Arena showcases security technology

Sep 1, 1999 12:00 PM, ACCESS CONTROL & SECURITY SYSTEMS INTEGRATION STAFF

Philips Arena, one of the most unique arenas built in the last 20 years, will open Sept. 18 in Atlanta. The new venue, future home to NBA Atlanta Hawks and NHL Atlanta Thrashers, is a joint partnership between Philips Electronics and Turner Broadcasting System Inc.

The Philips name is well-known in the security industry. The North American arm of the Dutch electronics giant Philips Electronics N.V. is one of the 100 largest manufacturers in America. Philips became a player in Atlanta when it moved the North American headquarters of Philips Consumer Electronics from Knoxville, Tenn., to Atlanta's Perimeter Center business district two years ago.

Royal Philips Electronics N.V. of the Netherlands and Turner Broadcasting have entered into a 20-year arena agreement that includes naming rights, marketing and technology exchanges. Proceeds of the partnership deal almost cover the $213 million cost of building the new arena, a complex designed for both sporting events and entertainment.

WELL-PROTECTED ARENA The new arena will be well protected with Philips security and observation equipment, including 5611/43-inch, interior color cameras; an Allegiant CCTV switching system; six Allplex 160-channel color multiplexers; six 720-hour, six time-lapse VCRs and nine 20-inch, high-resolution color monitors.

Surveillance will be monitored both in the arena and at a remote viewing area. The equipment for the arena site was specified in association with Vihon Associates, Philips representatives based in the Atlanta area.

MAIN ATTRACTION The new arena will adjoin the CNN Center. A steady stream of nearly 15 million people flow through the complex that encompasses CNN Center, Centennial Olympic Park, the World Congress Center and the Georgia Dome. That number is expected to increase by an additional 2.5 million after the arena is completed. The 60-foot columns in front of the new arena will spell out "ATLANTA."

Philips will use the arena to boost brand name awareness. Marquees, entranceways, road signs, exits on public transportation, and interior and exterior signs at the arena will carry the Philips name.

The Turner-Time Warner and Philips partnership began with the companies making a commitment to use each other's products. In addition to Philips security equipment, more than 1,000 Philips video monitors will be used in the arena. All video components and lighting in the facility will be Philips products. The exchange of digital technology products could stretch far beyond the arena into other Turner Broadcasting entities.

Philips will provide video panels and a sound system in Hawk Walk, a concourse that is 350 feet long, 60 feet wide and 70 feet high and features a team store for the Hawks, Thrashers, NBA and NHL. The panels will show full coverage of any event that is taking place in the arena, while spectators and visitors shop and dine.

All video components and lighting sources in the public areas will be Philips products, and the area perched above Hawk Walk, between the upper and lower decks, will offer spectators the Philips Experience, an 11,000-square-foot area showcasing Philips technology.

* Cost: $213 million, financed through 30-year revenue bonds issued by Atlanta-Fulton County Recreation Authority.

* Primary tenants: NBA Atlanta Hawks and NHL Atlanta Thrashers.

* Seating: 20,000 for basketball, 18,559 for hockey, 90 private suites on four tiers, 2,200 club seats. The upper deck will be closer to the playing floor than any NBA arena built since 1940.

* Where: On the site of the Omni coliseum, imploded in 1997. The arena adjoins CNN Center.

* Design: HOK Sport of Atlanta/Kansas City and Arquitectonica of Miami.

* Construction: Beers Construction Co., Holder Construction Co., H.J. Russell & Co., C.D. Moody Construction Co. n Cost: $213 million, financed through 30-yearrevenue bonds issued by Atlanta-Fulton County Recreation Authority.

* Primary tenants: NBA Atlanta Hawks and NHL Atlanta Thrashers.

* Seating: 20,000 for basketball, 18,559 for hockey, 90 private suites on four tiers, 2,200 club seats. The upper deck will be closer to the playing floor than any NBA arena built since 1940.

* Where: On the site of the Omni coliseum, imploded in 1997. The arena adjoins CNN Center.

* Design: HOK Sport of Atlanta/Kansas City and Arquitectonica of Miami.

* Construction: Beers Construction Co., Holder Construction Co., H.J. Russell & Co., C.D. Moody Construction Co.

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© 2012 Penton Media Inc.

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