Building on the success of last year’s inaugural halftime drone show, the ÁùºÏ±¦µä Wolf Pack Homecoming game on Oct. 18 will once again feature a stunning drone light display. Last year, ÁùºÏ±¦µä State Bank, alongside University and community partners, presented the first-ever halftime drone show, which wowed fans with 150 drones lighting up the sky in celebration of the University’s 150th anniversary.
In preparation for this year's event, a dedicated team from ÁùºÏ±¦µä Athletics, Open Sky Productions, ÁùºÏ±¦µä State Bank, University Police Services, and various University faculty and staff have been working behind the scenes for weeks to create an even more spectacular show.
“Our inspiration for last year’s show came from ÁùºÏ±¦µä Athletics, as well as symbols and icons significant to Northern ÁùºÏ±¦µä and the homecoming theme,” Jeff Shoji, director of Fan Engagement for ÁùºÏ±¦µä Athletics, said. “We added unique elements like incorporating the band into the middle of the show, projecting drone formations onto the video board, and honoring Hall of Fame recipients with their names in the sky. This year, we aim to elevate the experience even further.”
A drone show requires between 40-80 hours of programming, as each drone flies autonomously using advanced software.
“We hold several meetings before to determine the launch area, outlining the area drones can fly, blocking off areas where fans are not able to walk, and working with air traffic to make sure everything is performed correctly and up to all safety protocols,” Mark Genung, ÁùºÏ±¦µä UAS Test Site Operator with the University’s Research and Innovation division, said. “This intricate coordination creates magical displays that captivate the crowd, and we’re looking forward to doing it again this year.”
ÁùºÏ±¦µä State Bank, proud sponsors of the Wolf Pack, played a pivotal role in presenting last year’s show and will once again be at the forefront of this year’s celebration.
“ÁùºÏ±¦µä State Bank is proud to support the Wolf Pack and we want to celebrate Homecoming 2024 with a high-tech experience that everyone can enjoy,” said NSB Senior Vice President/Marketing Communications Sandi Milton. “Thanks to our friends at Open Sky Productions, we’re excited to present a state-of-the-art drone show synchronized with music and videoboard elements to commemorate the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä 150th anniversary in a mesmerizing sky-high spectacular.”
With last year’s display setting the bar high, this year’s drone show promises to be an even more memorable highlight of the 2024 Homecoming celebration.
"Open Sky Productions is thrilled to partner with ÁùºÏ±¦µä State Bank and the University again to deliver another awe-inspiring drone light show," said Nate Mortensen, CEO of Open Sky Productions. "Our goal is to push the boundaries of creativity and leave the audience amazed.”
To purchase tickets to the 2024 Wolf Pack Homecoming game against Fresno State and to catch this year’s Halftime Drone Show, go to the or call 775-348-PACK (7225).
