Fort Worth, TX – January 2025 – Dickies Arena, a global leader in entertainment venues, has partnered with Planled to introduce the groundbreaking Sports Theater System. Powered by GigaTera’s advanced RTS and PTX technology, this state-of-the-art lighting solution transforms traditional venues into immersive, dynamic theaters, redefining fan experiences.
“We host a wide range of concerts, family shows, and sporting events and we are extremely excited to be the first arena to add Planled’s new lighting technology to give our guests a heightened entertainment experience. We look forward to showing off our new lighting system with the Legendary Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo,” said Matt Homan, Dickies Arena General Manager.
With 300 DMX-controlled lights offering motion and color capabilities, Dickies Arena can now create event-specific lighting environments with the touch of a finger. Each light head is individually adjustable, enabling sports-specific aiming schedules to enhance player performance and optimize broadcasting quality.
Duk-Yong Kim, Chairman of GigaTera, reflected on the journey: “What began as a conversation at Yankee Stadium with John has now transformed into a game-changing reality at Dickies Arena. It’s inspiring to see this vision come to life.”
The controllability of the RGB units delivers a Broadway-style theater experience on a venue scale, unlocking unlimited possibilities for creating immersive scenes.
“Continuing our partnership with Planled that began in 2019 we have now significantly enhanced the lighting, theming and theatrics for our shows and events, coupled with the ability to hand off DMX control straight to a show’s lighting console is truly a game changing innovation and an absolute differentiator for Dickies Arena. I look forward to our continued partnership with Planled in our lighting projects all around the building,” said Andrew Schmidt, Senior Director of Technology at Dickies Arena.
This integrated system eliminates the need for additional equipment or labor to create custom lighting scenes, significantly reducing costs and preparation time. By effortlessly reconfiguring lighting themes without added expenses or delays, Dickies Arena elevates events of all kinds with immersive, tailored lighting experiences.
Scott Jenkins, Board Chair of the Green Sports Alliance Foundation, praised the innovation:
“This system empowers venue operators and event producers to elevate entertainment experiences while cutting costs and structural demands.”
Planled, a pioneer in research-driven lighting solutions, partnered with GigaTera in 2015 to light the first MLB stadium with LED technology at T-Mobile Park. Celebrating 10 years of lighting MLB in 2025, Planled and GigaTera have once again joined forces to unveil the Sports Theater System, a motorized, immersive lighting solution that combines cutting-edge technology with artistic creativity to redefine event experiences.
John Hwang, CEO of Planled, highlighted the broader mission: “Our goal is to make the Sports Theater System also accessible to local schools and universities, bringing big-league experiences to communities everywhere.”
About Dickies Arena
Dickies Arena, a 14,000-seat, multipurpose venue, was built in 2019 through a pioneering public-private partnership involving the City of Fort Worth, Tarrant County, the State of Texas, and private-sector participants. Managed by Trail Drive Management Corp. (TDMC), the arena is adjacent to the Will Rogers Memorial Center campus in Fort Worth, Texas.
Renowned for hosting concerts, sporting events, and family entertainment, the venue is also home to the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. Dickies Arena has received multiple accolades, including nominations for Arena of the Year by the Academy of Country Music and Pollstar Magazine (2022, 2023). It has also topped VenueNow Magazine’s and Billboard Magazine’s charts as a premier venue worldwide in 2023 and 2024.
For more information, visit www.DickiesArena.com.
About Planled
Since 2009, Planled has been a leader in human-centric lighting innovation, driving advancements in LED technology to enhance the human experience. The company achieved a major milestone in 2015 by lighting the first MLB stadium with LED technology and co-founded the Human Centric Lighting Society in 2012 to further its mission. Recognized for its innovation and impact, Planled has received prestigious awards, including the Next Generation Luminaires Design Award and the MLB Jackie Robinson Most Valued Diverse Business Partner Award. During the pandemic, Planled launched the UVCUE brand of Upper Room GUV solutions, continuing its mission to elevate human life through innovation. For more information, visit www.planled.com/sportstheater.
