Swindon Wildcats
LED Studio Install LED Screen For Top UK Ice Hockey Team
Since the mid-1980s, the Wildcats have been a key part of the UK ice hockey scene, competing in the second tier of the National Ice Hockey League (NIHL). However, following severe flooding in 2023 that forced the closure of the team’s rink for three months, a critical aspect of their match-night experience—their scoreboard—was destroyed. The team urgently needed a replacement to ensure that fans could continue enjoying games to the fullest. Enter The LED Studio, a local business with expertise in stadia display solutions, tasked with delivering a new state-of-the-art screen to revitalise the Wildcats' fan engagement.
Swindon, England
Challenge
The flooding not only caused significant damage to the ice rink but also left the team without a functioning scoreboard. The original display had been basic, only showing the score and game time, limiting fan interaction and in-game entertainment. The Wildcats were also under severe time pressure, unsure whether their first post-flood game would even take place, as the scoreboard installation was still in progress.
As the Wildcats’ head coach and player, Arron Nell explained, “The whole thing was very tight with the timelines... even the day before the game, we didn’t even know if the first game would go ahead.” The team needed a solution fast, without compromising on quality.
SWINDON WILDCATS
The Swindon Wildcats are a professional ice hockey team based in Wiltshire, England. They play in the National Ice Hockey League (NIHL). Since their inception, the Wildcats have played their home games at the 1600-capacity Link Centre in West Swindon.
I remember the first time it was put up, it was just a wow moment for us as a club and everyone. We couldn’t imagine not having it now.
- Arron Nell, Head Coach
Solution
LED Studio rose to the challenge, delivering a high-quality, custom solution just in time. The Wildcats selected the FORTIS Highlights+ display, part of LED Studio’s stadia range. This display provided enhanced brightness and the flexibility to be used both indoors and outdoors, thanks to its max 5000 nits brightness, making it ideal for sports venues.
Technical Sales and Marketing Manager Ross Noonan highlighted the advantages of this product: “One of its main benefits is its reduced weight— saving roughly 60% compared to legacy screens in sports and stadiums—opening up lots of applications that perhaps weren’t possible before.”
This lightweight, durable display was installed in the far corner of the arena, where it could engage fans through features like replays, fan cams, and kiss cams, dramatically improving the match-night experience.
Ross Noonan
“One of the FORTIS 4's main attributes is reduced weight - saving roughly 60% on raw materials compared to legacy screens in sports stadiums - this opens up lots of applications that perhaps weren’t possible before.”
Results
The new LED screen transformed the Wildcats' home games, adding interactivity and entertainment for fans. Beyond displaying scores, it became central to the game-night experience, driving fan engagement and creating memorable moments. “It’s great for our fans... we have fan cams, replays, kiss cams, all sorts of stuff on there,” said the Wildcats' head coach. “It’s about enhancing the fan experience, increasing revenues, and helping the club grow.”
The Wildcats praised LED Studio, noting their seamless support and local engagement. “We were recommended by a fan, and learning they’re local and support local businesses made it a no-brainer,” added the coach. Visiting LED Studio's showroom to see the technology firsthand also built confidence in the product's quality.
The first game with the screen was special for the team and fans alike. “The first time it went up, it was a wow moment for us as a club and everyone. We couldn’t imagine not having it now.”