Pacers unveil new deluxe video board

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The Pacers unveiled their new deluxe video board at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Thursday. The sideboards measure 50 by 21 feet and stretch more than half the length of the court.

There are new video boards that face the end zones and new LED baseline boards. The Pacers also upgraded the audio system which the Fever has already been using during its playoff run.

The project cost over $16 million.

“I think the big thing, especially for the people that enjoy watching sports at home, is this really takes the experience you have at your finest HD theater, sound system and the image from the 1080p and puts it in a live sports event, so you really get the best of both worlds,” said Pacers Senior Vice President Todd Taylor. “We think it's going to be a tremendous impact, not only for the game action, but also just the entertainment between the action."

The new video board will have a limited debut Friday night during the Pacers first home preseason game against Minnesota. The video board won’t be used to its full capabilities until the Pacers regular season opener Saturday, Nov. 3 against Sacramento.

“I came in this morning and took a look, it’s cool.” Pacers head coach Frank Vogel said. “I think our fans are going to love it."

"It's like something out of a video game or something,” added Pacers center Roy Hibbert. “I'm happy we have it. I know the team spent a lot of money on it, so I know it will be put to good use. I can take it home one day.”

Both Vogel and Hibbert mentioned one good use for the new board will be to make sure the referees are getting calls right.

“Well, if they don't, it will be very big. It will be a very big mistake,” Vogel said.