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INDIANAPOLIS—Butler University Athletics is undertaking a major digital upgrade to enhance the fan experience at Hinkle Fieldhouse, known affectionately as “Indiana’s Basketball Cathedral.” Home to the Butler Bulldogs’ basketball and volleyball programs, the iconic venue was constructed in 1928, is a National Historic Landmark, and most recently served as a host site for the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament in 2021.
“There is nothing better than a gameday at Hinkle Fieldhouse and this project will dramatically enhance the fan and student-athlete experience at one of the nation’s most iconic venues,” said Grant Leiendecker, Butler Vice President and Director of Athletics. “Playfly Sports is a tremendous partner and has significantly supported this project. Together, we are excited for the opportunity to enhance our gameday environment and showcase our teams and corporate sponsors in a fashion that has never been possible at Hinkle Fieldhouse previously.”
Technology consultant Anthony James Partners (AJP) provided design, procurement, and construction administration services for the upgrades, supporting Butler in selecting SNA Displays to manufacture and install more than 2,700 square feet of LED video display technology, including a center hung display system, baseline LED ribbons, multiple courtside tables, and other digital signage. SNA Displays will also provide demolition and removal services for the venue’s outdated display technology.
“Hinkle Fieldhouse is one of the most storied venues in college sports, and it’s a privilege for our team to help carry its legacy forward through this upgrade,” said AJ Faxel, Executive Vice President of Business Development for AJP. “We create technology solutions customized to each site’s history and unique character. It’s an honor to work alongside Butler University and SNA Displays to deliver a modern, immersive experience that supports Butler’s tradition of excellence.”
The centerpiece of the project is a new LED center hung display consisting of four curved, 14-foot-tall video screens seamlessly connected to create a continuous 360-degree video surface. Each side features a 4 mm pixel pitch for increased pixel density and clarity. The center hung also includes custom static lettering along the top ring of the structure and a team-branded Bulldog logo facing downward toward the playing surface.
Other video signage includes 3-foot-high LED ribbons along the second-level fascia at both ends of the Fieldhouse, two 19-foot-long vomitory displays between the second and third levels, and eight new courtside mobile scorer’s tables equipped with LED screens. For recruitment and training purposes, the project also features two new ASPECT™ all-in-one 16:9 video screens from SNA Displays in an adjacent practice facility, directly integrated into the new control management system.
“We’re more than honored to work with Butler Athletics and Anthony James Partners to bring this cherished landmark up to speed to give fans a fun and engaging experience on Game Day,” said Barbara Barry, Director of Sports and Live Events for SNA Displays. “We look forward to applying our extensive experience delicately merging historical landmarks with cutting-edge technology in a way that honors the past while looking forward into the future.”
Just a few years from its 100th birthday, Hinkle Fieldhouse has a rich basketball and cultural history. Six U.S. presidents have delivered speeches at the venue. It was also the site of a world record-tying 60-yard dash by future Olympic gold medalist Jessie Owens in 1935 and the first all-Black high school team in the U.S. to win a state championship in 1956 led by future Hall-of-Famer Oscar Robertson. The Fieldhouse was utilized as U.S. Army and Navy barracks during World War II. It was also the filming location of the dramatic final scenes of the 1986 movie Hoosiers, in addition to hosting the 1954 high school state championship game on which that movie is based.
About Butler University Athletics
Butler University, located in Indianapolis, Ind., participates in intercollegiate athletics at the NCAA Division I level. Nineteen of Butler’s 20 teams compete in the BIG EAST, while the football program is a member of the Pioneer Football League. The Bulldogs have a long history of athletic success, including back-to-back trips to the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship Game in 2010 and 2011, and the University is home to one of the nation’s great intercollegiate basketball facilities, Hinkle Fieldhouse. For more information about Butler Athletics, visit ButlerSports.com.
About Anthony James Partners
Anthony James Partners (AJP) is a leading technology consulting firm specializing in the design and implementation of large-scale technology solutions. AJP collaborates with top professional sports teams, colleges and universities, and facility operators across North America, Europe, and the UK. Core services include facility audits, strategic planning, design, financial modeling, procurement, and construction oversight. Technology disciplines include LED displays, broadcast systems, audio, network infrastructure, structured cabling, DAS/Wi-Fi, event and show lighting, digital signage, and more. To learn more, visit anthonyjamespartners.com, or connect with AJP on LinkedIn or Instagram.
About SNA Displays
SNA Displays is a leading LED video display manufacturer across several market sectors including sports and live-event venues, out-of-home (OOH), commercial real estate, retail environments, museums and commissioned digital art, workplaces, new construction, and many others. With a focus on quality, technological and construction expertise, and dependable service, we have worked alongside technology partners to design and build some of the largest and most recognizable LED video installations in the world. Discover how SNA Displays builds big at snadisplays.com.
