Wichita Wind Surge Integrate Massive LED Scoreboard in New Ballpark Stadium
Following a 12-season absence, Minor League Baseball has returned to Wichita, Kansas. With the relocation of the New Orleans Baby Cakes, the Triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins comes to Wichita with a new name—the Wind Surge—and will play their games at a new $90 million stadium. Built at the site where Lawrence-Dumont Stadium formerly stood, the new 10,000-seat Riverfront Stadium was completed in March 2020 and features luxury suites in addition to other amenities.
To drive excitement and engage fans in Riverfront Stadium, outdoor LED video wall technology from Planar and Lighthouse was integrated throughout the ballpark. The installations include a nearly 80-foot-wide, 35-foot-tall outdoor LED scoreboard with a 16mm pixel pitch as well as two 90-foot LED ribbon boards with a 16mm pixel pitch. The LED scoreboard is installed over left field and the two LED ribbon boards are mounted on the stadium’s second level facade, extending down each line above home plate.
LED scoreboard provides a vivid ballpark centerpiece
The large LED scoreboard was a key component of the new stadium design, according to Jordan Kobritz, partner and senior advisor to CBI Investors Limited Partnership, the parent company of the Wichita Wind Surge.
“From the fans’ perspective, the scoreboard is something that will truly affect their senses and impact their experience at the ballpark,” he said.
In today’s day and age, where visual technology has become an integral part of the gameday atmosphere in sports stadiums, a dynamic scoreboard is critical in baseball for meeting fan expectations for high-resolution replays and game statistics.
“Baseball has a different pace than other sports and there is a lot of downtime between pitches when fans are likely to have their eyes on the scoreboard,” Kobritz said. “That’s why it is so important to get it right.”
As the visual centerpiece for Riverfront Stadium, the LED scoreboard delivered on everything the team ownership had envisioned, Kobritz said. “We are absolutely thrilled. The color is vivid and the picture is very clear. The impact of the scoreboard is difficult to describe. You really have to see it to appreciate it.”
Creating partnership opportunities
The LED scoreboard and two LED ribbon boards are anticipated to drive advertising and sponsorship opportunities. “In addition to entertaining the fans, the LED installations represent a potential revenue stream for the club,” Kobritz said. “It’s an opportunity to incorporate sponsors as a part of the in-game experience.”
Beyond baseball, Kobritz said the LED scoreboard will also be utilized to support other events held at the stadium. “We are completely satisfied with the service and support from Planar,” he said. “We can’t wait to use the LED scoreboard and ribbon boards in front of a full house.”
A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
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By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
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Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
