About Ribbon Boards and LED Fascia
Ribbon boards or LED fascia (as they are sometimes called) are an attractive option for venues that need long, flexible, high-visibility displays.
In this guide, we explore ribbon boards and LED fascia to help you make the right choice for your needs.
What Are Ribbon Boards and LED Fascia?
Ribbon boards are long, narrow LED screens that are used in sports and entertainment stadiums to:
Display game statistics, scores, advertisements, graphics, and more.
Used since the late 1990s, ribbon boards have substantially improved sports and entertainment venues by offering a unique form of high-visibility display. Typically, ribbon boards wrap around the interior of venues along the fascia of upper decks or mezzanine levels.
Key Features of Ribbon Boards and LED Fascia
Ultra-Slim Profile: Typically only 3-4 inches deep, ribbon boards and LED fascia can easily integrate into existing structures without blocking sightlines.
Flexible Installation: With curved and 360-degree setups available, ribbon boards and LED fascia adhere well to existing architectural contours.
High Brightness and Contrast: Ribbon boards and LED fascia ensure visibility in various settings and weather conditions.
Versatile Content Display: Ribbon boards support full-color, full-motion content, including live video, scores, animations, real-time information, and more.
Weather Resistance: Outdoor ribbon boards feature weather-sealed modules for reliable performance in various conditions.
Programmable Content: Specialized software allows for easy updating and scheduling of content on ribbon boards and LED fascia.
At Elite Displays, we offer Sports Stadium Displays and LED fascia with customizations to meet your needs.
An Example of Ribbon Boards and LED Fascia
Types of Ribbon Boards and LED Fascia
Ribbon boards (LED fascia) come in several varieties. Here’s a look at the main types.
By Display Technology
- LED Digit Display: Uses individual LED segments to form numbers and letters
- LED Dot Matrix Display: Utilizes a grid of LEDs to create text and simple graphics
- SMD (Surface-Mounted Device) LED Display: Employs compact, high-resolution LED panels for advanced graphics and video
By Installation Method
- Fixed Installation: Permanently mounted to structures or walls
- Modular/Removable: Can be easily assembled and disassembled for temporary use
- Curved/Flexible: Designed to conform to non-linear surfaces or create unique shapes
By Content Capability
- Static Display: Shows fixed text or images
- Dynamic Text Display: Capable of scrolling or changing text
- Full-Motion Video Display: Supports high-quality video content and animations
By Size
Large-scale. Length: 300 to 2,500 feet (91.44 to 762 meters); height: 2 to 5 feet (0.61 to 1.52 meters); used in major stadiums and large commercial buildings.
Medium-sized. Length: 50 to 300 feet (15.24 to 91.44 meters); height: 1 to 3 feet (0.30 to 0.91 meters); common in smaller sports venues and mid-sized retail spaces.
Mini/Small. Length: 10 to 50 feet (3.05 to 15.24 meters); height: 6 inches to 2 feet (0.15 to 0.61 meters); used in boutique stores, small venues, or as accent pieces.
By Resolution
High-Resolution:
- Pixel pitch: Below 10mm
- Applications: Indoor displays, control rooms, broadcast studios
- Viewing distance: Optimal for distances as close as 3-10 feet (0.91-3.05 meters)
Standard Resolution:
- Pixel pitch: 10mm to 20mm
- Applications: Shopping malls, indoor arenas, conference halls
- Viewing distance: Optimal for distances of 10-65 feet (3.05-19.81 meters)
Low-Resolution:
- Pixel pitch: Above 20mm
- Applications: Billboards, stadium displays, outdoor advertising
- Viewing distance: Optimal for distances of 65 feet (19.81 meters) and beyond
By Application
Sports Venues:
- Primary use: Display live scores, statistics, and advertisements
- Sizes: Large-scale, 300 to 2,500 feet (91.44 to 762 meters) long
- Resolution: Often standard to low-resolution for long-distance viewing
Entertainment Venues:
- Primary use: Improve concert hall and theater experiences with visual effects
- Sizes: Medium to large, 50 to 500 feet (15.24 to 152.4 meters) long
- Resolution: High to standard, depending on viewing distance
Retail Environments:
- Primary use: In-store advertising, promotions, and brand enhancement
- Sizes: Small to medium, 10 to 100 feet (3.05 to 30.48 meters) long
- Resolution: High-resolution for close-up viewing
Architectural:
- Primary use: Complement building aesthetics, often custom-shaped
- Sizes: Varies widely, from small accents to building-sized displays
- Resolution: Varies based on viewing distance and design intent
Transportation Hubs:
- Primary use: Clear information display for schedules and announcements
- Sizes: Medium-sized, 50 to 300 feet (15.24 to 91.44 meters) long
- Resolution: Standard to high, depending on viewing distance
By Environment
Outdoor:
- Weather protection: Operable from -30°C to +50°C (-22°F to 122°F)
- Brightness: High, 5,000-7,000 nits with automatic adjustment based on ambient light
- Applications: Billboards, stadium scoreboards, and large advertising displays
Indoor:
- Noise: Often fanless for quiet operation, higher pixel density for close-up viewing
- Brightness: Lower, 1,000-3,000 nits with wider viewing angles (typically 160° or more)
- Applications: Retail displays, conference room screens, museum and gallery installations
Semi-Outdoor:
- Weather protection: Operable from -10°C to +40°C (14°F to 104°F)
- Brightness: Moderate, 3,000-5,000 nits with glare-reduction technology
- Applications: Transit station information boards, shopping mall directories, covered sports arena screens
Contact Elite Displays for a quote on your display or if you’d like to know more about our services.
How Do Indoor and Outdoor Ribbon Boards Differ?
Outdoor ribbon boards are built for durability, thanks to weather-resistant materials and higher brightness levels. They also require more frequent maintenance due to exposure to elements.
By contrast, indoor boards use less robust materials, operate at lower brightness, and are generally less expensive. With that said, some high-end indoor ribbon boards can rival or exceed outdoor models in price.
Both types need regular software updates and component checks. Outdoor boards demand more rigorous cleaning and weather protection, while indoor boards focus on dust control and ventilation. Despite these differences, both aim to provide high-quality displays in their respective environments.
How Much Do LED Ribbon Boards (LED Fascia) Cost?
LED ribbon boards range from a few thousand dollars for small, basic models to several million for large, high-resolution systems in professional venues.
Table with Cost Ranges
| Scale | Size | Cost Range | Cost per Unit Length |
| Small | 10-50 feet
(3.05-15.24 meters) |
$5,000 to $50,000 | $200 to $500 per linear foot
($656 to $1,640 per linear meter) |
| Medium | 50-200 feet
(15.24-60.96 meters) |
$50,000 to $500,000 | $500 to $1,500 per linear foot
($1,640 to $4,921 per linear meter) |
| Large | 200-1000+ feet
(60.96-304.8+ meters) |
$500,000 to $5,000,000+ | $1,500 to $3,000+ per linear foot
($4,921 to $9,843+ per linear meter) |
Key Pricing Factors:
- Size, brightness, and resolution
- Location
- Customization requirements
- Installation complexity
- Content management systems
- Warranty and support
How Long Do Ribbon Boards and LED Fascia Last?
Ribbon boards and LED fascia typically last 7-10 years, though proper care can extend their lifespan. Venues often upgrade their hardware to extend functionality. Many systems, in fact, are designed with futureproofing in mind, allowing for modular upgrades and easy integration of new features.
Factors that impact longevity include environmental conditions, usage intensity, maintenance, and technological advances.
Customizing Ribbon Boards for Your Venue
Today’s ribbon boards are highly customizable and can meet a wide range of display requirements.
Moreover, resolution and brightness can be adjusted to meet your needs. On that note, we recommend that indoor LED boards use about 2,000 nits, while outdoor boards should use around 5,500 nits. Contact us for a quote and to discuss your specific needs.
Modern ribbon boards are designed to integrate with your existing systems. This is accomplished by connecting to live data feeds and meshing with your current system. From a central control hub, you can coordinate each ribbon board alongside your venue’s entire tech suite.
Choosing the Right Solution for Your Needs
When helping clients select the ideal ribbon boards and LED fascia, Elite Displays considers multiple factors, including:
- Venue size and layout
- Budget constraints
- Content types to be displayed
- Viewing distance and angles
- Integration with existing systems
- Maintenance requirements
- Resolution
- Brightness and contrast
- Weather resistance and durability
- Customization options
- Control systems
- Installation
- Scalability for future upgrades
- Compliance
- Return on investment (ROI) potential
