Lamar University, an NCAA Division I public college just east of Houston, completed major video enhancements to its football and basketball venues, adding a new video scoreboard at Provost Umphrey Stadium and a new LED centerhung to the Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montagne Center.
Per a statement, owner’s representative and technology consultant Anthony James Partners (AJP) provided comprehensive design, procurement and construction administration services, supporting Lamar University in selecting SNA Displays to manufacture the new video-display technology at both venues.
“Lamar University is implementing some really exciting developments to improve student and fan experiences,” says AJ Faxel, executive vice president of business development at AJP. “We’ve had the pleasure of representing the Lamar Athletics team throughout this process, and we’re pleased to see the enhancements at the stadium and arena bring added excitement to the Cardinal fan base.”
The 16,000-seat Umphrey Stadium, home to Cardinals football, now features a 2.3-million-pixel LED video scoreboard built with EMPIRE Exterior technology. At 73 feet 6 inches wide and 34 feet tall, the new scoreboard is approximately twice the size of the stadium’s previous board, says SNA Displays. Mounted to the Dauphin Athletic Complex at the southeast end of the field, the new structure was installed by Bakers’ Signs and employs a 10 mm pixel pitch.
“By eliminating static elements from the previous scoreboard and enlarging the digital canvas with an even tighter pixel pitch, Lamar’s new videoboard offers much greater visual capability,” adds Jason Helton, executive vice president for SNA Displays. “The new design and technology selections by Lamar Athletics have clearly enhanced the gameday experience.”
The new videoboard houses a Point-Source Audio system designed by AJP, complete with long-throw speakers and amplifiers provided by Danley Sound Labs. The videoboard structure also includes interlocking “LU” channel lettering facing the field and a 37-foot-wide illuminated logo on the back.
Next door to the football stadium is the Montagne Center, which now features a new focal-point LED centerhung. The display system is made from four slightly curved LED screens tilted downward to provide maximum line of sight for arena attendees. Two of the display faces are 8 feet 10 inches by 17 feet 9 inches (675 x 1,352 pixels) while the other two are 8 feet by 10 inches by 13 feet 5 inches (675 x 1,020 pixels).
“Versatility and video quality are key to enhance the fan experience,” says Helton. “We’re very excited to continue to partner with Lamar’s athletics program to improve the quality and functionality of its display systems.”
The multipurpose facility at Lamar University seats just under 11,000, says SNA Displays. It regularly hosts sporting events such as basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, wrestling, boxing and martial arts tournaments.