Key Takeaways
- The Washington Commanders’ game presentation team made use of lighting effects to enhance the fan experience in their 2024 and 2025 seasons.
- The team’s ability to plan and execute lighting displays was limited in 2024 due to timing constraints, but they were given more opportunities in 2025 with more primetime games.
- The game presentation team drew inspiration from other sports teams and events, such as the World Cup and Olympics, to create unique and memorable lighting experiences.
- The team used LED wristbands, provided by Canadian company PixMob, to create a unified lighting experience with their fans during a "Conquer the Night" themed game.
- The wristbands were programmable and could be controlled wirelessly to display different colors and scenes throughout the game.
Introduction to the 2024 Season
The use of light returned against the Falcons in the final home game of 2024, which would decide Washington’s playoff fate. However, that production came together quickly because it was announced just 12 days prior that the originally-scheduled 1 p.m. game would instead be primetime. With the flex came a milestone moment: for the first time Northwest Stadium would be able to go dark during player introductions. It set the tone for perhaps the loudest, highest energy home game of the season. The use of and excitement around the lights had come in flashes in 2024, but timing aspects, such as early kickoffs or limited notice for game time changes, somewhat limited what game presentation could do with them.
The 2025 Season and New Opportunities
The run to the 2024 NFC Championship game would change the team’s circumstances, resulting in more primetime games in 2025. This provided the game presentation team with a chance they had never been given before: they had months to plan goosebump-inducing displays with the lights. Outside inspiration mixed with Washington-specific flair and creativity from the game presentation group helped formulate the ideas for the 2025 light shows. The team’s game presentation personnel were aware of the impact that unified lighting experiences could have on fans, making moments that fans could take home and remember. This awareness drove the development of new and innovative lighting displays.
Inspiration from Other Sports and Events
According to Smith, a member of the game presentation team, the inspiration for the lighting displays came from looking at the great work that other teams are doing, not only in the NFL but across all sports. Events like the World Cup, the Olympics, the NHL, and the NBA were sources of inspiration, as they showcased how buildings could be transformed with lighting to create an immersive experience for fans. The game presentation team recognized that these moments could have a tremendous impact on fans and could be something that fans could always remember. This realization led to the development of unique and creative lighting displays, including the use of LED wristbands.
The Introduction of LED Wristbands
The LED wristbands were the in-game entertainment darling of the Commanders’ first home primetime clash of 2025. The game presentation team worked with Canadian-based company PixMob, a global leader in the space, to execute the wristband show for the "Conquer the Night" themed matchup against the Bears. The wristbands were programmable and could be controlled wirelessly to display different colors and scenes throughout the game. The team was able to plan and balance the lighting displays with the wristbands, taking into account what was on the screen and the LED ribbons to create a cohesive and immersive experience.
Technical Aspects of the LED Wristbands
The LED wristbands were based on wireless frequencies, and PixMob was able to program custom looks through their mixing console. The company could push out different scenes and colors to various places around the building, allowing the game presentation team to plan and execute the lighting displays. The team could decide when to light up the wristbands in burgundy, gold, or white, and balance it with what was on the screen and the LED ribbons. This creative vision and technical capability allowed the team to create a unique and memorable experience for their fans.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
The Washington Commanders’ game presentation team has shown that with creativity, inspiration, and technical expertise, they can create immersive and memorable experiences for their fans. The use of lighting effects, including the LED wristbands, has enhanced the fan experience and provided a unique aspect to the team’s games. As the team continues to innovate and push the boundaries of game presentation, fans can expect even more exciting and memorable experiences in the future. The combination of outside inspiration, Washington-specific flair, and technical capability will continue to drive the development of new and innovative lighting displays, making the Commanders’ games a must-see event.