In 2020, the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers took the field at their game-changing new home, SoFi Stadium — the world’s most technologically advanced sports and entertainment venue. To match this marvel of design and technology integration, the Chargers aimed to build The Bolt, a state-of-the-art training facility and headquarters that would provide a world-class environment for its players, coaches, staff and fans.
Finding the prime location for the team was at the forefront of their mind and the initial challenge the team endured when starting this project. The search for the perfect plot began over seven years ago, involving an extensive process of evaluating more than 35 sites. The final 14-acre location was identified in El Segundo, where they broke ground in 2022.
Working with renowned venue designers, the organization had a wish list for The Bolt that included spaces for practice, rehabilitation, coaching, business operations, and player accommodations. The criteria included three natural grass fields, a unique feature that added complexity to the project.
Jon Lucas, Chargers Director of Facilities and Construction, knew one of the main focuses of the building was ensuring the highest technological advancements be weaved into the buildings DNA.
“One of our main goals for the building was the ability to house and showcase the most technologically advanced systems. We wanted to be at the forefront and utilize technology in a way that goes beyond the everyday. With two years of construction, each technological feature needed to remain relevant long after we opened,” said Lucas.
Incorporating advanced display solutions throughout the building was a crucial part of the plan to ensure the Chargers’ new facility would not fall behind technologically. The challenge with the ambitious ground-up design for The Bolt was that there was no blueprint. The team would require a wealth of displays ranging in size, shape and specification to suit wide applications — from team meeting and conference rooms to locker rooms and outdoor practice fields — and they would all have to be installed amidst a fast and furious building schedule.
“It’s easy to have an idea, the challenge is bringing that to life. There was a lot of coordination between us, the Chargers, and Samsung from the beginning be it with the design team, installers, various contractors and engineers. Everyone had to work hand-in-hand to install these solutions,” explained Lucas.
“The Bolt needed to feel like a home. It’s a place where our players, coaches and staff spend most of their time – especially in season. Knowing that, we had to meet a lot of requirements from both the business and football side and therefore it was pertinent that our displays were at the forefront of every decision.”
To achieve this goal, the Chargers were tasked with finding a dynamic technology partner who would provide seamless, end-to-end support for the project and be able to react to any unexpected changes.
“Decisions and processes shift and change quickly during construction so we were definitely looking for a partner that was flexible as well as one that would provide the most cutting-edge products that would captivate everyone as they entered different spaces within the building,” stated Lucas.
