Editor’s Note: Here, we profile our 2024 Integration Awards winner in the Best Large-Venue Project category: Bluewater Technologies for its work at CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore. Check out our recent roundup post to see a complete list of all 2024 Integration Awards winners.
CFG Bank Arena, a premier venue for top-tier artists and events in Baltimore, sought to elevate the fan experiences through cutting-edge audiovisual technology. The goal was to create an immersive environment that not only captivated attendees but also served practical purposes, including leveraging digital menu boards, event messaging and live performance feeds to deliver an elevated experience.
Bluewater Exceeds Ambitious Vision of CFG Bank Arena
Bluewater Technologies and its AV integration team eagerly took on the challenge of exceeding CFG Bank Arena’s ambitious vision. Partnering with Moment Factory and The Kyte Group for content and lighting design, Bluewater managed the installation, ensuring that every aspect of the arena’s audiovisual transformation would surpass expectations. That included not only enhancing the exterior but also upgrading the audio and the displays inside. Indeed, the project represented a unique chance to elevate every aspect of CFG Bank Arena, both inside and out.
Photo Credit: Peter Kyte.
Bluewater’s solution for CFG Bank Arena centered on elevating the fan experience. That includes a content-driven lighting experience on the outside of the arena. This innovative lighting system seamlessly harmonizes with the outdoor LED displays, orchestrating a mesmerizing symphony of lights that responds dynamically to specific event content. The Color Kinetic lights transform the arena’s ambiance, casting a vibrant spectrum of colors that transform it into a captivating visual masterpiece.
Meanwhile, inside CFG Bank Arena, more than 150 displays serve as digital menu boards, signage and live feed screens. Bluewater also strategically placed more than 150 displays throughout the arena, as well as furnishing and installing a Fulcrum line-array speaker system. Finally, to streamline operations and provide complete control over the AV system, the Bluewater team installed head-end equipment in the front-of-house space.
Although the outcome is nothing short of stunning, that doesn’t mean that the team did not encounter significant challenges during this project. Indeed, a particularly tight timeframe from contract award to construction completion posed a significant hurdle. It required meticulous planning and swift execution to meet deadlines without compromising on quality. Compounding this issue were the global supply-chain disruptions, which severely limited equipment availability crucial to the project’s success. Despite those obstacles, Bluewater’s team navigated the complexities with resilience and expertise, ensuring that every setback was met with strategic solutions.
The Bluewater team’s ability to adapt, innovate and maintain clear communication throughout the process was instrumental in overcoming these challenges and, ultimately, helped deliver a solution that exceeded CFG Bank Arena’s expectations.
Photo Credit: Peter Kyte.
Bluewater Integration Team Navigated Challenges
Unsurprisingly, CFG Bank Arena was truly thrilled with the outcome of its collaboration with Bluewater. Associates like John Diaz, vice president of project development, were impressed by how Bluewater’s AV integration team navigated challenges to deliver beyond expectations. The result is a truly cutting-edge entertainment destination where visual and auditory experiences are elevated to new heights. The immersive atmosphere has redefined fan experiences, making each event a memorable occasion.
According to Bluewater, partnering with CFG Bank Arena on this transformative project showcases the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of AV technology. The integrator reaffirms its dedication to delivering solutions that not only captivate audiences but also leave a lasting impression, enhancing every visitor’s journey through innovative design and seamless execution.
