Watchfire® Case Study: Watch What Happens.
K - 12 Schools :: East-West Stadium - Fairmont, W.Va.
Background
East-West Stadium in the Marion County School District
was constructed in the 1930s as a New Deal era WPA project. In
January 2011, the stadium started undergoing renovations to
accommodate more spectators. Since its scoreboard needed an update,
local sign dealer J.D. Signs recommended a Watchfire LED sign. A
stadium fundraising group signed up 13 sponsors, who received video
and static tile ads in exchange for financial support of the sign
purchase.
Results
J.D. Signs arranged an on-site demo with a Watchfire
representative and demo truck. Seeing the incredible graphics
in-person at the stadium demonstration convinced everyone that they
should go with a 19mm
Watchfire sign. And integrating the sign's operation into the
local high school curriculum meant techsavvy students could learn
hands-on video production skills at school events
by managing the sign's messages.
The unveiling at the East Fairmont - Fairmont Senior football
game was a big hit. Afterward, the fundraising group received even
more funds for stadium renovations from alumni who enjoyed the
sign. The experience has paid off for the stadium and schools more
than anyone could have imagined.
:: SIGN SPECS ::
XVS 19mm Color
LED
Matrix: 144 x 272
18 Lines x 65 Characters
10' High x 18' Wide
Case Study
The East-West Stadium in Fairmont, W.Va. was the site of almost
200 events a year for Marion County schools, but in January 2011 it
needed modern renovations. In addition to hosting rivals East
Fairmont and Fairmont Senior High Schools' sports, the stadium
hosts local middle school and collegiate events. Such a busy venue
needed a modern scoreboard.
Since J.D. Signs built the previous scoreboard, the first point of contact was General Manager Bob DeRiggi. He recommended adding a Watchfire LED sign because of its high quality, reliability and 5-year warranty. All would be benefits for such a heavily used sign. At the stadium demo, the Watchfire rep answered questions and demonstrated the sign's features, including wide viewing angles that sports fans could enjoy from any seat in the stadium.
Though East-West Stadium hosts football games between 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 under it in exchange for financial support. The response was overwhelming.
Once the LED sign was installed, its operation was integrated into the Marion County high school media production curriculum. The students and teachers in the video production classes created and managed the messages after completing Ignite® software training offered by Watchfire Signs. Once they learned how to use the TriCaster video production equipment that integrated with the sign, the students even figured out a few tricks for themselves in the lead-up to the sign's unveiling.
The new LED sign was unveiled at the last football game of the season, and the Watchfire rep was there in the booth to help the students feel at ease with operating the new system. Live video of the game, instant replays, player and cheerleader introductions, custom-made halftime show graphics designed by Watchfire's Creative Services, and video ads from supporters made the big game even more special.
The benefits of the new Watchfire sign are many. The way the
school district came together to acquire the sign and the school's
approach to operating it are incredible examples of the power of
collaboration. The new scoreboard has increased student interest in
the high school media program, and there was increased attendance
at the big game, since so many fans came specifically to see the
new sign. "The Watchfire LED sign and scoreboard has infused the
community with excitement," said Fairmont 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."
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