A Sports Fan's Dream: IDEA 2025 in Boston

As a lifelong sports fan, visiting Boston—a city steeped in sports history—has always been high on my bucket list. So when I had the opportunity to attend IDEA 2025, a large sport venue show, I jumped at the chance. The trip not only satisfied my inner fan but also opened my eyes to the behind-the-scenes world of LED and digital displays used in stadiums and arenas around the country.

The Road to Boston
The adventure started before we even reached the city. Driving a Penske truck loaded with our gear, Max Struck, demo intern, and I hit a few bumps along the way. We ran into engine issues right out of the gate and, to top it off, popped a tire while passing through Erie, Pennsylvania. It made for an eventful (and memorable) start to the trip, but we eventually rolled into Boston, eager to get set up and dive in.

Setting Up and Connecting
Once we arrived, the real fun began. We got to set up our booth, which featured a control center and a 0.9mm chip-on-board (COB) display. It was incredibly rewarding to see everything come together, especially after seeing how good the final product looked.

Throughout the show, we connected with professionals who manage game-day displays for professional sports teams and collegiate programs. Talking with them gave me a deeper understanding of their daily responsibilities and the immense coordination it takes to deliver a seamless experience for fans.

Living the Dream: TD Garden, Fenway Park and Harvard
The highlight of the trip, without a doubt, was the access we had to some of Boston’s most iconic venues. We toured TD Garden, home of the Celtics and Bruins—two legendary franchises with a rich history. Walking through the same spaces where historic moments have played out was surreal. Additionally, the arena is 100% Daktronics displays, which was great to brag about to the other people attending the tour.

Even more special was the tour and dinner at Fenway Park, a place I’ve dreamed of visiting for years. Sitting in the stands, taking in the energy of such a storied ballpark and enjoying a meal on the grounds was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

We also visited Harvard University, where we toured the historic campus, had dinner on-site and watched the MLB All-Star Game - an experience I thought I could only dream about.

Grateful and Inspired
IDEA 2025 was more than just a show. It was a chance to grow both professionally and personally. I gained firsthand insight into what applications engineers go through to ensure success on game day, and I walked away with a greater appreciation for the meticulous planning, creativity and teamwork involved.

I’m incredibly grateful for the experiences I’ve had, the connections I made and for the amazing people I’ve had the chance to work with at Daktronics. This internship has been nothing short of transformative, and I can’t wait to carry these lessons with me as I continue my journey in this exciting industry.