The Atlantic 10 Conference (A-10) has made history by establishing its headquarters in Washington, D.C., becoming the first NCAA Division 1 conference to base its operations in the nation’s capital. The move positions the conference at the geographic and strategic center of its 15-member schools while providing access to a world-class media, transportation, and cultural hub.
At the heart of the 5,000-square-foot office in Dupont Circle is a newly designed broadcast studio, outfitted with advanced Brightline lighting fixtures, setting a new standard for content creation within college athletics.
The Strategic Significance of a D.C. Location
A-10 Commissioner Bernadette V. McGlade emphasized the advantages of Washington, D.C., as a hub for media, business, and education. With three major airports nearby, the location offers improved accessibility for member schools, which span as far south as Davidson College in North Carolina and as far west as Saint Louis University.
The move also reflects the conference’s strong ties to D.C., as the city has previously hosted numerous A-10 championship events, including Men’s Basketball, Volleyball, Women’s Lacrosse, and more. The new location will facilitate increased engagement with student-athletes, university representatives, and the broader D.C. community.
A Broadcast Studio Designed for Excellence
The highlight of the new headquarters is a state-of-the-art broadcast studio. Equipped with Brightline lighting fixtures, the studio serves as a hub for producing high-quality sports shows, educational seminars, and content for the league’s 5,000+ student-athletes. The studio also offers A-10 member schools the ability to create their own professional video productions, a crucial asset in the era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities.
Studio Lighting Features
The studio features a meticulously designed lighting system, crafted by Dan McKenrick of Television Lighting Design and Direction:
- Brightline L1.2 Soft Lights: These variable white fixtures (adjustable from 3200K to 5600K) deliver high-quality illumination with a CRI of >97. Their compact, aluminum construction and DMX control ensure precision and reliability.
- Lupo LL-650 Fresnels: Known for their versatility, these fresnels provide backlighting with options for variable white and color control. Lightweight and rugged, they can transition seamlessly from narrow spot to wide-beam flood.
A ColorSource lighting console from ETC provides centralized control, allowing for seamless adjustments to meet diverse production needs.
Expert Insights and Benefits
Scott McBurney, Lead Consultant for Advanced Media at A-10, highlighted the importance of high-quality lighting in producing engaging content.
“The Brightline soft lights and fresnels combine to produce the most flattering illumination possible in our new studio,” said McBurney. “They are integral to delivering the best quality content for the Atlantic 10.”
Kathy Katz, Managing Partner at Brightline, added:
“We are thrilled to contribute to the conference’s groundbreaking new studio. The D.C. location offers incredible potential for economic and cultural growth, and we look forward to seeing the impactful programming created there.”
A Lighting System Built for Versatility and Sustainability
The Brightline L1.2 and Lupo Fresnels are designed for professional-grade performance:
- Energy Efficiency: Both fixtures are lightweight and constructed for low power consumption.
- Flexibility: DMX control allows for precise adjustments, while battery-powered options enhance portability.
- Sustainability: Made with durable materials, these fixtures are built to last, reducing long-term operational costs.
The Atlantic 10 Conference’s new headquarters in Washington, D.C., represents a bold step forward in college athletics. With its cutting-edge broadcast studio, powered by Brightline lighting technology, the A-10 is set to elevate its content creation capabilities, foster greater engagement among member schools, and enhance the visibility of its student-athletes. This innovative space underscores the conference’s commitment to excellence in sports media and education.
