Design and Installation Guidelines for LED Displays in Stadiums

With the continuous expansion of the function of the modern stadium, its role has long been upgraded from a simple event venue to a comprehensive space integrating sports competitions, cultural performances and commercial activities. In this context, LED display as an important carrier of information transmission, atmosphere creation and brand display, is playing an increasingly critical role.

Whether it is a large-scale international events or daily activities, any point of display failure may affect the overall experience or even cause serious consequences. Therefore, stadium LED displays should not only have high definition and rich functions, but also ensure stable operation, safety and reliability, easy maintenance. This article will systematically explain the design points and installation specifications of LED display in the stadium/gymnasium, to help builders, design units and engineering teams to plan scientifically, implement accurately, and create an efficient, safe and intelligent display system.

Key Pre-Design Considerations

1. Determine Usage Requirements

Before choosing a stadium LED display, it's crucial to understand the venue’s primary function:

• Will it host professional sports events?

• Will it also be used for concerts, conventions, or public gatherings?

Each scenario requires different features and capabilities:

• Sports games require real-time scoring, timers, and player statistics.

• Concerts and performances need high-definition video playback and immersive visual effects.

• Advertising and sponsorships benefit from multilingual support and flexible content switching.

2. Screen Layout and Functional Zoning

For stadiums with more than 5,000 fixed seats, it is recommended to install two or more large LED displays in stadiums (each ≥40㎡), with functional zoning:

• Main Display: Includes clock zone, full-color zone, and dual-color zone — covering diverse display needs.

• Secondary Display: Features clock zone and dual-color zone — balancing cost and performance.

If budget allows, both displays can be full-color to enhance visual impact and event atmosphere.

3. Technical Parameter Planning

Use the formula H = k × d (where k=345) to determine the maximum viewing distance and select appropriate pixel pitch (P3–P6).

Brightness requirements:

• Indoor: ≥800 cd/m²

• Outdoor: ≥5000 cd/m² (to ensure visibility under strong ambient light)

Viewing angle:

• Horizontal: ≥150°

• Vertical up/down: ≥10° / ≥20°

These parameters ensure clear visibility across all seating areas.

Core Performance Requirements for Stadium LED Displays

1. High Brightness and Contrast

A stadium LED screen must remain clearly visible even under daylight or intense artificial lighting. A minimum contrast ratio of 100:1 ensures image clarity and detail retention.

2. Color Reproduction and White Balance Adjustment

White balance color temperature should be adjustable between 5000K and 9500K to suit various lighting conditions. Color uniformity deviation should meet Δx ≤ 0.03, Δy ≤ 0.03 to avoid color distortion.

3. Diverse Content Display

Supports multiple input sources:

• Camera feeds, satellite TV, VCD/DVD, etc.

• Text, graphics, animations, scrolling banners, and slogans.

• Multilingual support including Chinese, English, numbers, and international characters with scalable fonts.

Overlay capabilities allow text or images to be displayed over video content.

4. Audio Synchronization Interface 

Equipped with audio output interface to realize sound and picture synchronization and enhance the immersion and interactivity of the scene.

Key Installation Considerations

1. Installation Position and Viewing Angle

Ensure that at least 95% of the fixed seating area has an unobstructed view of the stadium LED display. Athletes, coaches, and referees should also be able to clearly see the display without obstructing their field of view.

2. Structural Safety and Load-Bearing Design

Mounting structures must comply with building load regulations and withstand wind and snow loads. Secure installation is critical to prevent vibration-induced damage.

3. Moisture, Dust Protection, and Heat Dissipation

In outdoor or humid environments, waterproof measures and corrosion-resistant materials are essential. Proper ventilation and heat dissipation design help prevent overheating and LED degradation.

4. Power Supply and Electrical System

LED displays in stadiums should have a dedicated power supply with overcurrent and leakage protection. Step-by-step power-on functions are recommended to reduce startup surges.

5. Standardized Interfaces and System Integration

All control interfaces should follow international standards for seamless integration with the venue's information systems. The control system should integrate with the referee desk, press center, and audio system for coordinated operations.

6. Fire and Safety Protection

Use flame-retardant materials for module casings, filling gel, and cable sheathing. Equip with smoke detection, automatic shutdown, lightning protection, and other safety features to ensure equipment safety during emergencies.

Quality Assurance and Acceptance Process

1. Quality Management System

Implement strict quality control throughout the design, production, installation, and commissioning phases, following industry standards such as SJ/T11141-2003 LED Display General Specifications.

2. System Commissioning and Testing

After installation, conduct comprehensive tests including:

• Image quality verification

• Synchronization testing

• Remote control validation

• Calibration of brightness, contrast, and color consistency

3. Project Acceptance and Delivery

A professional team should perform final acceptance checks and issue third-party inspection reports. Provide user training and technical documentation to ensure smooth handover and operation.

Conclusion

Stadium LED displays are no longer just tools for showing scores — they are integral components of the modern stadium ecosystem. From enhancing fan engagement to driving commercial value through advertising, these displays must be engineered for reliability, performance, and longevity.

By following best practices in design, installation, and maintenance, you can ensure that your LED displays in stadiums deliver exceptional performance for years to come.

If you're planning or upgrading a modern stadium and need a high-performance stadium LED screen, HSC, as a professional LED display manufacturer, offers customized LED display solutions based on extensive experience in stadium projects.

We specialize in the R&D and manufacturing of indoor/outdoor full-color LED displays, rental LED screens, and court scoreboards — widely used in sports events, concerts, and exhibition centers.