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Topic: Could we get a hanging scoreboard? Schaus says yes.

Topic: Could we get a hanging scoreboard? Schaus says yes.

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lovebobcat
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Could we get a hanging scoreboard? Schaus says yes.

Posted: 5/15/2014 9:41:43 PM

I approached Jim Schaus tonight at the Bobcat Caravan stop in Cincinnati and asked him, "What would it take to get a hanging scoreboard/video board in the Convo?" His response was simple and direct: "$1 million."

He said he shared my belief that it would be a big-time addition and said he'd love to see it. He said that an engineering study would have to be done to determine how much weight the roof could hold, but he also said that most scoreboards these days are light enough that there likely wouldn't be an issue.

He also mentioned the alternate idea of just installing video boards. He said there was one (or was it more?) that were used during graduation this spring and that maybe something along those lines could work. Another thread threw out the idea of those being installed in both "end zones," if you will.

I didn't get the sense this was Priority No. 1 right now for him -- maybe still a few years out. I suggested that starting a "campaign" to raise money could help, something along the lines of the Walter Fieldhouse or football/basketball locker room renovations of recent years. He kind of nodded along when I said that, though he wasn't promising such a campaign. I think putting this out there as a campaign and getting some visibility for it would go a LONG way toward getting that $1 million.

In today's athletics, $1 million isn't that much. He talked about other renovations in the works, such as painting around the outside, and new seats being installed within a couple years. That's all great, but I continue to believe the last and BIGGEST thing the Convo needs to look "big time" in 2014 is a video scoreboard, preferably right above center court.

Feedback, anyone?

Speaker of Truth
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RE: Could we get a hanging scoreboard? Schaus says yes.

Posted: 5/15/2014 10:45:03 PM

I think hanging scoreboards are over rated....I'd put the money somewhere else. They won't start a campaign until they get a lead gift even if it is on the horizon. No lead gift for the football locker room and look where that project is....any funds need to go there ASAP.

Anything outside of what we currently have would be huge money....ideally I would like two in the corners in the upper levels and then turn the area they currently are into suites....

OU_Country
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RE: Could we get a hanging scoreboard? Schaus says yes.

Posted: 5/15/2014 11:30:36 PM

the123kid wrote:

This idea i like.

SBH
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RE: Could we get a hanging scoreboard? Schaus says yes.

Posted: 5/16/2014 12:21:03 AM

I was under the impression that the news seats were going in this year. Doesn't sound that way based on your report from Cincy.

DXer
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RE: Could we get a hanging scoreboard? Schaus says yes.

Posted: 5/16/2014 2:13:18 AM

I really think that the hanging scoreboard brings a big-time feel to the arena.

As for weight, the hanging units that I have seen are not a solid piece anyway. They are actually four separate thin scoreboards, each facing out in four directions.

I'm all for the idea, but the scoreboard needs to be designed to present additional useful information to the fans to be worth the cost, such as individual scoring, text messages concerning other stats and other information, video highlights, video from other MAC games, etc.

We have an overhanging scoreboard here at South Alabama which looks very neat, but provides nothing extra for the fans. It shows the score, number of team fouls, etc. which any scoreboard can show. As for video, the screen shows only live video of the game, which is absolutely worthless since you are watching the game live on the court anyway, and then shows commercials during time outs.
The hanging scoreboard displays no individual scoring (we have that on other separate scoreboards on the balcony facings), no stats, no messages relevant to the game, and no video replays or highlights. Thus it is just a basic scoreboard hanging over center court.

KyleWvr13
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RE: Could we get a hanging scoreboard? Schaus says yes.

Posted: 5/16/2014 9:59:15 AM

I honestly see the scoreboard as a luxury item. Sure it'll bring a "big time" feel to the Convo, but I personally think the Athletic department is doing the right thing by replacing the seats and doing other cosmetic updates before they tackle a hanging scoreboard.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE how the Convo looks on the outside and I really think it's a great venue, but it could use a little face lift before getting a big addition like a hanging scoreboard, primarily what has already been discussed here already. Replacing the Kelly Green chairs, updating bathrooms, concourse, exterior paint job and lights will do a lot on presentation for a lot less money than a hanging scoreboard would.

100%Cat
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RE: Could we get a hanging scoreboard? Schaus says yes.

Posted: 5/16/2014 10:03:36 AM

KyleWvr13 wrote:

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE how the Convo looks on the outside and I really think it's a great venue, but it could use a little face lift before getting a big addition like a hanging scoreboard, primarily what has already been discussed here already. Replacing the Kelly Green chairs, updating bathrooms, concourse, exterior paint job and lights will do a lot on presentation for a lot less money than a hanging scoreboard would.

I have been noticing this more and more every day. I drive by the Convo at least twice a day coming to and going home from work. I even noticed the side facing away from the river has spots that look like there's some green mold/algae of some kind on the lower portions of the side. The old girl could use a cleaning and paint job to get rejuvenated a little.

Mark Lembright '85
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RE: Could we get a hanging scoreboard? Schaus says yes.

Posted: 5/16/2014 10:19:58 AM

100%Cat wrote:

KyleWvr13 wrote:

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE how the Convo looks on the outside and I really think it's a great venue, but it could use a little face lift before getting a big addition like a hanging scoreboard, primarily what has already been discussed here already. Replacing the Kelly Green chairs, updating bathrooms, concourse, exterior paint job and lights will do a lot on presentation for a lot less money than a hanging scoreboard would.

This is where I'm at too. If they reupholster the seats or replace them, spruce up the concurse, new paint job, etc. the place will look fantastic. Even as it was the arena was drop dead gorgeous for Commencement, so I can't imagine what it will look like just with the improvements they are currently doing.

That being said, for the short term those video monitors are nice. They served their purpose for Commencement and really added a modern touch to the setting. Eventually I think a hanging scoreboard will be nice but first things first I suppose.

bornacatfan
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RE: Could we get a hanging scoreboard? Schaus says yes.

Posted: 5/16/2014 11:52:45 AM

DXer wrote:

Great idea poor execution. One of those good examples. I agree with those who put the seats and sprucing up as first priority. The over head board thing with me has always been those who put the "weight" argument out there with no actual data.....I have always felt that is a bad answer without proof.

I think the overhead board is a great marketing tool and the longer we wait the more tech comes along and the more we benefit in the long run. Streaming tweets and instagrams are a great idea. Replays and camera work are a good idea but that would imply that the product being put out *inside* the convo is of sufficient quality to do that. Marketing would probably love to have the ability to do some things with an overhead board.

One of our OHIO alums is part of the Ball State tickets and marketing arm now. We sat at dinner last night and bounced ideas around and I realized how much further along OHio is than BSU in many respects as far as marketing and tickets/Bobcat club and the general gameday experience are.

DXer....if you would please stop down and introduce yourself to Coach Archey. Tell him TOmmy Freeman's dad sent you over. I don't know your relationship with USA but I am sure he will give you some time and talk if you are a fan. That is a pretty good group with Darnell, Nored, Graves and the bunch. Indiana guys who love to talk hoops.

never argue with idiots, they bring you down to their level and beat you with experience.

Winter comes and asks how you spent your summer.....

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Bobcat Grad 86
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RE: Could we get a hanging scoreboard? Schaus says yes.

Posted: 5/16/2014 1:34:32 PM

Richmond went the opposite direction and got rid of their hanging scoreboard and went with four screens in each corner which are easier to view in particular if you are sitting low. We have too many seats that sit empty in the corners which always shows up in pictures.

By having four scoreboards in each corner, you could see the winning score for the Bobcats in any direction you went to leave the arena!

KyleWvr13
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RE: Could we get a hanging scoreboard? Schaus says yes.

Posted: 5/16/2014 1:46:18 PM

Bobcat Grad 86 wrote:

Problem with this is going to be the dorms inside the Convo. Those screens and wiring may need to cut in too deep into the wall if there are dorm rooms on the other side of that wall. If there is a way to do the 4 corners in a way that the dorm rooms wouldn't be affected, i'd be up for it.

Bobcat Grad 86
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RE: Could we get a hanging scoreboard? Schaus says yes.

Posted: 5/16/2014 2:05:40 PM

I forgot there are dorms in the convo. I was thinking of building out some and trying to get more people sitting lower and making the convo louder for home court advantage.

jpmo
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RE: Could we get a hanging scoreboard? Schaus says yes.

Posted: 5/16/2014 3:21:50 PM

Would using a projector make a difference? There would be no wiring behind the screen. Hanging the projector from the rafters should not be a concern from a weight standpoint. The resolution should be pretty good as well.

Above all else, the cost should be a fraction of what it would be to hang a scoreboard.

I'm not Johnny Technology, but is this a viable solution?

One drawback I've not seen mentioned to a central scoreboard is that it would make our place feel much smaller...and I don't know if that would be a good thing.

I would really love to see some money budgeted for upgrading the web feed. I'd be interested to hear how much they need to make that happen.

You don't have to outrun the bear...just the other guy.

Deciduous Forest Cat
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RE: Could we get a hanging scoreboard? Schaus says yes.

Posted: 5/16/2014 4:06:46 PM

KyleWvr13 wrote:

Bobcat Grad 86 wrote:

I don't think anyone is talking about building into the wall. by all accounts, the boards would take up a chunk of very-rarely-used seats.

Alan Swank
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RE: Could we get a hanging scoreboard? Schaus says yes.

Posted: 5/16/2014 6:46:55 PM

So in this whole discussion, what will those of us in attendance gain? What is the value add? What are the benefits of adding a hanging board or video boards? I've been in the Convo since 1979 and I'm not sure what this will add to the "experience." All I want to see is a Bobcat win and 70 points so that we can all get "lave cake."

Mark Lembright '85
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RE: Could we get a hanging scoreboard? Schaus says yes.

Posted: 5/16/2014 7:11:26 PM

Alan Swank wrote:

Interesting point. For those of you sitting in the lowest bowl or near the floor, I'n not sure how much a hanging scoreboard improves things-you're already near the action and forcing you to look up takes you away from watching the actual action near you on the floor. Sit high up (like at the Q) and a good hanging scoreboard is great.

bobcat2nc
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RE: Could we get a hanging scoreboard? Schaus says yes.

Posted: 5/16/2014 9:01:30 PM

With larger crowds and different placement of cheer leaders and the addition of court side seats the current scoreboards are difficult to see from many locations. There is almost always something blocked by various groups of people or just because of site lines.

where I sit I am seldom ever able to see the foul count on a player or the point count of a player.

Most of the time I am listening to the game on Tune-in radio so I know, but it is still annoying. I would love to see ANY improvement in the display of pertinent game information in a manner that everyone has the opportunity to see it.

I am not particular as to what the improvement is and I am one who would not be opposed to helping pay for it in the cost of tickets or other methods over the next few years. But what do I know.

OhioCatFan
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RE: Could we get a hanging scoreboard? Schaus says yes.

Posted: 5/16/2014 9:57:14 PM

Alan Swank wrote:

For one thing, Alan, it would prevent a-holes from standing in front the scoreboard and making it impossible to see videos and other things on the scoreboard. And, the fact that they actually seat people in front of them adds insult to injury. All of this would be a mute point with a hanging scoreboard.

The only BLSS Certified Hypocrite on BA

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bobcat695
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RE: Could we get a hanging scoreboard? Schaus says yes.

Posted: 5/16/2014 10:09:02 PM

Alan Swank wrote:

I'd be happy if they left the most recent scoring/foul stats up a little longer than 10 seconds on the scoreboards we have. I'd also enjoy the opportunity to actually see the screens instead of 8-10 people constantly standing on the "No Standing" lines directly in front of the boards.

I know a lot of folks want the new video boards, but seat upholstery, paint, sound systems and sprucing up the entrance of the Convo should be higher priorities. I just don't think we have the cash to do the video boards any time soon.

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Speaker of Truth
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RE: Could we get a hanging scoreboard? Schaus says yes.

Posted: 5/17/2014 12:08:35 AM

Sponsor opportunities are a big part of a new scoreboard, and Schaus is not a fan of sponsors. Scoreboards don't add that much to the atmosphere or bottom line when comparing it to other options.

RSBobcat
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RE: Could we get a hanging scoreboard? Schaus says yes.

Posted: 5/17/2014 12:30:28 AM

bobcat695 wrote:

Bingo

Last Edited: 5/17/2014 12:31:29 AM by RSBobcat

RS Bobcat

roar-room
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RE: Could we get a hanging scoreboard? Schaus says yes.

Posted: 5/19/2014 8:10:40 AM

the123kid wrote:

Sponsor opportunities are a big part of a new scoreboard, and Schaus is not a fan of sponsors. Scoreboards don't add that much to the atmosphere or bottom line when comparing it to other options.

Huh?

GoCats105
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RE: Could we get a hanging scoreboard? Schaus says yes.

Posted: 5/19/2014 10:04:59 AM

the123kid wrote:

Sponsor opportunities are a big part of a new scoreboard, and Schaus is not a fan of sponsors. Scoreboards don't add that much to the atmosphere or bottom line when comparing it to other options.

Have you been to a big-time college basketball game before? The scoreboard is a huge atmosphere builder.

Schaus not being a fan of sponsors? You don't get to the position he's in without being a fan of sponsorship. I would argue he's not a fan because he doesn't have as many as he wants. They provide the cash flow.

Bobcat Grad 86
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RE: Could we get a hanging scoreboard? Schaus says yes.

Posted: 5/19/2014 11:43:32 AM

Anybody else still remember the flip chart scoreboard UNC had at Carmichael Arena?

100%Cat
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RE: Could we get a hanging scoreboard? Schaus says yes.

Posted: 5/19/2014 1:10:04 PM

OhioCatFan wrote:

Alan Swank wrote:

That's my observation, too. When idiots stand in front of the current scoreboards they block a lot of it. It's not an "all game every game" problem, but there's times in seemingly every game when people are standing in front of the current scoreboards and I can't see them very well.

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