In a landmark moment for both technology and sport, Munich’s BMW Park became the stage for a world-first event: an international volleyball match played on a fully LED-integrated sports floor.
The game, featuring the men’s national teams of Germany and Italy, celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Bavarian Volleyball Association with more than just elite athletic performance—it introduced audiences to the next frontier in sports presentation. With the ASB GlassFloor system lighting up the arena, the match showcased how LED court can elevate fan engagement, enhance athlete experience, and revolutionize the look and feel of indoor sports.
The world’s first volleyball game between Germany and Italy held on the LED court at the BMW Park in Munich
Here in this article, we’ll explore the impact of this historic match, the technology behind the LED court, its reception by players, and how similar innovations are reshaping sports venues around the world.
At first glance, the court may resemble a traditional volleyball surface, but beneath its sleek glass lies a complex digital system. The ASB GlassFloor integrates high-resolution LED panels into a sports-optimized glass surface, capable of displaying real-time animations, branding, player statistics, national flags, and more—all synchronized with the action on the court.
Such visual integration adds an entirely new dimension to the sporting experience. According to René Beck, CFO of the German Volleyball Association, the LED floor allowed the match to be enhanced with “striking visual effects”—from dynamic player introductions and celebratory animations to flag displays during the national anthem. These enhancements not only elevate the spectator experience but also offer significant opportunities for sponsors and event organizers.
German player Erik Röhrs described the experience as “special in so many ways,” noting both the visual immersion and the physical feel of the floor. Slightly firmer than traditional wooden courts, the glass surface delivers a unique tactile response while emitting a subtle warmth. “Seeing the flag displayed across the floor during the anthem was a real highlight,” Röhrs shared, emphasizing how emotionally charged the visual atmosphere can become in such an environment.
The players’ endorsement underlines a critical point: LED sports flooring is not merely about aesthetics. It’s a platform that merges functionality, performance, and entertainment—a rare combination in sports infrastructure.
While this volleyball match marked the first international event on a permanent LED court, it is not the first time LED flooring has captured global attention. Earlier in 2024, a temporary version of the ASB GlassFloor system was installed at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis for the NBA All-Star Weekend. There, it wowed audiences with real-time player stats, interactive graphics, and branded animations.
In addition to volleyball and basketball, this technology has applications across various indoor sports, including handball, futsal, and gymnastics. Each sport benefits from the adaptability of the LED court, where court markings can be dynamically changed and customized depending on the event—a feature especially valuable for multi-purpose arenas.
The visual storytelling potential of LED floors is enormous. Animated visuals can celebrate a match point, show replays, or trigger lighting sequences that energize the crowd. For sponsors, the ability to display high-impact graphics directly beneath the action ensures brand visibility like never before.
Moreover, such courts can be synchronized with venue lighting and audio systems, turning a sporting event into an immersive live entertainment show. As live sports increasingly compete with streaming and digital media, this level of integration helps venues and leagues maintain relevance and drive ticket sales.
Critics may wonder whether such innovation compromises safety or energy efficiency. However, LED sports floors like the ASB GlassFloor are engineered with athlete performance and safety in mind. The glass surface is treated for grip and shock absorption, meeting international sports flooring standards. Additionally, the LED systems are designed to be energy-efficient, using smart controls to adjust brightness and minimize power consumption when not in use.
With successful deployments in both basketball and volleyball, the momentum behind LED sports flooring is growing. More venues across Europe, North America, and Asia are considering permanent installations, especially for flagship arenas seeking to differentiate themselves in a competitive entertainment market.
Events such as the Munich volleyball match demonstrate that these floors are more than technological novelties—they are strategic tools for increasing fan engagement, enhancing the athlete experience, and creating unforgettable moments.
Kinglight – professional supplier of LEDs
The first international volleyball match on a permanent LED sports floor is more than a novelty; it’s a vision of what the future of sports could—and likely will—become.
As teams, fans, and leagues continue to seek new ways to elevate the sporting experience, innovations like ASB GlassFloor’s LED court represent the perfect intersection of performance, design, and entertainment.
From animated introductions to real-time visuals beneath athletes’ feet, LED sports flooring isn’t just supporting the game—it’s becoming part of the game itself.
