GRAND FORKS, N.D. – University of North Dakota Director of Athletics Brian Faison announced today that two full LED Daktronics video display boards will be installed at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center, home of North Dakota volleyball and basketball, prior to the 2016-17 season.
Installation of the new video display boards will begin in May 2016 and will be completed in advance of the 2016-17 volleyball and basketball seasons. UND Athletics is financing the project in collaboration with Ralph Engelstad Arena (REA) at an estimated cost of $600,000.
“This will be an exciting addition to the game day experience in 'The Betty',” said Faison. “The ability to provide replays and other elements will only further enhance the atmosphere for our student-athletes and fans.”
Each board, measuring 20 feet wide and 10 feet tall, will replace the existing scoreboards at the north and south ends of the arena. The new video display boards will provide scoreboard information, in-game replays, and fan engagement elements, all of which will enhance the game day experience for UND fans.
The addition of the video display boards highlights an overall enhancement project to “The Betty” that also included an upgraded public address system prior to the 2015-16 season.
WHAT UND COACHES ARE SAYING
Travis Brewster, Head Women's Basketball Coach: “These video boards are monumental for recruiting, while enhancing our fan experience, which has been a priority for the athletics department and Brian Faison. I would also like to thank (REA General Manager) Jody Hodgson and REA for their support and the continued evolution of 'The Betty.'”
Brian Jones, Head Men's Basketball Coach: “We are excited about getting these video boards for the arena, and we're appreciative to those groups that made it happen. This will really make the atmosphere electric at 'The Betty.' Our hope is this will provide a complete night of entertainment for our student body and fan base as a whole. There will be energy created by the athletes between the lines, along with energy created by the video boards and fans outside the lines.”
Mark Pryor, Head Volleyball Coach: “It's very gratifying to see the athletics department working to continually improve the facilities here for both the student-athletes and our fan base.”
