Between 2013 and 2015, I had the incredible opportunity to be part of one of the most challenging and rewarding projects I worked on: installing a large-scale LED scoreboard, weighing over 30 tons, in a multipurpose sports arena in Qatar. This project was a key part of the region's infrastructure development to support major sporting events. Installing such a high-tech scoreboard in the heart of a sports arena required precision, careful planning, and close collaboration across multiple teams.

In this article, I’ll describes some of the essential steps involved in the design and installation of an LED scoreboard at the center of a sports arena:

1- Designing the Pixel Pitch Based on the Farthest Seat and Overall Size:

We followed the design intent outlined in the project specifications, but we always cross-checked the overall size and pixel pitch to ensure accuracy. The pixel pitch, or the distance between individual pixels, was determined based on the farthest seating position in the arena, ensuring clear visibility for all spectators. While a smaller pixel pitch offered higher resolution, it also increased costs and complexity. For larger arenas, we verified that the scoreboard's size aligned with the pixel pitch to maintain optimal clarity and image quality, balancing performance and budget effectively.

2- Assembling the 8 and 4 LED sides :

Once the design was finalized and materials were procured and delivered to the site, the LED scoreboard structure was assembled on the ground. The eight and 4 sides (octagonal on top and cubed at the bottom) were vertically attached to a temporary structure, such as industrial-grade scaffolding, to securely hold the panels in place during installation.

We then connected all power loop cables and patch data cables “thousands” , if I remember correctly.

At this stage, calculating the overall power consumption of the scoreboard was crucial. Close coordination with the electrical team ensured that the power supply was sufficient to meet the high demands of large-scale LED displays. Typically, this step was addressed early on to avoid delays during the installation process.

3- Installing the Electrical Hoist:

To lift the heavy LED scoreboard into position, electrical hoists were installed on top of the arena. This step was critical, as the hoist had to handle the significant weight of the display panels. A safety factor of 10:1 was applied to ensure the hoist could safely carry the load.

In addition, the heat dissipation from the LED panels had to be considered. These displays generated significant heat, so the mechanical team ensured that the arena’s cooling system wasn’t compromised. Coordination between the electrical and mechanical teams was crucial to prevent overheating and maintain optimal conditions for both the display and the arena's ventilation system.

4- Hoist Installation by Expert Riggers

The installation of the electrical hoist was carried out by a professional rigging team, supervised by experts certified under IRATA Level 3 and mechanical engineer based on manufacturer recommendation  ( I am sure that there were other riggers' high-level certifications worldwide but Level 3 IRATA riggers at that time was available in Qatar). These riggers ensured that all safety protocols were followed while lifting and securing the scoreboard into place.

Safety was paramount during this step. Improper hoisting could have led to accidents or damage to the equipment. Therefore, professional rigging expertise was vital for ensuring the safety and success of this phase.

5-Running Fiber Optic Cables for Data and Control:

Next, fiber optic cables were pulled from the control room to the top of the arena to manage the data flow between the scoreboard and the control systems. These cables were crucial for video streaming, controlling the scoreboard, and managing the movement of the electrical hoist during installation and future maintenance.

To protect them from the harsh environment, especially during the summer, the cables were terminated in an outdoor IP-rated rack. This rack shielded the cables from the extreme temperatures and potential weather-related issues, as the scoreboard was installed below the arena’s roof. The setup included fiber optic cables for video streaming, controlling the scoreboard, and managing the electrical hoist, as well as power connections to support the scoreboard’s operation.

6-Installing Motorized Fiber Optic Cable Drums and Electrical Drums:

To ensure smooth movement of the cables, motorized cable drums were installed. These drums helped manage the fiber optic and electrical cables during the lifting and lowering of the scoreboard.

Additionally, a motorized 3-phase electrical drum was set up to support the lifting mechanism. This system allowed for precise control of the scoreboard’s movement, ensuring efficient and safe adjustments during both installation and future maintenance.

7-Testing the Full System Before Lifting:

Once the full scoreboard was assembled and all cables were connected, a full system test was conducted. This crucial step ensured that the display worked as expected and that all components—power, data, and mechanical systems—were functioning correctly before the scoreboard was lifted into its final position.

This testing phase helped identify and resolve any issues early, minimizing the risk of delays once the installation began.

8-Third-Party Load Testing of the Electrical Hoist

Before lifting the scoreboard, a third-party load test was conducted on the electrical hoist ( was performed by TUV Qatar ) . This test ensured that the hoist could safely bear the weight of the scoreboard. It verified the load capacity and ensured compliance with all safety standards.

Having this independent verification added an extra layer of confidence and security before lifting the scoreboard into place.

Installing an LED scoreboard in the center of a sports arena was no small feat, but with careful planning, expert teams, and attention to detail, the project was completed successfully. By following these essential steps, from pixel pitch calculations to hoist installation and system testing, program managers and AV professionals ensured that the installation met both technical and safety requirements.

The project I was involved in, in Qatar was an incredible experience, providing me with valuable insights into the complexities of large-scale LED installations. Each step played a critical role in ensuring the final result was both functional and safe, ready for use in high-profile sports events.