Beep, ticket scanned. “Enjoy the game,” the smile-wearing attendee calls as you scoot past her en route to the student section. As you find your seat, you shed your layers of wintry clothing just before the arena goes completely dark.

The Opportunity

In 2014, four NBA teams introduced the next level of pre-game theatrics with projection technology that utilizes pristine graphic imaging. Equal parts technological masterpiece and ethereal visual experience, these 3-D projection-imaging systems use intense depth and crystal clarity to transform the court using technology previously unused in sporting arenas.

A passionate foundation of fandom permeates the College Park, Maryland, campus, and the athletic department takes full advantage of the loyal and deafening crowd. Maryland boasts the ideal environment for utilizing and promoting this type of technology; an athletic department that -- in co-operation with former student-athlete and Under Armour founder Kevin Plank - pushes visual boundaries and isn't afraid of flash, especially involving their fan experience.

The following is a CNN feature examining the creation, use and potential future of this technology. Enjoy the imagery, because words alone can’t describe this visual work of art.

Imagine the possibilities. Images previously confined to less appealing scoreboard screens blossom when the court is used as the larger canvas. The lead image perfectly demonstrates the depth that can be created on the court compared to the dwarfed scoreboard above. Although, I would be amiss to neglect the new scoreboard hung from the Xfinity Center rafters in August.

The dynamic spring in the step of the late Len Bias, the fierce guard-play of Juan Dixon and the passion of Greivis Vazquez would again return to the floor. Quite literally this time. The company behind the product, Quince Imaging, fosters the use of innovative technology for “providing full-service, experiential events that produce impactful results,” instead of simply use-by-use rentals.

Atmosphere Accolades

Hosting Michigan in their home regular season finale, Maryland received endless praise from ESPN announcer Dan Dakitch.

“Man, is this crowd great,” he said after praising Maryland’s 11-4 conference record. “I mean, this is the liveliest student body that I have seen, the most well-attended student body that I have seen, the best student body that I have seen in the Big Ten.”

Calling his first game courtside in the newly renamed arena, Dakitch's homage to the student section and their explosive entrance into the Big Ten only continued.

“Big Ten student sections better up their game, because Maryland has come into this conference and they have bypassed everybody. This is a great, not good, a great student environment,” said Dakich, whose son plays for Michigan and was greeted with “Airball!” chants after his missed three grazed the bottom of the net. Dakich steadfastly claims the ball was tipped.

The atmosphere is set. The proverbial director has handpicked the ideal cast, but lacks the proper funding to pull off such theatrics. Currently, only a handful of professional basketball and hockey teams utilize this technology. This projection mapping technology was also recently used to transport Katy Perry’s Super Bowl XLIX halftime show to a secluded island inhabited by the infamous Left Shark. Any old institution can’t pick one of these up at the local Radio Shack.

Since February 2013, three Maryland student section in-game flash mobs have gone viral. The department knows the fan base is sturdy and improving, giving the students a chance to participate in these events that will live on forever in the technological age. 

For Maryland, now is not the time to invest. If all goes according to plan, the conference switch will aid in balancing their currently red-inked books, allowing the athletic department to explore these opportunities in the near future. 

Put lightly, Maryland will have to do their chores and save up their allowance before responsibly purchasing a "toy" of this expense. 

Fiscal State of the Maryland Athletic Department

In the summer of 2012, the university dropped seven varsity sports teams. The athletic department reported operating losses for fiscal year 2014 that nearly tripled their 2013 figures.

Mark Holan, reporter for the Washington Business Journal, explains the depth of the department’s $3.5 million operating loss on a $67 million budget.

"That includes $31 million owed to the Atlantic Coast Conference to settle a lawsuit over leaving the conference and the $55 million in capital expenses associated with renovations at Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium and Xfinity Center.”

The indebted athletic department remains steadfast in providing their student-athletes with a first-class athletic experience. The Diamondback's Aaron Kasinitz reported the department has continued to absorb debt to maintain equipment upgrades and continue hiring staff.

The athletic department’s chief financial officer Damon Evans maintains that the department is on track to produce a budget surplus by 2018. These losses were expected as substantial financial investments were required upon joining the Big Ten.

The move to the Big Ten included a front-loaded deal, flawlessly negotiated by president and student-favorite Wallace D. Loh to aid the financially strapped athletic department. “There is no reason for us to leave, so if we are going to consider leaving, it has got to be worth our while,” Loh said.

Rutgers University was also targeted in Big Ten expansion as they sought an exit from the unstable future of the Big East. Maryland however, rooted deeply in ACC tradition and history, was in a position of power. Leveraging their current positive relationship, Maryland's deal was structured to relocate future funds primarily to the first six years of the deal. 

Maryland is dedicated to the image and perception of their fan base, and rightfully so. I see this as an engaging next step in providing a fan experience truly unique to College Park.

By no means should athletic director Kevin Anderson break the piggy bank for a fancy new projector on a whim. If the department follows their fiscal plan, a budget surplus and a burgeoning Big Ten contender could elevate the program unfathomably. Do not expect to see this at 2015-2016 home games. I will not take complaint calls next winter when this visual experience is still reserved for professional venues with larger budgets. 

But I do expect the department to improve the already-vibrant fan experience at the Xfinity Center as Big Ten play continues to drum up support. Who knows, you may see one plastering highlights of Dez Wells on the court before you know it.