Mar 4 2008
Daktronics Inc of Brookings, S.D., announced today that the University of Minnesota has chosen the company to design, manufacture and install state-of-the-art HD-X light emitting diode (LED) video display technology in the new home of Gopher football, TCF Bank Stadium. Installation of the scoreboard support structure is expected to begin in the fall of 2008, and the new integrated system will be up and running in time for the Gopher's home opener against Air Force on Sept. 12, 2009. The Gophers currently play home games in the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome.
The main high definition video display, measuring approximately 48 feet high by 108 feet wide, will boast Daktronics HD-16 technology, the first of its kind in Big Ten Conference football. It will also be the second largest in all of college sports and only one of a handful of true-high definition LED displays in the country. Also featured in the auxiliary video display, Daktronics HD-X LED technology represents a new generation of large screen video. The product line features a number of industry advances including optimized pixel layout, improved contrast levels and enhanced viewing angles. Using the latest LED and control system technologies, Daktronics large screen displays present live and recorded video images, colorful animations and vivid graphics.
"Daktronics is leader in the scoreboard industry and we couldn't be happier with the product that they're providing to us and our fans," said Joel Maturi, University of Minnesota Director of Athletics. "Throughout the design and development of this project we have been committed to building a first-class facility and this is an excellent example of that. The game-day presentation and experience involve many variables and our scoreboards will go a long way to offering the best collegiate atmosphere possible."
Daktronics ProAd LED ribbon displays will be installed along the fascia of both sidelines, showing game information and real-time team and player statistics, animations and cropped video clips to raise the crowd's enthusiasm level. These displays will also be used in a variety of creative ways to recognize sponsors.
"Daktronics greatly appreciates the opportunity to partner with the University of Minnesota and Mortenson Construction on this innovative new TCF Bank Stadium," said Tony Mulder, Daktronics Regional Sales Manager. "The technology that will be installed is more advanced than what is currently in the majority of NFL stadiums, which will help provide the highest level of game-day entertainment anywhere in the country."
A marquee featuring Daktronics LED video display technology is also included and will keep students, athletes and University of Minnesota supporters informed of upcoming events and on-campus activities. Other components of the integrated Daktronics super system for the new stadium include LED ticket window displays and locker room clocks.
"As a builder of state-of-the-art sports facilities across the country, it's exciting to see how technology can enhance the fan experience and Mortenson has continued to be impressed with Daktronics' professionalism, workmanship, and quality of their products," said Ken Sorensen, Vice President at Mortenson Construction. "We're looking forward to the opening game when the sounds, sights, and excitement of Big Ten football return to the University of Minnesota campus."
The new Gophers stadium will be the sixth Big Ten football facility to choose Daktronics. The company has integrated systems at the University of Iowa, University of Indiana, Purdue University, University of Wisconsin, and University of Illinois.