ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Fresh off celebrating its 10th anniversary last year, PPL Center is ushering in a new era for fans.
It's installing a massive, high-definition videoboard that nearly doubles the size of the original display.
Fans will lay eyes on the state-of-the-art arena centerpiece for the first time when the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers face off in the annual Rookie Series, ahead of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms’ 2025-26 season, it was announced Thursday.
Said to be bigger, brighter and sharper, the videoboard replaces the one that has anchored the arena since it opened in September 2014.
The new configuration features 24.6-by-22.97-foot sideline screens paired with 22.97-by-22.97-foot endzone screens, for nearly 2,200 square feet of LED display, according to a release.
It’s almost double the footprint of the original board and delivers more than three times the picture detail, the release said, with 13.3 million pixels engineered for ultra-high-definition clarity.
"This new equipment ensures the Phantoms remain on the cutting edge of technology."Matt Ritter, senior VP at GoVision
“This new equipment ensures the Phantoms remain on the cutting edge of technology, delivering the energy and excitement their fans deserve every night,” said Matt Ritter, senior vice president at GoVision LLC, which also helped construct the original board.
The “edgeless” design, built from 378 LED cabinets and 3,024 tiles, matches or surpasses technology used in many NHL arenas, the Phantoms said in the release.
The release touted it as “an immersive viewing experience” for every fan to enjoy replays, graphics and live action.
More upgrades, big events on the way
Additional upgrades to PPL Center also are coming soon, officials said.
New LED ribbon boards are set to be installed around the lower bowl before the Phantoms’ home opener on Saturday, Oct. 11, against the Belleville Senators.
Opening weekend for the Phantoms concludes with a battle against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on Oct. 12.
Constructed over the summer, the videoboard reflects PPL Center’s push to evolve with its audience and reinforces the arena’s place as a premier venue for live entertainment in the Lehigh Valley, officials said.
In addition to the start of the 2025-26 AHL season, the PPL Center in the coming weeks will host Papa Roach in concert Sept. 19, Fox News’ Greg Gutfeldon Sept. 20 and comedian Tom Segura on Sept. 26.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra returns to the venue in November for its ‘The Ghosts of Christmas Eve’ tour, and Disney on Ice is back from Dec. 11-14.
Monster Jam and the Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour also have been announced for early 2026, along with the return of country star Jason Aldean.
