East-West Stadium, Fairmont, WV

East-West Stadium in the Marion County School District was constructed in the 1930s as a New Deal WPA project. It has been the site of almost 200 events a year for Marion County schools and needed to be updated to accommodate more spectators. School leaders agreed that renovations should include a modern scoreboard.

Since J.D. Signs built the previous scoreboard, the first point of contact was their general manager, Bob DeRiggi. He recommended adding a 10' x 18' Watchfire 19mm video board because of its image quality, reliability and 5-year warranty. The Watchfire on-site demo convinced school officials that sports fans could enjoy amazing graphics from any seat in  the stadium.

Though East-West Stadium is the home field for two rival high schools, the community easily came together to fund the sign. The stadium renovation fundraising group approached local businesses for pledges, offering video ads on the scoreboard and static tile ads in exchange for financial support. The response was overwhelming.

Soon after the LED display was purchased and installed, Marion County made managing the sign part of the high school’s media production curriculum. Students and teachers learned to create artwork, schedule messages and update the sign with Watchfire’s Ignite software. They also learned how to use video production equipment that was integrated into the board.

The new digital display premiered at the biggest football game of the season. Live video of the game, instant replays, player and cheerleader introductions, animations from Watchfire’s EasyArt library and video ads from supporters made the big game even more special.

The digital board increased student interest in media production and attendance at the game and raised more donations for the stadium fund. “The Watchfire display and scoreboard has infused the community with excitement,” said Fairmont’s senior principal, Chad Norman. His sentiments were echoed by Frank Moore, Marion County athletic director, who is convinced the scoreboard will help serve the community for years to come.

Request Our Sports Display and Scoreboard Product Guide

Learn how to score new fans and boost ticket sales with a new Watchfire video display at your sports facility.

Calculate Your Scoreboard Revenue

Use this free ROI calculator to see how a scoreboard can help you raise money that will more than pay for the investment.