The NBA made a groundbreaking announcement on Monday, revealing plans to introduce an innovative all-glass LED court for the upcoming All-Star weekend in Indianapolis.
Through a social media announcement accompanied by a video mock-up, the league teased the capabilities of this futuristic court, promising a dynamic display of design variations, vibrant colors, live replays, statistical data, animations, and interactive games for spectators during breaks in play. Naturally, the court will also feature advertising, with the video mock-up showcasing multiple league sponsors.
This state-of-the-art court will serve as the stage for various events during the All-Star weekend, including the celebrity game, skills challenge, 3-point and dunk contests, and a highly anticipated one-on-one 3-point matchup between Stephen Curry and WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu. However, it seems the All-Star Game itself will adhere to tradition, being played on a conventional hardwood court. Notably, the announcement made no reference to the game scheduled for February 18th.
Events leading up to the Sunday All-Star Game, held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Indiana Pacers’ home court, will unfold at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, the formidable football venue that hosts the NFL’s Colts.
Addressing concerns about the performance of the court, NBA Executive Vice President for Basketball Operations Joe Dumars assured that it would offer a playing experience consistent with that of a traditional wood court. Dumars emphasized the importance of factors such as traction and responsiveness, indicating that these aspects were thoroughly evaluated and deemed satisfactory.
Despite initial apprehensions regarding safety, there seems to be no cause for concern. Manufactured by German company ASB GlassFloor, the court comprises two five-millimeter layers of safety glass.
Notably, this design has already been utilized by FIBA for events since 2022, indicating a track record of reliability. Both Dumars and NBPA representative Andre Iguodala personally tested the court and attested to its safety and performance.
Whether this heralds a new era for NBA courts remains to be seen. The debut of the all-glass LED court during All-Star weekend appears to be a trial run, showcasing the potential for innovation in the realm of basketball arenas.
