Approaching the stadium from the north or south, fans, opponents and Wolverines - the University's home teams - are greeted with the impressive housing of the LED video screens - a giant maize coloured 'M' on a blue background - striking each group with different impressions: Wolverine football players and fans are coming home; opponents are entering one of the most intimidating football stadiums in the world.
Inside the stadium, Michigan fans are treated to a professionally-produced pre-game programme, featuring player interviews, game highlights, entertainment segments, and a one-on-one interview with head coach Brady Hoke, who breaks down the previous week's game for early arrivals.
Once both teams are on the field, the new Lighthouse LED video system enables the University of Michigan to present what is likely the most intimidating pregame video in college football. Current Michigan football players come onto the screen with high-energy graphics and game highlights swirling around them.
Once the game begins, the Michigan production team presents the game, replays, stats, in-game features, around-the-country scores and highlights, and between-play music, all coordinated with the on-field play, for the kind of live production that makes attending a sporting event better than watching it at home.
In addition to teaming with partner and LED video systems integrator TS Sports, Lighthouse collaborated with LED developer Cree, based in Durham, NC, bringing their experience and LED technology to the high-profile University of Michigan project.
"Lighthouse is proud to work with Michigan Wolverine football," says Ed Whitaker, director of sales for Lighthouse NASA. "Lighthouse technology and Michigan athletics share the qualities of excellence and vision."
(Jim Evans)
