SCG'S Panasonic LED screen entertains over 170,000 fans

Over 170,000 cricket fans have experienced the new three-storey high Panasonic LED screen installed for the Australia-England Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

The 157 metre2 super-bright screen is located on the parapet of the Dally Messenger Stand and kept fans up-to-date with every ball thanks to detailed live on-field vision, full score updates and venue information.

It is expected that over 1.5 million people will experience the impressive screen in 2011, with the cricket season now in full swing and many more events lined up to be held at the SCG throughout the year.

SCG Trust Chief Executive, Jamie Barkley, is committed to continually improving and updating facilities, and offering fans an experience that cannot be matched in the home, even with live television broadcasts.

Barkley explained "our key aim is to make the fansâ match day experience the best it can be, so it was crucial for us to choose a provider who could deliver long term quality performance, flexibility, reliability and support.

"Panasonic has an excellent track-record in these elements and is supported by a strong local presence, so we are confident that the new screens will help make our customersâ experience even more enjoyable."

Banner eight metre2 LED signage has also been also installed on the parapet levels of the Bradman Stand and the Churchill Stand to provide fans with a news ticker of the latest score and information updates.

Mark Deere-Jones, Director - Business Systems Group, Panasonic, said he is confident the new screen will be a key focal point for fans within the historic SCG, stating "Panasonic is very proud to provide one of Australiaâs finest sporting venues with the latest technology to enhance the at-ground experience for sporting fans.

"We are a nation of sports lovers, with research predicting that over seven million Australians will attend a sporting match this year. At Panasonic, we are looking forward to working with local venues to get fans through the front gate and help make sure they want to come back again and again."

The SCG joins some of the world's most prominent venues such as New York City's Madison Square Garden and the Beijing Olympic Stadium in deploying Panasonic LED screens.

The new screen is 18.8 metres wide and 8.3 metres high, displaying vision in an impressive ultra-wide 23 x 9 'cinemascope' format. It is designed for outstanding viewing with a vivid picture even in bright Australian conditions and direct sunlight, featuring a 7000 cd/m2 (candelas per square metre) display and 23 trillion colours.