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Hershey Bears News

GIANT CENTER TO GET STATE-OF-THE-ART HIGH DEFINITION TECHNOLOGY

April 18, 2015

(Hershey, PA – April 18, 2015) – As one of the region’s foremost sports and entertainment venues, Giant Center has welcomed millions of sports fans, countless family shows, concert-goers and community members through its doors since opening in 2002. Today, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts (HE&R) announced it will fund the purchase of state-of-the-art high definition (HD) technology, which is anticipated to be ready for the start of the 2015-16 Hershey Bears season. 

The advanced HD system will feature a new four-sided center-hung videoboard, full LED 360 Fascia and a new standings board LED display manufactured by Daktronics. In partnership with Diversified Systems, the production room will be completely upgraded to provide high definition functionality to our award-winning, in-house production while supporting future expansion. The entire upgrade is expected to cost nearly $4.7 million. 

“HE&R is proud to bring this cutting-edge technology to Giant Center.  We thank the building’s owner, Derry Township Industrial and Commercial Development (IDCA) for our continued partnership and their support of this project,” said Bill Simpson, president & CEO, HE&R.  “In order to provide our guests with the premier experience to which they’ve become accustomed, it was important for us to deliver modern day technology to the building.  With this important upgrade, Giant Center will continue to be the area’s premier arena for exciting sporting events, concerts and shows in Central Pennsylvania.” 

In its nearly 13 year history, Giant Center has greeted more than 10 million guests and serves as the home of the AHL Hershey Bears Hockey Club.  Annually, the arena hosts an average of 25 PIAA sporting events, including basketball and wrestling state championships.  In addition, the facility welcomes fan favorites, Disney On Ice and Harlem Globetrotters and popular touring musical acts like Miranda Lambert, Sting and Paul Simon to Hershey.
“It is imperative that Giant Center remain competitive as it drives a tremendous amount of business to our region,” said John Foley, chairman of the IDCA and the Derry Township Board of Supervisors. “An area of improvement identified at the facility was the need to replace the existing standard definition equipment and scoreboard, which was at the forefront of technology when installed 13 years ago.  With the funding provided by HE&R, we ensure the long term viability of our facility in the region.” 
It is anticipated that installation of the entire upgraded system will take approximately four months to complete. Officials note there should not be any disruptions or changes to scheduled Giant Center events and activities during this time.   

“Following previously successful partnerships with both Daktronics and Diversified Systems, we are confident this new system will be a welcome addition to Giant Center,” said Kevin Stumpf, general manager, Attractions & Entertainment, HE&R.  “After many years of analyzing our technology needs, we are confident these guest-facing and back-of-house advancements will elevate all the events that we host, and provide enhanced broadcast capabilities for our external media partners.” 

As the Hershey Bears embark on its post-season, General Manager Doug Yingst said, “To announce this exciting news at our last home game is the ultimate thank you to our loyal fans! This year continues to be rewarding for our coaches, players and supporters. Knowing we will have the new videoboard in place for next season is thrilling for everyone.”  

As additional information becomes available, HE&R will continue to share updates about the project. 

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Words in boldface are used under license. Hershey Entertainment & Resorts is proud to help fulfill the dream of our founder, Milton S. Hershey, by providing value to Milton Hershey School, the largest home and school in the world, as it continues to provide opportunities for children in need.


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