Completing discussion that began last year, RISD trustees approved replacing the scoreboards at the district’s two stadiums. The action at the Jan. 11 regular board meeting allows RISD to install the new scoreboards in time for high school graduations this spring. Replacement scoreboards were initially proposed for inclusion in the proposed 2021 bond package. The timing of the bond process precluded having new scoreboards in time for the 2021 graduation ceremonies, so the district proposed replacement outside of the bond package to expedite availability of the equipment.
The existing scoreboards are at the end of useful life, and the cost to replace both is a one-time expense of $2.4 million. The upgraded scoreboards will offer enhanced video capabilities. District staff provided the following information:
- The existing scoreboards have been malfunctioning and need ongoing maintenance and repair; parts for repair have become more difficult to locate.
- The new scoreboards will allow students at all four high schools Career Technical Education opportunities in video and graphics production, broadcasting and event management that do not currently exist in RISD.
- The new, digital scoreboards will allow RISD to generate increased revenue from advertisers and allow the district to generate additional revenue by hosting UIL playoff games in football and soccer that the district heretofore was not able to host due to existing, analog scoreboards.
- Taking this action now will save RISD about $500,000 this year by avoiding AV equipment rental costs associated with hosting the four high school graduations, while also negating the need for additional graduation/event leasing costs in the future.
Installation of the new scoreboards is expected to be completed by May 22.
