The state of Indiana is no stranger to harsh temperatures. This midwestern state experiences negative degree winters and 100 degree summers, and Purdue University’s hometown is no exception.
On campus, the Ross-Ade Football Stadium is home to the Purdue Boilermakers, seating more than 57,000 fans in West Lafayette, IN. There have been 12 renovations since the stadium opened in 1924, and they won’t be the last.
The stadium is currently undergoing a multi-phase tech upgrade to replace display screens that broadcast the game beneath the stands. Previously, standard indoor displays were in use on the concourse levels, but harsh weather and temperatures were creating unmanageable wear and tear on the screens.
“The open-air concourse levels are protected from rain but our displays were still getting pretty roughed up in there,” says Nick Terruso, director of video services at the Ross-Ade Stadium. “After several rounds of replacements, it became apparent that we needed to invest in weatherproof displays to handle the temperatures and moisture.”
A Practical Solution
Terruso and the Purdue team decided to replace the standard indoor displays with SunBriteTVs, which are specifically designed for permanent outdoor use.
The screens are equipped with a temperature regulation system to keep all internal electronics functioning from -40 degrees to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. The powder-coated aluminum exteriors are durable and long lasting, and the watertight cable entry system and hermetically sealed edges keep out all moisture, dust, insects, grease and salty air.
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In addition, SunBrite boasts that specially designed anti-reflective screens and bright LED panels result in an easy-to-see image in any environment, day or night, making the TVs a great choice for an outdoor environment.
Since August, ten indoor displays have been replaced by SunBriteTVs, with 20 more planned over the next phases of the installation.
VIP Views
In addition to the concourse levels, the new SunBriteTVs were installed in a special VIP area of the stadium. Each season, 150 season ticket holders gather in the South End Zone to grill, have a cocktail and watch the game from multiple angles behind the scenes.
“The South End Zone gives our season ticket holders a chance to socialize and enjoy themselves,” says Terruso. “Even though they’re 15 feet from the field, the SunBriteTVs bring the action even closer. Everyone keeps telling me how they really complete the game-day experience.”
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SunBriteTV was recommended by Dan Brooker, VP of sales at Indianapolis-based Kingston Distribution, who suggested that the Signature Series line would be perfect for the outdoor section of the stadium as well as the South End Zone.
SunBriteTV says the Signature Series is its most affordable outdoor television, starting at $1,495 and ranging in size from 32- to 65-inches. It comes in standard black, white, or silver. Bulk orders can also be further color customized to complement each venue or school’s personal aesthetic style.
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