High-Definition LED Video Screens Installed at Michigan Stadium

Football fans of the University of Michigan kicked off the 2011 season enjoying a new look to Michigan Stadium, now complete with newly upgraded scoreboards from Lighthouse Technologies. The state-of-the-art video displays and scoring systems feature Screen Master® high-brightness LEDs by Cree, Inc. (Nasdaq: CREE), delivering crystal-clear, high definition images to fans throughout “The Big House.”

A college football icon, Michigan Stadium was built in 1927 and is the largest stadium in the United States, consistently boasting game day crowds of more than 100,000 fans. On September 10, the stadium hosted a record crowd of more than 114,800 Wolverine and University of Notre Dame fans at the first nighttime football game ever played at the “Big House.”

The scoreboard replacement project began in March 2011, with the addition of two Lighthouse outdoor LED video systems. Positioned in each of the end zones, the high-resolution LED video boards are 40 percent larger than the previous system, providing in-game broadcast capability, instant replay, animation and dynamic promotional content in vivid color and ultra-sharp detail.

More than three million Cree Screen Master CLV6A LEDs illuminate each of the LED video boards. With industry-leading water-resistant packaging, Cree’s versatile 3-in-1 LEDs feature the high-intensity output and wide viewing angles needed for the stadium’s stunning outdoor LED video systems.

Cree-powered Lighthouse LED video screens are also installed at the University of Michigan’s Yost Ice Center, home to Wolverine hockey, as part of its first ever renovation. The Crisler Area, home to Michigan basketball since 1967, has also gone LED, replacing the center-hung scoreboard that was installed in 1998 with a four-sided LED video system complete with 14 LED video displays.

“Cree’s broad portfolio of high-brightness LEDs complements Lighthouse Technologies’ state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor applications,” said Mike Watson, Cree, senior director of marketing, LED components. “With vibrant color and crisp in-game detail, the University of Michigan is a shining example of how sports arenas can increase the fan experience by upgrading to LEDs.”

“Lighthouse is pleased to collaborate with Cree on this high-profile, multi-facility project,” said Ed Whitaker, Lighthouse NASA, director of sales. “Cree’s vast experience and exceptional LED technology enabled us to design the optimal solutions for Wolverine fans.”