Eastlink Centre, Charlottetown, PEI

The facility's $2 million renovation included new arena glass, renovated dressing rooms and showers, and upgraded sound and lighting systems. The aging fixed-digit scoreboard was also replaced with the island’s first centerhung video scoreboard. The new four-sided centerhung display from Watchfire provides fans in the 3,645-seat arena a 360-degree view of scores, live game action and replays, animations, and advertisements.

“The resolution on the scoreboard is so good, it’s like watching a huge television,” said John Abbott, interim general manager of Eastlink Centre.

Fans in the arena are thrilled with the new addition and love to see themselves on the centerhung, according to Abbott. “We’re still learning all the things we can do with the display, and Watchfire reps have been on-site several times to teach us all the capabilities. This display really helps us punch above our weight at Eastlink Centre."

"It’s a blank canvas and we’re excited about the possibilities,” said Abbott, pointing out that the centerhung can be used for viewing parties when the Islanders are on the road.

The Gemini Group of Companies of Charlottetown submitted the winning bid to design and install the scoreboard and specified Watchfire to manufacture the display after becoming familiar with the company through its experience as a YESCO franchise.

“Watchfire was a natural fit for the project, and we were very happy with the experience and attention the Watchfire team brought to the installation process and beyond,” said Mark Fisher, president of Gemini Group of Companies. The new centerhung also makes maintenance and service easier. Watchfire mounted the new scoreboard using a hoist system, so venue operators can easily lower and raise the display for routine maintenance or repair.