Display Technology

Butler University enhances fan experience with LED video technology

Butler University Athletics completed a major digital overhaul at Hinkle Fieldhouse, highlighted by the installation of over 2,700 square feet of LED video displays.

Photo: Anthony James Partners

June 3, 2026

Summarize withChatGPTGrokPerplexityClaude

Updating a nearly 100-year-old athletic arena while protecting its historic character is no easy task as educational institutions didn't build in needed cabling and wiring that today's internet and digital signage often require.

But it can be done, and done in spectacular fashion, as a major digital overhaul at Butler University's Hinkle Fieldhouse illustrates.

Butler University, in Indianapolis, Indiana, participates in intercollegiate athletics at the NCAA Division I level. Hinkle Fieldhouse, known as "Indiana's Basketball Cathedral," is home to the Butler Bulldogs' basketball and volleyball programs. Built in 1928, it's a National Historic Landmark and served as a host site for the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament in 2021.

Hinkle Fieldhouse also boasts a robust cultural history. Six U.S. presidents have delivered speeches at the venue and it was once used 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.

Today it's now home to 2,700 square feet of LED video displays designed to enhance the game day experience.

The digital overhaul includes a center-hung 360-degree, four-sided LED display from SNA Displays, LED ribbons boards on the north and south ends of the area video play. The Efroymson Family Gym facility, next to the fieldhouse, houses two all-in-one LED video displays from Aspect HD.

The project design

Butler University brought on Anthony James Partners, a technology consulting firm specializing in the design and implementation of large-scale technology solutions, in early 2024 to conduct facility review, programming and concept design. Procurement, engineering and fabrication continued through the end of 2024.

SNA Display's role began with installation and commissioning in 2025. The LED video display manufacturer built and installed the display technology as well as multiple courtside tables and other digital signage. It also handled the demolition and removal services for the venue's outdated display technology.

The primary LED systems were completed in fall 2025. The control room modernization is a separate, multi-year effort that remains ongoing.

The old LED center-hung had a 10-mm pixel pitch and SNA Displays replaced the entire system with a 3.9-mm Bold Interior LED video system. The new center-hung system, which consists of four curved, 14-foot-tall video screens connected to create a continuous 360-degree video surface, contains 7.4 million pixels, a little over 1,100% more resolution than its predecessor. Each side features a 4-mm pixel pitch for increased pixel density and clarity.

Additional video signage includes three-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 courtside mobile scorer's tables equipped with LED screens.

The two Aspect all-in-one 16:9 video screens from SNA Displays, which are directly integrated into the new control management system, are being used for recruitment and training purposes.

The digital project goals

The goal for Butler University's Athletics program for Hinkle Fieldhouse was to enhance both the fan and student-athlete experience, according to Grant Leiendecker, vice president/director of athletics.

"We were interested in upgrading our video technology to provide an enhanced experience for our fans and student-athletes. Our new displays offer significant more square footage, higher definition and more flexibility for creative design," he said in an email interview.

"Between the larger center hung display, new LED ribbon and vomitory displays, we were able to significantly enhance the overall game day experience for our fans and student-athletes."

Project challenges

Hinkle Fieldhouse presented several challenges due to its age and historic designation, according to AJP.

The building has strict structural and rigging limitations, so introducing a modern center-hung display required detailed verification of loads, clearances and sightlines.

"We worked closely with Butler Facilities and structural engineers to refine the rigging strategy and ensure everything could be safely supported," Laurie King, director of communications for AJP, said in an email interview.

Another challenge was integrating new LED systems with Butler's existing control environment while preparing for their future control room upgrade.

"We addressed this with a phased integration plan that maintained full game-day operations throughout construction," said King.

The fact that the location was an active collegiate athletics environment also posed unique challenges.

"Installation windows were short and fixed around team schedules, practices and university events. Construction had to be carefully sequenced to avoid disrupting daily operations, and every decision needed to respect the building's historic character," said King.

AJP's technology recommendations were based on Butler's performance requirements, facility review, sightline analysis and long-term operational needs.

"As part of our normal process, we provided Butler with a structured menu of options that outlined performance tiers, feature sets, cost implications, and integration impacts," said King. "This allowed them to make fully informed decisions without surprises. After evaluating several manufacturers, SNA Displays' product line met the engineering requirements and overall performance standards for the venue and they did a great job with it as usual."

Strategies for success

A key element to a digital overhaul is selecting the best technology while also adhering to a client's budget requirements, according to Barbara Barry, director of sports and live events for SNA Displays.

"Obviously, selecting LED video technology that's right for the venue (and specific location within the venue) is essential both for a memorable guest experience but also for a reasonable budget," Barry said in an email interview.

"In this case, the new display technology throughout Hinkle Fieldhouse offers significantly better screen clarity and will make a major difference in the quality of the video experience going forward."
University leaders looking to undertake a video and display tech upgrade also need to be aware of inherent tech challenges when deploying display tech in a sports competition environment, she added.

"Does some tech work better than others? Work with a provider who both understands the type and scale of the digital signage upgrade and who has the experience to get the job done in coordination with other trades," Barry said.

Another critical element for success is to partner with a provider that can offer custom-engineered solutions as needed.

"These environments can be dynamic with a lot of moving parts and requirements, so the more expertise, the better," said Barry. "Obviously, selecting LED video technology that's right for the venue (and specific location within the venue) is essential both for a memorable guest experience but also for a reasonable budget. In this case, the new display technology throughout Hinkle Fieldhouse offers significantly better screen clarity and will make a major difference in the quality of the video experience going forward."

Partner selection was also cited by Leiendecker as a key to success.

"Do take your time to ensure that your newly designed video solutions need your needs and fit the aesthetic of your venue," he said. "Make sure that you work with an experienced, reputable company that will prioritize your goals in the process."