There is nothing better than getting new clothes, shoes, and school supplies for the start of a new school year and showing them off to your classmates. However, it’s not often a school itself gets to show off its new digs, but that is exactly what happened for Putnam City Stadium, home field to three Putnam City high schools in Oklahoma City, OK. Before students and staff came back from summer break, Putnam City Stadium’s traditional scoreboard went through a complete 100% LED upgrade featuring Absen’s Fixed Outdoor X16 LED solution.

(Image: Absen LED)

Planning for this major technology improvement began in early 2017, in which the school board contracted with AV integrator, Video Reality to handle all construction and installation. Most scoreboards are of a hybrid mix which feature a traditional scoreboard with an LED matrix to display stats, highlight plays, communicate important messages and promote sponsors.

However, the school board was eager to have a more efficient one that would reduce power consumption, lower costs in maintenance and repair as well as allow them to showcase more sponsors. By going from static to digital advertising, it will enable the school to increase their fundraising abilities. In addition to sports events, the schools will be able to use the LED board to enhance graduation ceremonies and other special events.

(Image: Absen LED)

Selecting the right LED Solution

Now it was a matter of finding the right LED manufacturer that offered the right pixel pitch at the right price point. “While we looked at several LED brands, most topped out at 12mm,” said Chris Tower, President of Video Reality. “We felt that at 16mm it would be a perfect fit due to the viewing distance among the 6,300 seat stadium.”

(Image: Absen LED)

Featuring 40 tiles, the 5’ x 8’ video wall was installed in one week’s time just before the start of school and the first home game. While the existing structure remained in tacked, Video Reality did install new framing. In additional to the tiles, Video Reality installed a Novastar processor and Rolland VR 50 HD mixer with fiber lines running beneath the stadium. “Currently it’s the largest LED board installed at a high school in the entire state,” said Chris Tower, President of Video Reality. “However, that stat won’t remain for long. We are seeing a strong growth in scoreboards being either converted to or built as full LED boards thanks to all of the same advantages Putnam City school board is now realizing.”

(Image: Absen LED)