Inside the Modernization of Scores, One of Boston’s Most Iconic Sports Bars
Security, lighting, AV and control system upgrades from Snap One at Scores brings the legendary stomping grounds into the 21st century.
Photo courtesy of Snap One
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The owners of Scores sports bar in downtown Boston had some big shoes to fill when they purchased what was formerly The Fours Restaurant & Sports Bar.
Since 1976, the establishment has been the place for diehard Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots fans to gather on game days.
The 6,300-square-foot, bi-level stomping grounds still caters to these core customers, as well as the next generation of patrons, thanks to the addition of several smart systems from Rexx Home Systems and Snap One during a massive cosmetic and technological renovation.
“Sports always will be a huge part of our identity and as diehard fans, we would never want to change that,” says Scores general manager Tyler Smith. “We want to be top-of-mind to everyone from our fellow Boston sports fanatics to groups looking for something fun to do on a Tuesday night.”
Perhaps the most noticeable and appreciated update are the 32 digital displays occupying nearly every square inch of wall space. Carefully integrated into the building’s original exposed brick walls and millwork, and without detracting too much from priceless collections of sports memorabilia, the commercial-grade displays are arguably the biggest draw of the new business.
“There isn’t a bad seat in the house,” says Jason Record, owner of Rexx Home Systems, the tech integration firm hired for the transformation. “No matter where you sit, you can see multiple games.”
Screen sizes from 55 to 98 inches and the tilt mechanisms of the Strong mounts from Snap One enhance that view. Rexx Home Systems made sure patrons would never struggle to hear the gameday commentary, either, with 50 commercial-grade speakers and subwoofers installed inconspicuously within the ceiling.
Photo courtesy of Snap One
More About the Scores Technology Overhaul
Rexx Home Systems charged Snap One’s Control4 automation platform, along with its Binary MoIP (Media over IP) system, Triad electronics and Control4 entertainment and automation controllers, among other technologies, with AV distribution, management and control.
This system distributes multiple streams of high-resolution audio and video from a wide array of sources to whichever TVs and speakers the on-duty Scores manager chooses. The system can be controlled via a Control4 smartphone app or a 10-inch Control4 wall-mounted touchscreen.
Rexx Home Systems layered in Control4’s MultiDisplay Manager software to streamline the navigation process. Instead of scrolling through options, users refer to and select from a virtual layout of Scores’ AV sources, TVs and speakers.
“It’s so much more efficient than walking throughout the bar with an armload of remote controls,” says Smith. “We can get everything up and running just the way we like it in seconds.”
This lets Scores fine-tune the AV distribution to the needs of its diverse customer base.
“If someone is renting a section of Scores for a private party, for example, music and a slideshow on the 98-inch screen can play there while the rest of the facility stays engrossed in the sports action,” says Record.
Automated lighting scenes enhance the ambiance. Again, the Control4 user interface makes adjusting countless fixtures across the enormous space quick and easy. Integrating Scores lighting into the Control4 platform proved relatively straightforward, as well, accomplished by swapping the building’s existing wall switches for smart dimmers and switches from Control4 and some programming work.
From the same app or touchscreen that directs the flow of AV signals, as well as custom Control4 keypads, Scores managers can dim and brighten lights perfectly for any occasion, time of day, or customer preference. The same app or touchscreen provides single button control for lighting scenes, or whole scene execution for AV and lights.
Rexx Home Systems delivered WiFi via the installation of multiple Araknis access points and connecting them to a Pakedge networking system from Snap One. The networking system also enabled the creation of several independent VLANs, one of which was assigned exclusively to the new batch of 25 Clare Controls surveillance cameras and ClareVision network video recorder (NVR).
“Assigning cameras their own slice of the network helps maintain image clarity and doesn’t impact the clarity or reliability of the AV systems, control and lighting systems,” says Record.
Scores HVAC air conditioning and heating system is also integrated within the system. With six thermostats, the entire HVAC system can be controlled via Control4 remote or app, meaning year-round convenient comfort.
As the legacy of The Fours Restaurant & Sports Bar lives on, the employees and patrons of Scores are experiencing a whole new level of comradery and entertainment enabled by carefully curated, designed, and installed tech solutions from Rexx Home Systems and the Snap One vast family of products.
“Regulars and newcomers alike love what we’ve done with the space,” says Smith. “It’s been an overnight success and a real boon to business.”
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