Downtown Phoenix Transformed
Phoenix Suns, Mercury Unveil Largest Exterior LED Board for Enhanced Fan Experience
Key Points
The videoboard will have more than 17 million pixels and a 60 frames-per-second refresh rate, delivering high-resolution video for fans.
The display uses a transparent mesh LED behind glass paneling, allowing natural light into the pavilion, with center and side panels that can operate independently or together; it will be located at the plaza entrance on First and Jefferson and is described as the largest exterior NBA/WNBA arena videoboard.
The installation is expected to be ready by September, ahead of the 2027 All-Star Game.
The Suns and Mercury have a 209-game sellout streak dating back to 2021, underscoring the strong fan demand the LED display aims to capitalize on.
The project was influenced by successful outdoor watch parties around Madison Square Garden during the Knicks' title run, as noted by owner Mat Ishbia when describing the motivation for the new display.
The Phoenix Suns and Mercury are installing the largest exterior LED videoboard ever built for an NBA or WNBA arena. The display stretches 226 feet wide and 41 feet tall, covering 9,266 square feet on the outside of Mortgage Matchup Center, according to AZ Central.
The board is expected to be ready by September 2025. It will serve as a centerpiece for downtown Phoenix ahead of the 2027 NBA All-Star Game, with outdoor watch parties, game highlights, and live entertainment content planned for the space, AZ Family reported.
A Display Built to Dazzle With 17 Million Pixels
The LED board packs more than 17 million pixels and runs at 60 frames per second. That refresh rate is the same standard used for broadcast television, meaning video will look sharp and smooth even in bright Arizona sunlight. Bleacher Report noted the board spans nearly a quarter of a football field in width.
The display uses a transparent mesh LED design behind glass panels. That setup lets natural light pass through into the arena's plaza area. The center panel and side panels can work together as one giant screen or run separately for different content, according to Pollstar.
Knicks' Watch Parties Inspired Suns Owner Mat Ishbia
Suns owner Mat Ishbia said the idea came from watching the New York Knicks' playoff run. Fans packed the streets outside Madison Square Garden for outdoor watch parties, and Ishbia wanted the same energy in Phoenix. The board sits at the plaza entrance on the corner of First Street and Jefferson.
Ishbia is the CEO and chairman of United Wholesale Mortgage and bought the Suns in 2023. He called the project a way to make the arena a true downtown landmark, not just a game-day destination. AZ Family reported that Suns leadership framed the display as part of a broader push to improve the in-person fan experience.
Suns Riding a 209-Game Sellout Streak Into This Upgrade
The Suns and Mercury have sold out 209 consecutive games dating back to 2021. That streak shows strong demand from fans in the Phoenix market. The new outdoor board is designed to turn that energy into a year-round presence, drawing people to the arena even on days without a game.
The 2027 NBA All-Star Game gives the project a firm deadline and a massive national stage. Phoenix will host All-Star festivities across the city, and the LED board is expected to be a key backdrop for events and media coverage. Pollstar described the display as an "immersive" experience meant to connect the team with the broader community.
What Makes This Board Different From Others Around the League
Most large arena screens sit inside a building. Putting a 9,266-square-foot display on the outside is a different challenge entirely. The transparent mesh design is the key innovation. It keeps the pavilion bright during the day while still delivering a vivid picture on the screen, according to AZ Central.
No other NBA or WNBA arena currently has an exterior videoboard this large, Bleacher Report reported. The Suns say the display will run content beyond just game days — think concerts, community events, and local broadcasts. That makes it a public fixture rather than a piece of sports infrastructure that sits dark half the year.
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