Imagine being asked to broadcast the BIG game (you know the one) on one of the biggest outdoor screens, live and in-person at one of the busiest intersections in the world. On top of that, you’re also asked to figure out how each Times Square viewer can listen to the broadcast privately through their phones. That’s kind of a big deal. But it can be done, and done it was this past Sunday at TSX Broadwayfor the first ever first-ever LIVE Big Game Times Square Watch Party.
Last week, Stew Ives, senior director of systems at SNA Displays, detailed the anatomy of the event, sharing most of the juicy details that made this live event possible. Now that the game is over, we’re happy to report on the success of the event itself.
Witnesses on the ground described the delight in the crowd as “palpable with joyful outbursts and singalongs.” Vendors passed out free hot dogs, hot cocoa, and soda. (Free! In New York City of all places.) The weather was a chilly but reasonable 45 degrees and New Yorkers banded together to help those less fortunate as homeless shelters, food outlets, barber shops and more provided “dignity bags” containing clothes and personal hygiene items.
For the first time ever, the Super Bowl will be live broadcasted at New York's Time Square!
Those watching the game and the much-anticipated half-time show were treated to crystal clear video on an 18,000-square-foot LED mega-spectacular, manufactured by SNA Displays, while listening to audio on their mobile phones through the TSX Entertainment app.
It was a triumph of collaboration between TSX Entertainment, AzzuroHD (who provided sound capabilities), Analog Way (who provided visual presets), ~sedna (who powered the massive content management system), and SNA Displays (who helped manage content during the event). The event was a resounding success and represented a huge win for public, large-scale entertainment made possible with cutting-edge LED display technology.
There was another big party on Sunday. For the first time ever, you could watch the Super Bowl live in Times Square. @KristieKNews reports. https://t.co/lgn21b2cLy
But don’t just take our word for it. Here are some of the reactions pieced together from news reports and social media.
“It’s our first time, so we’re getting a lot of first times in. We’re making a lot of history and being part of some historic events.”
“I think it’s really cool because we don’t have a big sport event in Japan, so it’s like all the people in the States are gonna see it. So, it’s gonna be a big deal.”
“I think this is the epicenter of entertainment in the world, and I think what we want to try to do is kind of bring back and have other reasons for coming down here and this is one of the things to bring it back,” said Nick Holmsten, CEO of TSX Entertainment.
“It’s amazing,” said Tom Harris, president of the Times Square Alliance. “We were so excited when TSX came to us with this. We were even more excited when Mayor Adams’ team, city wide events, and the New York City Police Department said yes. I can’t believe that it’s game day and we’re here in Times Square.”
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