KLIN News got a first hand look Tuesday at the $10 million venue upgrade at Pinnacle Bank Arena. It includes a brand new scoreboard, electronic ribbon board, Wi-Fi network and LED lighting updates and new suite seating.
The scoreboard was completed just in time for the AVCA volleyball tournament over the weekend. General Manager Tim Savona says these projects were guided by the City of Lincoln, the West Haymarket JPA, ASM Global, and University of Nebraska Athletics, with a shared commitment to keeping Pinnacle Bank Arena among the nation’s leading multipurpose venues.
“Maintaining a first-in-class facility is paramount to everyone involved,” Savona says. “These upgrades ensure we deliver a fan-first experience, an artist-first backstage environment, and a state-of-the-art venue that Lincoln can be proud of.”
The new center hung scoreboard is 12 feet taller that the original scoreboard and has sharper images. It has fully integrated video screen capability, including underbelly. On the court there is a new scoring table and and one for the media.
In an effort to keep visitors more connected inside the arena, Savona says they upgraded their Wi-Fi network. There are now 600 access points, tripling coverage and improving performance five times. Access points are placed directly in seating areas and each AP supports 70 seats.
Savona says fans will notice the concourse now has LED fixtures to brighten walkways and new exterior roof lighting will allow them to have custom color displays for different events. Other enhancements include the replacement of the 12-year-old suite seating with higher-back chairs for improved comfort and a newly created private lounge designed for concert acts, managers and promoters.