For the second consecutive year, McCann Systems, the Wallingford, Conn.-based AV integration firm has been honored with Commercial Integrator’s Integration Award for the Best Casino Project! This year, the award recognizes McCann Systems’ collaboration with DraftKings to create a stunning 17,000 square foot sportsbook at the historic Wrigley Field.
The sportsbook features an enormous dual-curved LED videowall — the biggest in the Midwest. With a width of 135-feet and a height of 15-feet (taller than the ivy-covered home run fence!), the signature multi-radius LED videowall captures every viewer’s attention from any spot in the sportsbook.
The videowall is more than just a display tool. It’s an experience. With a pixel pitch of 2.5 mm and a total pixel count of over 29 million, every game, live odds, or input displayed on this screen is visually astounding. The LED can reach a max brightness of 800 nits, making every image appear vivid and colorful. Even from a distance, its 170-degree viewing angle, the LED ticker surrounding the space and dozens of 65-inch displays ensure that everyone has a front-row experience, no matter where they are seated.
McCann Systems’ success is evident in the flawless installation of the videowall, LED ticker, commercial displays and audio. Their meticulous planning and execution have transformed the Wrigley Field sportsbook into a captivating entertainment attraction for sports enthusiasts.
By blending the nostalgic charm of Wrigley Field’s architecture with cutting-edge AV technology, McCann Systems and DraftKings have created more than just a betting destination. The sportsbook offers a unique and immersive experience that elevates sports viewing. With two levels of complete hospitality, food and beverage options, betting kiosks, VIP nooks, and a dynamic atmosphere, it’s the ultimate destination for sports fans.
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Legacy Partnership with DraftKings
DraftKings has been a legacy customer for years, trusting McCann Systems to build the most impressive AV experiences in high-volume arenas, casinos, and hospitality areas, and historic Wrigley Field is one of the most famous pieces of real estate in the world. This project demanded dozens of technical experts from McCann Systems to work on Wrigley Field, both on and off the site.
Over the course of two and a half years, the team at McCann worked tirelessly to turn this vision into a reality. McCann was entrusted by DraftKings, given their confidence in their authority in sportsbook design and several successful builds over the last decade, to deliver an experience unlike any other. Every detail, every fixture, and every screen in the sportsbook has been meticulously curated to offer users an immersive and unforgettable experience.
The sportsbook at Wrigley Field represents a seamless blend of rich heritage and cutting-edge technology. It’s not just a place to bet, but a place where sports fans can come together, share their passion, and be part of a community. McCann Systems takes pride not only in the success of the project but also in the enduring partnership they have forged with DraftKings.
A Showstopping Videowall Installation
The two-level architectural approach of this space, inspired by the famous stadium-seating green steel of 109-year-old Wrigley Field, offers a unique experience for visitors. The lower level has complete food and beverage options, helping to exaggerate this from a casino or sportsbook into a full hospitality service and entertainment arena. The upper level provides additional seating and space for private events, ensuring that this venue can cater for all gatherings and celebrations. Creating an inviting and friendly atmosphere perfect for socializing and enjoying live sports was paramount in this solution.
The real showstopper is the colossal 2,000-square-foot videowall, a technological marvel that transports viewers to the heart of the game. With its sheer size and pixel-perfect clarity, it commands attention from every corner of the venue.
Patrons can stay up to date with odds of various sports events through the LED ticker. The live feed makes it easy for guests to place bets right from their seats. The crystal-clear audio complements the vivid visuals of the LED videowall, creating an unmatched viewing experience for every DraftKings guest at Wrigley Field.
Collaborating with DraftKings, Gensler and others on this 30-month project posed unique challenges. All parties had to seamlessly integrate modern technology into the historic landmark, respecting its character while meeting strict regulatory requirements. McCann’s expertise and collaboration with Gensler, renowned for their architectural designs, successfully balanced history and innovation.
The result is a DraftKings Sportsbook that seamlessly blends past and future. From the outside, visitors would be hard-pressed to discern the new construction from the historic architecture of Wrigley Field. The charm of Harry Caray now meets the impressiveness of today’s AV technology, bringing this legendary venue into the 21st century while preserving its integrity.
DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field — A Truly Unique Experience
The success of the DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field is a testament to the power of collaboration. It has been made possible by the joint efforts of the Chicago Cubs, DraftKings, and McCann Systems, who worked together to develop an innovative space to bring fans a unique sports betting experience.
The response from the fanbase has been overwhelmingly positive. The unique atmosphere of the DraftKings Sportsbook offers fans a new and exciting way to engage with their favorite games. The ability to place wagers on their favorite teams and players has added an extra layer of thrill and excitement to every game. The location of the DraftKings Sportsbook at the iconic Wrigley Field has only amplified its appeal, making it a must-visit destination for sports enthusiasts.
But the success of the DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field isn’t only about the technology or location. It’s also about the sense of community it has fostered among fans. It has become a place where fans can gather, share their passion for the game, and experience the thrill of sports betting together. This sense of community can’t be replicated online, making the DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field truly unique.
Equipment List
- Samsung QM65B 65-inch UHD LED LCD Display
- Crestron DM-DGE-200-C Digital Graphics Engine
- Elo Tabletop and touchscreen monitor
- QSC loudspeakers, two-way ceiling speaker, pendant loudspeakers,
- Listen Tech Listen Everywhere Channel Server
- Shure microphone, transmitter, antenna amplifier
Click “view slideshow’ to view additional photos of McCann Systems’ AV installation at DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field.
