Orlando Magic Jump Into ST 2110 With New Production-Control Room at Kia Center

Why It Matters

The upgrade positions the Magic’s venue at the forefront of sports‑venue IP adoption, enabling higher‑quality, flexible productions that can drive fan engagement and new revenue streams. It also serves as a benchmark for other NBA arenas contemplating similar transitions.

Key Takeaways

• Magic upgraded to SMPTE ST 2110 IP control room.
• Project completed before 2025-26 season start.
• Evertz EXE 3.0 router central to new workflow.
• 22 cameras, 80M-pixel LED display enhance fan experience.
• Training planned to master new IP workflows.

Pulse Analysis

The shift from baseband to SMPTE ST 2110 IP is reshaping how sports venues produce live content. By moving to an all‑IP workflow, the Magic can route video, audio, and data over a single Ethernet backbone, reducing cabling complexity and future‑proofing the arena for emerging formats such as 8K and immersive VR. This migration mirrors a broader industry trend where broadcasters and venues seek the scalability and flexibility of IP to meet rising fan expectations and advertising opportunities.

Technical execution required tight coordination among multiple partners. Alpha led the integration, installing an Evertz EXE 3.0 router and Ross Video 4M/E Ultrix switcher as the core of the new control room. The system now supports 22 IP‑connected cameras, including robotic units and high‑frame‑rate Sony HDC‑3500s, while the expanded LED façade—over 80 million pixels—delivers crisp, dynamic graphics powered by Ross XPression Tessera. Audio upgrades with Meyer Sound’s Panther Series and SpaceMap Go technology round out a fully synchronized production environment, despite challenges like compressed timelines and supply‑chain delays.

For the Magic and its fans, the upgrade translates into a more engaging in‑arena experience. Enhanced replay capabilities, additional camera angles, and immersive sound create a cinematic feel that rivals broadcast quality. From a business perspective, the modernized infrastructure opens doors to premium sponsorship placements, targeted advertising, and data‑driven fan interaction, potentially boosting ticket sales and ancillary revenue. As the venue settles into its first season with the new IP workflow, ongoing training and iterative refinements will ensure the Magic remains a leader in sports‑venue technology.