Located at 140 S. Illinois Street, Indianapolis, IN, the newest Tom’s Watch Bar brings the brand’s signature energy and immersive sports experience to the heart of downtown. Featuring 128 displays, ranging from standard TVs to massive video walls and outdoor screens, this AV build-out transforms every seat into a front-row view. The project supports Tom’s Watch Bar mission to deliver the ultimate sports bar experience across the country.
Tom’s Watch Bar
Indianapolis, IN
128-Display Sports Bar AV Deployment
AV Build-Out for a Premier Sports Bar
High-Density AV Integration Across Diverse Spaces
Project Challenges
Designing and deploying an AV system for this Indianapolis location required solving several complex challenges. With 128 HDMI endpoints distributed throughout a multi-zone indoor and outdoor setting, system design had to ensure seamless connectivity, low latency and centralized control.
Besides managing signal integrity across a large number of displays, the inclusion of 20 outdoor full-sun 55″ TVs, with no overhead awning, introduced environmental concerns. Each unit necessitated delivering bright, glare-resistant visuals in direct sunlight while enduring varying weather conditions.
Audio coverage presented its own intricacies. With seven distinct audio zones and both indoor and outdoor speaker arrays, it was imperative to establish consistent sound quality without spillover, echoes or drop-offs. These factors demanded diligent design and installation across ceiling, pendant and surface-mount speaker types.
A True 360-Degree Experience
Understanding Client Needs
From the start, Tom’s Watch Bar emphasized the importance of delivering an immersive, all-angle sports viewing experience, whether guests were indoors at the bar, seated at a booth or enjoying the outdoor patio.
To accomplish this, our team collaborated closely with the client to fully comprehend their vision for consistent visual coverage across the venue. Every decision was made with guest sightlines and engagement in mind.
The system design also had to be flexible. With its interactive features, like wireless mics for trivia nights and HDMI/XLR wall plates for guest DJs, the AV setup also needed to support entertainment beyond just game day. These considerations helped guide an AV strategy that balanced high-performance with everyday usability and reflected the brand’s objective of being the top-of-mind destination for any event.
Purpose-Built AV Solutions for Every Area
Technical Solutions
Crunchy Tech deployed a range of high-caliber technologies across video, audio and control systems. The AV ecosystem was built to guarantee high-resolution playback, consistent audio distribution and simple system control.
| AV Function | Components | Role in Project |
| Visual Display System | (15) 50″ TVs, (64) 55″ TVs, (13) 65″ TVs, (28) Video Wall TVs (7 × 2×2), (18) Video Wall TVs (2 × 3×3), (20) 55″ Outdoor Full Sun TVs, (7) Projectors, (7) 168″ Fixed Screens | Delivered wall-to-wall sports coverage, including daylight-visible outdoor viewing and immersive video walls |
| Video Distribution | (21) HDMI Inputs (20 rack, 1 wall plate), (128) HDMI Endpoints | Enabled seamless content routing across all displays from a centralized location |
| Audio System | (21) Pendant Speakers, (6) 6.5″ Surface-Mount, (4) 6.5″ In-Ceiling, (6) 8″ Outdoor Surface-Mount, (2) 8-Channel Amps @ 1000W per channel | Provided clear, balanced sound across seven audio zones, including indoor and outdoor coverage |
| Interactive Capabilities | (2) Handheld Wireless Microphones, (1) XLR Input/Output Wall Plate, (1) HDMI Wall Plate | Enabled DJ plug-ins, trivia nights and event engagement through guest-facing AV input flexibility |
| Media Playback | (4) BrightSign Players with HDMI input | Supported digital signage and advertising with high-definition content across designated screens |
| System Control | (2) 7″ Touch Panels (Rack & TBD), (1) iPad Air | Allowed easy AV control and content management from fixed stations or mobile tablet |
Streamlined Design-Build Process
Implementation Methodology
This project followed our integrated design-build methodology with all stakeholders, including architects, engineers and installation teams, aligning early and moving quickly from conceptualization to execution.
We reduced delays and made certain that every piece of the AV puzzle fit seamlessly into the larger design by centralizing communication and decision-making. The early coordination also made it possible to anticipate environmental constraints, namely the need for outdoors-ready equipment and appropriate ventilation for rack-mounted gear.
It’s a collaborative approach that allows the team to stay responsive to evolving client needs and site conditions, while still hitting critical milestones. The outcome was a clean, efficient implementation that delivered on both performance and aesthetic requirements.
128 Displays, 7 Projectors, & 7 Audio Zones
Results and Impact
The completed AV build-out at Tom’s Watch Bar – Indianapolis sets a new standard for immersive sports entertainment in the Midwest. With
128displays, including 20 full-sun outdoor TVs, seven projectors with 168-inch fixed screens and multiple video walls, guests are surrounded by crystal-clear action from every angle.
Audio coverage is equally impressive, with seven audio zones powered by a mix of pendant, ceiling and surface-mount speakers. Whether inside or on the patio, patrons enjoy balanced, high-quality sound tailored to each area of the venue.
The addition of BrightSign players allows for dynamic promotional content to run alongside live games, while wireless mics and input plates open the door for interactive events. All of it is easily managed via two wall-mounted touch panels and a mobile iPad interface, giving staff full control over the system without added complexity.
Delivering on Vision and Versatility
Finishing the Project on Time
The Tom’s Watch Bar – Indianapolis project highlights Crunchy Tech’s ability to carry out high-performance AV systems programmed for complex, multi-use environments. From seamless video distribution and multi-zone audio to user-friendly control systems, every element was designed to enhance the guest experience while empowering the staff behind the curtain.
By combining robust engineering with flexible features like climate-resistant displays, mobile control and plug-and-play entertainment options, we helped Tom’s Watch Bar create a venue that’s as dynamic as its fanbase. This install strengthens the brand’s growing presence in the national sports bar scene and lays the groundwork for future locations across the United States.