Revitalizing The Ohio State University’s Archie Griffin Ballroom

As part of its commitment to maintaining high-quality campus spaces, The Ohio State University (OSU) sought to complete a technical renovation of a 1,500-seat ballroom located within the Ohio Union. Because the venue supports a wide range of events and campus activities, the work needed to be completed within a highly compressed 16-day on-site window during a school break. OSU needed an experienced integrator that could manage the complexity of the renovation, work within a strict schedule, and deliver a successful outcome without disrupting the venue’s ongoing use.

Ohio State faced a highly compressed project schedule that required all work to be completed within a 16-day on-site window during the school break. This limited timeline created a significant challenge, as the renovation needed to be executed efficiently without disrupting the university’s broader event calendar. The urgency was driven by the heavily booked schedule of the 900-person event space, which left little room for delay and required careful coordination from start to finish. To meet expectations, the project demanded a disciplined approach that could keep the work on schedule while preparing the space to return to use as planned. 

New Era Technology delivered a renovation solution that updated the ballroom’s core technical infrastructure while supporting a more connected event environment. The work included new wiring for audio, video, and lighting control, replacement of the speaker system and 190+ dimming system, and installation of hidden ceiling elevators for six screens and projectors.

To extend connectivity beyond the ballroom, New Era linked the space to the Performance Hall and Conference Theatre through fiber-optic connections, creating a more integrated audio and video experience across the facility. Along with completing the remaining renovation tasks, the team delivered the full scope of the project one day ahead of schedule.

Combining multiple new systems with audio and video connectivity across the ballroom, Performance Hall, and Theatre within a 16-day deadline was a complex undertaking. The project’s success was driven by New Era Technology’s disciplined planning, detailed task coordination, and advanced programming completed before the team arrived on-site. This preparation helped reduce risk, support efficient installation, and keep the project on schedule.

The engagement also focused on long-term usability in addition to project delivery. By ensuring OSU staff were comfortable with the new technology, New Era supported a smoother transition from installation to everyday use. The result was a successfully completed renovation and a connected, functional environment that OSU could confidently operate moving forward.