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Orlando City and Orlando Pride Select Absen to Elevate Fan Engagement at Inter&Co Stadium

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Inter&Co Stadium, nestled in the heart of Downtown Orlando, is home to the Orlando City Soccer Club (MLS) and the Orlando Pride (NWSL). Privately funded at $155 million, this soccer-specific venue offers an immersive fan experience and showcases top-level soccer in Central Florida. Designed with a 360-degree lower bowl and a four-sided canopy roof, the stadium creates an intimate and electrifying environment. With comfort, inclusivity and high-quality amenities like an 8,400-square-foot indoor club and a 10,000-square-foot Supporters’ Terrace, the 25,000-seat Inter&Co Stadium is among MLS’s premier venues. Opened in 2017, the stadium has undergone recent enhancements to elevate the fan experience, including food and beverage upgrades, reimagined fan zones, and improved digital displays.

“Over the last two years, we’ve focused on enhancing the fan experience,” says Pedro Araujo, chief marketing officer for Orlando City and Orlando Pride. The efforts have included a full overhaul of food and beverage options, fan zones, and digital display upgrades to create a more immersive environment. Orlando City and Orlando Pride have aimed to meet modern spectator demands, transforming Inter&Co Stadium into a fan-centered venue. With fans increasingly expecting an immersive and connected experience, Orlando City and Orlando Pride sought to enhance stadium infrastructure to ensure that every corner of the venue contributes to the game-day excitement. They required a robust, stadium-wide solution to engage fans while withstanding Florida’s harsh climate. Orlando City and Orlando Pride selected Absen’s A Series, noting the company’s reputation for high-quality components and expertise in brightness control, which is a critical factor in the Sunshine State.

Here’s a video case study on this project:

 “When we turned on the new video board, it was breathtaking – so much brighter, with vivid colors that stand out,” said Carlos Osorio, chief financial officer for Orlando City, Orlando Pride, and Inter&Co Stadium. “Even though it’s the same size and in the same place as before, the difference is noticeable. Our fans immediately recognized something new. The additional screens on the second level, throughout the concourse and the impressive video wall in our West Club have transformed the experience. The video wall especially left a huge impression; it’s in our premium area and fans were thrilled to see it.”

Osorio emphasized the impact: “Our fans told us they wanted to stay engaged with the game, even when they were in the concourse getting food. So, installing 210 TVs throughout was a big win for everyone. From a sponsorship perspective, it was also a success, giving us more display inventory around the stadium, which our sponsors loved.”

In collaboration with Revel, a digital signage and content management leader, Absen delivered an immersive experience extending from the stadium entrance to the seats. Revel’s System on a Chip (SoC) technology streamlines display management by eliminating the need for separate media players, resulting in fewer failure points and lower capital expenses. Through the new technology, fans can experience cohesive branding, live stats, replays and everything Orlando City and Orlando Pride aim to showcase.

“Unlike many companies in our industry that prioritize hardware, we focus on starting with the experience,” explained Brian Fitzpatrick, president and chief executive officer for Revel Media Group. “We ask key questions, like ‘What kind of experience are they aiming to create?’ and ‘What message are they trying to convey?’ From there, we design solutions that use the minimal amount of hardware necessary to effectively deliver that message and create the desired experience. This approach reduces maintenance needs and enhances the overall impact for fans and clients. Our ultimate goal is to provide unforgettable experiences that resonate deeply with those we serve.”

With over five million pixels lighting up the stadium, Absen’s LED technology provides a high-definition experience to every seat. The A Series displays emphasize energy efficiency, an essential factor for stadiums operating at full capacity. Working in sync, Absen and Revel ensured that every screen met the demands of this high-energy sports environment, overcoming the logistical complexities of installing and calibrating such an extensive network within a short timeline. 

“I highly recommend the Absen and Revel teams,” noted Osorio. “The installation crew worked tirelessly, even over the holidays, to ensure we were ready for the season. Ultimately, this project is about the fans. Their energy directly impacts the players on the field. When fans are excited and engaged, that energy transfers to the players. If everything we did helps the fans get more excited and energizes the players, then we’ve succeeded in our mission.

Araujo added, “Looking ahead to 2025, we’re always asking ourselves, ‘What’s next?’ We aim to keep improving the fan experience, creating an environment that not only excites our fans but also motivates our players. Attendance has grown consistently over the past two years, with this year reaching our highest average since the stadium opened in 2017. Our players feel the energy, and it fuels their drive. This support also helps us in recruiting, as we can showcase a passionate fan base and a great stadium atmosphere, which is essential in attracting top talent. We often share knowledge across the league, and when other teams visit, they see firsthand the work you’ve done here, which speaks volumes about Absen and Revel’s dedication.”

The result was a success at all levels. Absen’s A Series displays are renowned for their unmatched brightness and clarity, offering a viewing experience that rivals a front-row seat. The use of high-quality LEDs and advanced brightness control enables these displays to handle the intense Florida sun, providing uninterrupted visibility in all conditions. The System on a Chip (SoC) technology Revel introduced allows Orlando City and Orlando Pride to avoid issues arising from traditional media players, thus delivering a reliable, streamlined display experience that reduces the need for frequent technical interventions. 

“Our partnership with Orlando City and Orlando Pride began in 2023, and with Revel over a decade ago,” explained James Liu, president for Absen Inc. “Together, we’re dedicated to enhancing fan experiences at Inter&Co Stadium through cutting-edge LED technology. Absen’s A Series delivers exceptional brightness, contrast and energy efficiency, making it ideal for high-energy sports environments. This project reflects our commitment to both innovation and community engagement. We continuously invest in R&D to keep our technology at the forefront, meeting the evolving needs of sports venues and fans alike. Coordinating the installation of over 5 million pixels in an open-air stadium presented challenges, but we overcame them through close communication and alignment with Revel.”

In partnership with Absen and Revel, Orlando City and Orlando Pride have transformed the game-day experience, setting a new standard for stadiums across the league. The newly installed Absen A Series LED displays deliver unmatched fan engagement with an impressive 10,000 nits of brightness, ensuring vivid and crisp visuals even in direct sunlight. Purpose-built for outdoor environments, the A Series provides fans with a clear and vibrant viewing experience, maintaining high image quality despite challenging lighting. Engineered for durability, these displays are designed for longevity, making them ideal for high-traffic outdoor installations. With their high brightness and resilient construction, the A Series LED displays offer dependable, long-term performance and consistent visual impact in all weather conditions.

Further information from Absen Inc.: www.usabsen.com

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