ASB’s courts consist of an LED display beneath a glass surface, so they can display literally anything. The glass is covered in tiny ceramic dots that are under a millimeter each. This provides grip for players’ shoes and prevents skin burns from falls. The company says the court’s glass is 2.8 times more elastic than hardcourt floors, meaning it could reduce the likelihood of typical hardcourt injuries.
The LED display is controlled by an iPad that allows users to change the floor’s entire appearance with just a tap, changing everything from the colors to the lines. And the Whiteboard and Playbook features allow coaches to draw directions on the iPad, and therefore the court itself. During games, the court can be used to display statistics and ads for fans, which the European teams found enhanced the overall viewing experience.
“This surface has allowed us to completely reimagine how we connect with fans and how we deliver value to our commercial partners,” said Thanos Bichtas, head of marketing for Panathinaikos. “Whether it’s dynamic intros with custom court animations, or live visual effects that react to big plays, we’re now offering a level of visual storytelling that transforms the arena into an interactive experience.”
