In a recent SVG Technology in Action webinar, industry leaders explored how Levi’s Stadium reimagined the live sports experience through a major production renovation.
The conversation featured Laura “LJ” Johnson, Executive Producer and Senior Director of Game Presentation and Live Events for the San Francisco 49ers, Ted Slominski, Chief Broadcast and AV Engineer for 49er Stadium Management Company, Aungelina Taglia, Project Manager for Ross Video, and Lane Baird, Systems Integration Lead at Diversified.
The webinar covered topics like SMPTE ST 2110, UHD, the Super Bowl, staffing, and lessons for venues. Here are six key takeaways.
1. Start with the event experience you need to support
Levi’s Stadium saw the renovation as a transformative leap, not just a tech update. The team recognized the need to power 49ers games, concerts, soccer matches, the Super Bowl, the World Cup, and other major events in the future.
LJ Johnson said the project had to begin with a clear vision.
That point matters for any venue team. Before choosing equipment, determine the venue’s needs and desired production outcomes.
2. Know when the old system has reached its limit
Levi’s Stadium was only about ten years old when the project started, but the original production setup had reached its limits. The system had not failed, but it could not handle any more growth.
Ted Slominski described the challenge clearly.
“When I came in during the 2023 season, it was clear to me that the system was built on a solid foundation, but it was bursting at the seams.”
For other venues, this is a helpful warning. If expanding means working around the current system instead of building on it, it might be time to reconsider the foundation.
3. Build for flexibility, not just for today’s show
Switching to IP and ST 2110 opened up a world of new possibilities for Levi’s Stadium. Suddenly, the team had more control over signal movement, routing, and event support than ever before.
For Ted, the benefit was flexibility.
The renovation used a hybrid design, keeping some baseband systems where they were still useful. This reality-based approach reduced risk and gave the venue the scale needed for big events.
4. Choose partners who can help before, during, and after the build
Ross Video did more than just provide equipment. The webinar showed that planning, training, installation, and support were all important.
Aungelina Taglia pointed to the amount of work that happened before the first event.
“The integration and the install went so seamlessly. We all worked really, really well together, and to have a brand new technology system in that room for the first game of the season, and for it really to go off as swimmingly as it did.”
Lane Baird also stressed the value of strong technology partners.
“We want to have technology partners like Ross that are doing training, that are doing commissioning, hands-on commissioning.”
For teams planning a renovation, the main lesson is to choose partners who can support you throughout the entire process, not just at the start.
5. Use real events to learn the room
Levi’s Stadium didn’t jump straight from installation to hosting a full NFL game. The team gained hands-on experience by running concerts, soccer matches, and other live events before the season opener, making every event a learning opportunity.
LJ described the experience honestly.
“We were building the plane as we were flying.”
This gradual rollout gave the team time to learn, make adjustments, and improve. It also helped set realistic expectations, since even with good planning, a new control room takes time to get used to.
6. Remember that people make the technology work
One of the main lessons from the webinar was that technology alone does not make a show. New workflows require training, new skills, and a team capable of adapting.
LJ put it directly:
This idea came up throughout the discussion. A modern venue needs good infrastructure, but it also needs skilled operators, engineers, creative teams, and partners who know how to use it.
Ted also summed up the partnership side of the project.
“Ross is an amazing partner to us. We value them greatly.”
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Watch the full webinar
The full conversation goes deeper into the renovation, the Super Bowl workflow, the fan experience, and the lessons other venues can apply to their own projects.
Watch the webinar to hear directly from the 49ers, Ross Video, and Diversified about how Levi’s Stadium created a more flexible production environment for the future of live events.