it even better, and our fans deserve it because they are the ones that give us the home ice advantage each and every night."

Xcel Energy Center first opened its doors in September 2000 and had operated until now with the original LED signage technology. The renovation is the first of two significant projects planned (a full seat replacement is scheduled for 2015) to ensure the arena will continue to attract world-class events that generate significant economic impact for Saint Paul and the surrounding region, in addition to extending the arena's longevity.

"Not only does the Xcel Energy Center and the Minnesota Wild bring epic, memory-making hockey to the city of Saint Paul, but together they are also an economic engine," said Mayor Chris Coleman. "These renovations will bring in even more major events, continuing the vitality and growth of this city."

About the Renovation

Although larger, the scoreboard's size was intentionally designed to complement a game or event, rather than dominate it. It features the latest technology available and incorporates the North Woods motif already woven in throughout the arena.  

The main displays and end displays can show one large image for maximizing live video and instant replays, or they can be divided into separate windows to show a variety of statistics, scoring information, graphics and animations, and sponsor advertisements. The rings and circle displays provide the opportunity to supplement information shown on the main displays with additional statistics, advertisements and other graphics.

The "crows' nests" in each corner of Xcel Energy Center now feature HD LED displays; and three of the four extend vertically as well. The digital ribbon boards that encircle the interior arena fascia were also upgraded and lengthened so that the upper ribbon now extends to each end of the arena. Both of Xcel Energy Center's exterior marquees were replaced with high definition boards and four smaller HD LED screens now surround each display. Finally, a new 45' long HD LED video display was installed along the main concourse near Section 104. The screen can be divided to show multiple games and scores simultaneously.

The new elements were largely manufactured in Minnesota and installed over the summer.   Daktronics was the original provider of the video boards and other LED displays at Xcel Energy Center in 2000, displays that at the time set a new standard for the in-arena experience across the country.

"Continuing our long-standing partnership, Daktronics will once again be setting a new standard with today's state-of-the-art installation at Xcel Energy Center," said Jay Parker, Daktronics vice president of live events. "This technology will greatly enhance the game-day experience and home ice advantage at every Wild game."

Daktronics has also provided its powerful Show Control System with this installation. This industry-leading system provides a combination of display control software, world-class video processing, data integration and playback hardware that forms a user-friendly production solution. For more information on Show Control, visit daktronics.com/show.

A hi-res image of the scoreboard taken Opening Night, Thursday, Oct. 9, featuring the Minnesota Wild vs. Colorado Avalanche at Xcel Energy Center and a technology fact sheet are available for download at wild.com/pressbox. Photo credit: Bruce Kluckhohn.

Download time lapse footage of the scoreboard renovation using the log-in below:

ftp://ftp.wild.com
User name: ControlPublic
Password: GoW1ld
Sub-Folder: XEC PR