"We needed to start making changes to provide Timberwolves and Lynx fans and players a renewed sense of pride when they walk into Target Center," Taylor said. "Our goal is to build an atmosphere where our fans enjoy the entire entertainment experience. From the moment they arrive at Target Center, we want them to feel comfortable and excited — when their evening is over to feel that they can't wait to return for a repeat experience."
ANC/SACO will also install its Smartvision® LED signage system at the Target Center. This signage board will run the entire 360-degree interior circumference of the arena. ANC/SACO's 20 mm fascia system, which offers not only a better image indoors, but also takes into consideration ambient lighting and brightness requirements, is designed specifically for the fascia market. For applications such as the Target Center, where close viewing distance is a major consideration, the 20 mm system provides the human eye with more detail, a clearer image, greater range of color and higher contrast. Finally, ANC/SACO will also provide a Smartvision® LED sign on the exterior of Target Center. This sign will allow full-motion video and will be located on the corner of First Avenue and Sixth Street.
Recently, the Minneapolis City Council approved a deal to help finance a $14 million fund for improvements to Target Center that will be spread out over a period of years. This meets the city's legal obligation as the owner of Target Center to make improvements to the facility. The deal also directs city officials to begin negotiations with the team and the arena's operator, Clear Channel Entertainment, about other improvements, including new seats.
"Target Center is a tremendous economic asset to the City of Minneapolis and the entire region," said Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak. "It is vitally important that we fulfill our legal obligation to make improvements to Target Center, so that it remains a first-class facility. We are proud of the leadership role that Glen has taken in this initiative, and are looking forward to working in partnership with Taylor and the team to further improve the facility in the years to come."
Based in Purchase, N.Y., ANC/SACO is a joint venture company created by ANC Sports Enterprises, LLC and Saco Technologies. The company, which specializes in the manufacturing and marketing of large-format and fascia-application LED systems for sports facilities, combines ANC Sports' marketing/sales expertise and cutting-edge software design with the superior technology and manufacturing capabilities of Saco. ANC/SACO systems are currently being utilized in facilities across North America, including Seahawks Stadium in Seattle, Ravens Stadium in Baltimore, Corel Centre in Ottawa, SBC Center in San Antonio, Miller Park in Milwaukee, Minute Maid Park in Houston, the Arena in Oakland, Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Phillips Arena in Atlanta, Gund Arena in Cleveland, the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, and the MCI Center in Washington, D.C.
"We are thrilled that the Timberwolves, Lynx and Target Center selected us for this extensive project," said Jerry Cifarelli, Co-President, ANC/SACO. "The Target Center will have the very latest state-of-the-art LED technology in the sports industry. No stadium or venue in the country today utilizes LED surface-mount technology with such a tight video display in both a center-hung scoreboard and LED fascia application. The fans and team advertisers will be amazed by the superior clarity of the ANC/SACO Smartvision displays versus other arenas. They have seen nothing like it."
In addition to the improvements geared toward Target Center guests, a new court, designed and manufactured by Horner Flooring of Dollar Bay, Mich., will be put in place for the Wolves players. The new playing surface will incorporate the Wolves' primary colors of blue, green, and silver while boasting the finest playing surface in the NBA.
As the world's oldest name in hard maple flooring, Horner has set the industry standard for more than 100 years. Since 1891, Horner has earned the reputation of excellence in providing top-quality hardwood floors to athletic facilities around the world. Since 1983, every NBA All-Star Game and NCAA Final Four Game has been played on Horner Floor. Other NBA teams that play on Horner floors include the Detroit Pistons, Dallas Mavericks, Milwaukee Bucks and the Toronto Raptors.
Finally, the Wolves and Lynx, along with Event Merchandising Incorporated (EMI) and Clear Channel Entertainment, are constructing a team store located on the Target Center skyway level. "The Gym," as the store is known, is located near the skyway bridge that leads to the Block E Entertainment Complex. Construction of The Gym began in August, with the completion date and grand opening slated for early November, the first week of the Wolves' regular season.