While the Blackhawks and Bulls could use upgrades on the ice and on the court, they may have to settle for a massive new scoreboard at the arena they share. The United Center recently released plans for a massive new scoreboard that will be installed in time for the 2109-2020 season. Replacing the arena's current jumbotron, the new scoreboard will be the largest screen display of its kind in NBA and NHL venues.
The scoreboard will feature 8,600 square feet of screens, including a continuous inner ring display that will be viewable from seats near the court and the ice—in total, the new board will feature nearly four times more LED screen displays than the current scoreboard. The most noteworthy elements of the new set-up are four additional screens housed inside of the scoreboard that can be extended from the bottom of the unit and a series of smoke machines that can be used to add additional impact to replays and videos.
Most importantly, the upgrade should make the experience of watching the game for the nosebleeds a bit more enjoyable, with bigger screens that give everyone in the arena a better view of the action happening down below. You'll be able to check out the latest in jumbotron technology when the Bulls and the Blackhawks begin their respective seasons later this year.
For now, you can take a look at the gigantic, smoke-spewing screens that will soon hang in the center over the United Center via this video rendering.
2019 United Center Scoreboard from United Center on Vimeo.
Photograph: Courtesy United Center