Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Panasonic Dial Up Fans' Race Day Experience

New high-definition LED networked video boards are significantly larger and twice as bright; Digital displays offer spectators unimpeded view of on-track action

News provided by

Panasonic Corporation of North America

Apr 09, 2015, 10:00 ET

NEWARK, N.J., April 9, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Indianapolis Motor Speedway fans will now be able to experience the high-intensity, heart-pounding excitement of events up close and personal, courtesy of 20 newly installed networked high-definition (HD) LED video display boards from Panasonic Enterprise Solutions Company, an industry leader in engineering and technology solutions and the newest Official Partner of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Verizon IndyCar Series. For thousands watching from the stands and infield of the legendary racetrack, the high-end digital displays will deliver unparalleled clarity and resolution, bringing fans even closer to the action.

"We are continuing to enhance the fan experience at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Panasonic is playing a key role," Indianapolis Motor Speedway president J. Douglas Boles said. "We will deliver state-of-the-art technology and a clear view of all the racing action. The imaging clarity and technology powering the new video displays, in addition to enhanced content delivery, will allow our fans to truly feel the energy on the track."

Panasonic Enterprise Solutions Company, a division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, was selected by IMS to spearhead a comprehensive LED display solutions upgrade throughout the facility. To ensure that all spectators have a video screen to view at the massive racetrack, Panasonic is working with IMS to build a network of next generation video boards located throughout the infield and in front of the grandstands of the iconic 2.5-mile oval. Installation of the new HD displays will be completed prior to the Angie's List Grand Prix of Indianapolis on May 9 and the 99^th Indianapolis 500 on May 24, 2015. (Bigger. Brighter. Closer to the Action.)

"Panasonic is delighted to be partnering with Indianapolis Motor Speedway to further enhance the excitement fans experience at this preeminent racing venue," said Jim Doyle, President of Panasonic Enterprise Solutions Company. "Our goal is to do what we do best, which is using our technology and engineering know-how to produce made-to-order video solutions that raise the bar on the connected fan experience, enabling our customers to better connect with their fans and corporate partners in new and powerful ways. We aim to make the 'Greatest Spectacle in Racing' even more memorable."

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the highest-capacity sports venue in the world. The digital display network provides clear sight lines from any viewing angle, with 98 percent of all seat holders having a clear view of all the new and vibrant content delivered on these displays. Fans will immediately notice the new LED video boards are significantly larger, brighter, have more accurate color imagery and are capable of broadcasting HD animation, graphics and video.

In Turns 1 and 4 and above Gasoline Alley, the displays are more than three and a half times the size of the previous boards, with the displays at Turns 1 and 4 each exceeding 2,200 total square feet. The boards positioned above the Media Center and at the south end of the Gasoline Alley Suites are more than four times larger, with each having a total display area greater than 600 square feet.

As part of its multi-year agreement with IMS, Panasonic will serve as Official Partner of IMS, the Indianapolis 500, Angie's List Grand Prix of Indianapolis and the Brickyard 400, as well as INDYCAR and the Verizon IndyCar Series.

Panasonic will also sponsor the legendary Pagoda, located on the start-finish line and reaching a height equivalent to a 13-story building. The newly renamed Panasonic Pagoda is one of the most recognizable structures in worldwide motorsports.

Complementing this new video board digital network is the 92-foot-tall scoring pylon erected by Panasonic in June 2014. The new structure replaced the previous pylon, built in 1994 on the front straightaway, just south of the entrance to Gasoline Alley. The Panasonic pylon features LED panels on all four sides, providing vastly improved messaging capabilities for attendees.

The new Panasonic video boards and pylon are key highlights on a long list of major capital improvements planned by IMS scheduled to conclude ahead of the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 in 2016. The "Project 100" initiative includes renovations across all aspects of facility operations, from seating, connectivity and technology to fan experiences and track improvements. These changes will signal a modernization of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and build towards another 100 years of memorable moments in racing history.

2015 Ticket Information: Ticket information is available for all racing events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2015 – the Angie's List Grand Prix of Indianapolis, 99^th Indianapolis 500, Brickyard Vintage Racing Invitational, Lilly Diabetes 250, Crown Royal Presents the "Your Hero's Name Here" 400 at the Brickyard and Red Bull Indianapolis GP. Tickets for groups of 20 or more also are available. Contact the IMS Group Sales Department at 866-221-8775 for more information. Information on parking and camping at IMS events is available at www.ims.com/tickets. Fans have three quick, convenient methods to buy tickets:

Online: Visit www.ims.com/tickets. Tickets are available 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
Phone: Call 800-822-INDY or 317-492-6700 between 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. (ET) Monday through Friday.
In Person: Visit the IMS Ticket Office at the IMS Administration Building at the corner of Georgetown Road and 16^th Street between 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. (ET) Monday through Friday.

Media Website: www.ims.com/media

About Panasonic Enterprise Solutions Company
Panasonic Enterprise Solutions Company, a division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, develops, installs and maintains large-scale Eco Solutions and Audio-Visual Solutions for business and municipal customers. Serving customers across a wide range of industries, Panasonic Enterprise Solutions engineers custom-built applications using the latest technology, experience in end-to-end management of complex corporate projects and unparalleled onsite support services. Its Eco Solutions unit offers expertise in end-to-end solar energy projects while also delivering technological and financial solutions to the rapidly expanding commercial and industrial renewable energy markets. An industry leader in Audio-Visual Solutions, the company has installed some of the largest high-definition LED video boards in the world at many well-known sports and entertainment venues in the U.S. In Interbrand's 2014 annual "Best Global Green Brands" report, Panasonic ranked number five overall and the top electronics brand in the report. Learn more about Panasonic at http://us.panasonic.com/news.

Connect with Panasonic: Twitter, LinkedIn, Google Plus, Facebook, YouTube

SOURCE Panasonic Corporation of North America