Lake Travis High School, Austin, TX

Looking to give fans and student-athletes a game environment that more closely resembles a pro game experience, the district decided to install a massive 24’ x 40’ video scoreboard in the end zone, and selected Watchfire as the manufacturer.

“We felt that a new video scoreboard would give fans a more exciting game experience, and would allow us to better highlight our athletes and our supporters in the community,” said Michael Drinkwater, assistant athletic director at Lake Travis Independent School District.

Drinkwater’s staff designs a custom scoreboard for every game to accommodate different sports and to brand Lake Travis and its opponents. During football pre-game, the board is used to broadcast video of the team running out of the tunnel, run NFL-like player profile videos, and involve fans in a pre-game field goal challenge. During the game, plays are broadcast to the videoboard using five different cameras as well as a drone.

“It’s the closest thing to an ESPN college atmosphere that you can find at this level,” said Drinkwater.

Cameras are also used to rev up the crowd with sideline footage, a dance cam, a smile cam, and a half-time student sing-along. Music and other audio runs between snaps, and there are 45 different Lake Travis logo graphics and animations that keep fans engaged. Students in the school’s Broadcast Department create content and operate the board, providing valuable career experience.

The videoboard is also used for events including graduation, and for signing ceremonies for collegiate sports scholarships featuring graphics showcasing the athlete's accomplishments, action shots, and highlight videos. Since the display provides more flexibility, the school district is able to recognize more sponsors and raise more money. According to Drinkwater, funds raised through sponsorships paid for the new videoboard.