UBS ARENA
Developing a World-Class, State-of-the-Art Projection System for a Brand-New Arena
Featured Capabilities
- Project Mapping
- High-Resolution Media Server System
- Automated Alignment System
- 4k Production Workflows
Client Story
UBS Arena, a 745,000-square-foot, 17,250-seat hockey and entertainment arena located at historic Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y., and the new home of the NHL‘s New York Islanders – a franchise celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2022-2023 – opened on November 20, 2021. Built for hockey and made for music, the arena is one of the most operationally efficient venues in the world.
The projection system allows us to brilliantly display vibrant 3D imagery and creates a “Wow Factor” for our fans.
A First-Rate Fan Experience for the New York Islanders
The architectural firm, Populous designed the UBS Arena. The plan was to implement cutting-edge architecture infused with the latest technology to amplify the fan and athlete experience.
Quince Imaging was tasked with designing a projection mapping solution to deliver the New York Islanders’ vision of implementing the best and brightest system in the League, creating a first-rate fan experience, and complementing all other state-of-the-art technologies throughout the arena. Competition for the top slot in the League was high, given Quince’s 2018 installation at the PNC Arena, which had been the NHL’s brightest projection mapping system for four years.
Projection System Collaboration
Quince Imaging, the New York Islanders, and UBS Arena building architects collaborated to design and integrate the ideal projection mapping system.
Projection System Package:
- Provision of a projection system capable of covering the entirety of the ice playing surface with enough light to compete with the massive LED displays.
- All projection hardware and associate rigging, access, and automation components for servicing.
- High-resolution media server system capable of playing back discreet 4k to all six projector locations, including show control and redundancy provisions.
- Automated alignment system for warping & blending between events.
- All Routing, signal distribution, signal conversion, and format conversion for 4K workflows.
Projection Technology Used:
Once the project plan was in place, the next step was to use the most sophisticated technology available to carry out the vision.
- The projection System featuring 12 Panasonic PT-RQ50KU projectors was running at native 4K resolution. Over 53 million active pixels on ice!
- Christie Mystique LSE multi-camera auto-calibration system for single click projection calibration between games, integrated with Pandoras Box control and playback
- DisplayNet SDVoE transmission system for 4K signal extension and routing
- The fully automated rigging package provided by Mountain Productions is equipped with a Tait Navigator control system for precision positioning.
CREATING A TAILORED SOLUTION FOR UBS ARENA
Providing a custom solution for the New York Islanders and UBS Arena required extensive collaboration between Quince Imaging and trusted partners, WJHW and Panasonic. WJHW, a consulting firm specializing in entertainment systems, is well known by sports, theatre, and entertainment venues throughout the nation. WJHW works closely with clients to procure top talent for entertainment installations and began securing Quince Imaging as a leading integrator for sports systems with the awarding of the PNC projection system installation. When the UBS Arena projection system proposal came in, Quince Imaging was the natural choice for installation.
“As the trend for larger, brighter LED scoreboards, ribbons, and supporting displays has become a necessity in the world of professional sports, the brightness needed to deliver an effective and long-lasting arena projection system has become imperative. The brightness of 30k and 40k projection systems, while adequate in some older venues, is no match for the intensity of the Panasonic 50k. The self-imposed challenge we face daily at Quince Imaging is designing and integrating systems that perform and stand the test of time. We are celebrating nearly a decade of operational excellence with several arenas utilizing their fully functioning original systems. We build systems meant to last. If client satisfaction is the success metric, Quince Imaging is winning.”
IMPRESSIVE RESULTS
A Visionary Model for Ice Hockey Projection Mapping
The New York Islanders unveiled a state-of-the-art projection mapping system at UBS Arena on November 20, 2021. Designed and integrated by Quince Imaging, in collaboration with WJHW and Panasonic, this innovative ice hockey projection mapping system transformed opening night into an unforgettable fan experience for a sold-out crowd.
Built to Last: Sustainable, Maintenance-Free Design
Quince Imaging’s arena projection systems are engineered for longevity, reliability, and sustainability. The Panasonic laser projectors use a durable, maintenance-free light source that delivers exceptional brightness and performance for up to ten seasons — without the need for consumables or part replacements.
This design approach reduces downtime and ensures consistent performance in large-scale venues where maintenance access is limited.
“It’s been an honor to collaborate with the New York Islanders on one of the brightest, most advanced projection mapping systems in the League,” said Dan Ribaudo, System Designer at Quince Imaging.