Samsung Electronics recently completed the installation of an upgraded display solution in the Swiss Life Arena, making it the most modern ice hockey arena in Switzerland. The display solution modernizes the space by providing revamped hardware and software as well as technical support for the ZSC Lions and includes the largest indoor LED cube in Europe. The upgrades were made possible by Samsung’s innovative technology and have enabled the Swiss Life Arena to meet National Hockey League (NHL) standards, a level typically only achieved by North American arenas.

▲ The LED cube installed at the Swiss Life Arena is the largest indoor LED cube in Europe.

As an official display technology partner of the Swiss Life Arena, Samsung outfitted the arena with a wide range of signage products and technical solutions to enhance the customer experience and improve operational efficiency.

“We are proud to present Samsung’s display technology after working with our AV Solution Partner Bild+Ton and the ZSC Lions to equip what is now the most modern ice hockey arena in Switzerland, delivering a world class fan experience,” said Daniel Périsset, Head of CE IT Team, Display and Memory at Samsung Electronics Switzerland. “The unparalleled quality of the solutions will help us deliver the best experiences in the rapidly evolving sports entertainment industry.”

Ground-Breaking Display Solutions To Wow Fans

Samsung installed 669 square meters of LED signage inside the arena, totalling over 18 million LEDs. From players on the side lines to fans in the stands, Samsung’s vibrant display technology allows everyone in the arena to be immersed in the action thanks to brilliant clarity and consistent color presentation. The advanced LED technology provides lifelike picture quality by optimizing brightness levels while eliminating shine and visual inconsistencies.

The central LED Cube display — which measures 12(w)x12(d)x8(h) meters — is the principal element of the fan experience with 416m² of the LED signages. Regardless of where fans sit in the arena’s 12,000 seats, they will be able to enjoy the stunning video display. Designed with premium picture quality and vibrant colors, the Cube will captivate audiences and set the mood using ambient light and sound. During the process of constructing the massive Cube, the teams collaborated to overcome the challenges of keeping the total weight as low as possible and managing the sheer scale of the installation.

▲ The large LED cube and ribbon boards surrounding the entire arena present high-definition picture quality along with ambient lighting and sound.

“You need a reason for fans to come back to the stadium, and we can do so many things now to communicate during the game with the fans. It’s not only the Cube — it’s the screens; it’s the signage,” said Bruno Vollmer, Chief Operating Officer of the ZSC Lions. “The support from Samsung was amazing and we can be proud, all of us, for what we have done.”

To create a fluid and dynamic experience for guests, the Samsung displays include various ribbon boards — long and thin LED screens mounted on the face of balconies — and audio equipment. Thanks to the optimal visibility and low reflection technology of the ribbon boards, fans will not miss any action on or off the field — even in constantly changing lighting conditions.

The content management across all signage displays is supported by MagicINFO 9, the cloud-based solution for the most comprehensive signage offering 24/7 technical support. Managing on-screen content is made simple using Samsung’s powerful MagicINFO 9 solution, which supports content, device and data management across all the displays throughout the entire arena. MagicINFO 9 also allows users to manage content remotely and securely, meaning updates can be made quickly to reflect match details, advertising, or important customer information. 

A Connected Experience Throughout The Arena

By delivering a complete display solution, Samsung has helped to enhance every moment of the audience experience at the arena, accompanying visitors from the minute they arrive until they depart. With an upgraded Players Club and a connected customer experience from the concourse to the Business Club, Sports Club and Press Room, fans can explore the arena while staying informed about the latest game updates.

▲ Signage and displays integrated throughout the arena by Samsung allow visitors to explore the venue while not missing out on any of the game action.

To ensure the technology was incorporated into every corner of the arena, Samsung installed 240 strategically located displays across the stadium. The crystal-clear picture quality of Samsung’s smart signage solutions, including the Q-series signage, are on display in the sports bar and around the concourse. Specifically, the ultra-high definition 4K resolution of the QMR series keeps audiences engaged in the action while enjoying food and beverages in the sports bar. In the auditorium, guests will be mesmerized by The Wall (IWA), a massive and awe-inspiring screen offering a vivid visual display. Furthermore, Samsung B2B monitors were selected for the ZSC Lions’ offices due to their high-resolution picture quality and productivity features.

Adrian Wangeler, Chief Executive Officer, Bild+Ton, shared, “Samsung always responds quickly and easily. Working directly with the manufacturer has the advantage of being able to fall back on the specialists and developers.”

As an industry leader in the global signage market for the past 13 consecutive years[1], Samsung stands out in the sports entertainment industries. Following Samsung’s visual display milestones equipping Citi Field and SoFi Stadium, fans can expect an extraordinary experience at Swiss Life Arena — powered by the latest innovations from Samsung.

Watch the full video about Samsung’s innovative installations at the Swiss Life Arena here:

[1] Samsung has been the No.1 selling digital signage brand for 13 consecutive years by Omdia. (Note: Consumer TVs, along with Commercial Lite and Hospitality TVs used for signage are excluded.)

The immersive experience represents the continuation of Samsung’s commitment to celebrating the ever-moving crossroads of art and technology, with the visionary mind of Michael Murphy. On Murphy’s spiral installation, that stood almost twelve feet tall in a darkened room, audiences were teleported to Gorgon City’s exclusive performance, while Cercle’s sweeping camera and cinematography flaunted the rich landscapes of the rocky Biokovo Natural Park on Croatia’s rocky southern coast – all through the all-encompassing lens of the QN900A Neo QLED state-of-the-art 8K Infinity Screens. As Gorgon City’s set unfolded on the striking and complex architectural glass walkway, Murphy’s trademark perceptual deception revealed itself to show the nearly bezel-less, Anti-glare screens, with all eleven working in unison, spiraled to manipulate the eye.

Michael Murphy said: “I’m so proud of this installation. To think this is the first time I’ve ever worked with moving images in my art, so the challenge of integrating them onto not just one, but eleven screens – well, it looks and feels amazing. Of course, Cercle’s unbelievable cinematography and the breath-taking picture quality of the Neo QLED made my job easier, not to mention the fact they’re Samsung’s slimmest ever screens, but I’m beyond excited the installation has helped me push my art to the next level. That’s why I’m so glad Samsung and I got to work together for this piece – we’re both pushing for viewers to see the world in a new light. I do it with mind-blowing perceptual tricks, Samsung with their mind-blowing screens.”

As Croatia’s vivid blues, oranges and greens swept across the true-to-life picture and the richest, nearly bezel-less color ever seen, audiences weren’t just transported to a set on the Adriatic coast, but thanks to Murphy’s transformational installation, to a different world entirely.

“At Samsung, we’ve always tried to push boundaries, and there is no greater boundary to cross than to experience a new and fresh perspective,” said Nathan Sheffield, Samsung’s Head of TV & Audio. “That’s why we wanted to work with Michael, because his work has always transcended the boundaries between art and perception. Cercle has done the same with music, cinema and culture. At Samsung we aim to show our customers how expressive, inspiring and colorful the world can be. With Michael, Cercle and the remarkable visual power of the super Neo QLED we’ve made a big step towards our goal.”

“Just wow,” said Cercle founder, Derek Barbolla. “We’ve filmed some beautiful scenes worldwide, and we knew the Skywalk video with Gorgon City would be no exception. However, none of the performances we’ve filmed have looked just so true-to-life on screen. Then, when combined with Michael Murphy’s perceptual artistry –it reaches a whole new level. It goes to show – when you entwine music, cinema, art and the world’s best TV, you can create something truly special.”

Matt Robson-Scott of Gorgon City said: “It’s been an honor to work with the Samsung and Cercle team. It was such an amazing experience shooting in a such an epic location and we feel like it suits the track perfectly. We were blown away by the way they work and hope everyone loves the video as much as we do”.

Samsung’s new, flagship QN900A Neo QLED television, like the immersive experience, delivers a mesmerizing viewing experience with true-to-life picture, rich color and anti-glare technology in the comfort of your home. For superpowered visual technology, only available with the Neo QLED 8K TV, you can truly experience new perspectives.

Relive the exclusive performance and Experience New Perspectives first-hand at https://www.samsung.com/uk/explore/experiences/new-perspectives-neo-qled/.