Jumbotron eyed for War Memorial Field
A sports marketing firm was in town on Monday to demonstrate the use of their jumbotron at War Memorial Field. (Photo by ERIC PLUMMER)
SANDPOINT — Imagine a sensational play being made during a Friday night football game at Barlow Stadium, then being able to glance up at a big screen to watch the replay.
Sandpoint head football coach Mike Mitchell envisions a future with myriad uses for the Sports Star Live jumbotron, an eight foot tall, 14 foot wide big screen that was set up for a day on Monday afternoon at War Memorial Field.
From instant replays during football and soccer games, to advertising and public service announcements, to close ups of students during graduation, to a closer look at performers during the Festival at Sandpoint, Mitchell says the possibilities are endless.
“I think we have one of the prettiest stadiums in America,” says Mitchell of War Memorial Field. “This would add to an already great atmosphere.”
Mitchell is on a committee — which also includes Kim Woodruff of Parks and Rec and members of the Festival at Sandpoint — currently looking at ways to improve the iconic stadium for the long term. The possibility of a jumbotron is just one aspect of a project that will include renovating/replacing the existing wooden bleachers and press box, whose structural integrity engineers inspect every year.
Daktronics, a sports marketing firm from South Dakota, was in town on Monday to provide a free demonstration of their jumbotron, which they designed primarily for the high school market. The screen ultimately sets in the middle of a scoreboard, and dozens of high schools in Texas and South Dakota are now using them. Daktronics is hoping to expand into the Northwest, and believes Sandpoint is the ideal place to start.
“There’s an identity and affinity up here, and high school is a major part of the community,” says Datronics’ Greg Schmidt of why he targeted Sandpoint. “It’s for the kids and fans combined and for the enhancement of the stadium. There’s nothing better than seeing your name and picture in lights.”
Schmidt says the entire system costs between $100,000 -$200,000, depending on the size of the screen, and that Sandpoint would be the first high school in Idaho with the screen if they decide to move forward with it.
Mitchell says it’s a long term option, and there are countless logistics to consider, namely funding, but that it would certainly be a great way to enhance not just the football experience, but all events.
“We’re trying to sell it as a community thing,” he says. “We need people to see it so they have a vision of what it could be.”