The University of Mississippi has chosen to partner with Daktronics Inc. of Brookings, S.D., to design, manufacture and install a $6 million integrated system featuring a large high definition video display at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium/Hollingsworth Field, home of Rebel football.
"We are very pleased to have teamed with an industry-leader in Daktronics," said Ole Miss Athletics Director Pete Boone. "With their experience and state-of-the-art technology, the company has shown their ability to handle large projects, particularly in our time sensitive situation.
"What we're most excited about is how this board will enhance the game-day experience and entertainment for our fans. Longevity was also a major key, and Daktronics has proven the board's clarity will maintain for the next 10 years," Boone said.
The video display will be the largest true high definition display in the Southeastern Conference. Scheduled to be installed and operational for the home opener on August 30, 2008, the display incorporates the latest high definition technology from Daktronics.
Daktronics HD-X technology and its control system allows for complete flexibility in programming. The video board can serve as a single giant display or be divided into multiple zones (windows) to show a wide variety of statistics, information, graphics, animation and live and recorded video.
The seamless display of scoring, timing, statistics, out-of-town game scores, public service messages, in-game promotions, graphics, animation, video replays and live video, delivered through a truly integrated system, provides fans with a more entertaining game-day experience.
Daktronics PS-X video display technology will also be featured in the stadium, both on the front of the display and greeting visitors on the back of the display. Light emitting diode (LED) video displays from Daktronics use the latest in red, green and blue (RGB) LED technology to present live and recorded video images, colorful animation and vivid graphics with incredible brightness and wide-angle visibility.
A complete sound system from Daktronics Sportsound division completes the integrated system. The sound system speakers will be based in a cabinet above the video display.
The video, scoring, timing and sound components will be integrated through Daktronics proven control system.
"Daktronics is excited to bring the largest true high definition video display in the SEC to the University of Mississippi," said Brent Stevens, Daktronics regional sales manager. "Ole Miss has been a strong supporter of Daktronics over the years and we look forward to continuing our successful partnership with them."
The University of Mississippi joins a number of Southeastern Conference universities that have chosen Daktronics for integrated video and scoring systems including Auburn, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana State, Georgia, Vanderbilt and South Carolina.
About Vaught-Hemingway Stadium/Hollingsworth Field
Historic Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, which is located on the southeast side of the University of Mississippi campus, increased its capacity to 60,580 in 2002 with the bowling in of the south end zone, making it the largest facility in the state.
With the additional seating, the Rebels have set record-breaking attendance figures over the last five years, drawing all 10 of the largest single-game crowds in school history. The momentous Ole Miss-LSU encounter in 2003 attracted a crowd of 62,552, the largest ever to watch a football game on campus in Mississippi. The Rebels' matchup with Tennessee in 2004 gathered 62,028 fans, and the incredible upset of No. 6 Florida in 2002 drew 61,140.
The stadium, known as Hemingway Stadium for much of its existence, began its long historic life in 1915 when students at the University helped in the construction of the first football grandstand at the site of the present field. The construction of the stadium and its permanent foundation was a three-year, federally-sponsored project. Stadium capacity was originally listed at 24,000.
The stadium is named for the late Judge William Hemingway (1869-1937), professor of law and longtime chairman of the University's Committee on Athletics. On Oct. 16, 1982, John Howard Vaught saw his name added to the stadium. Vaught compiled a 190-61-12 record as head football coach at Ole Miss and brought the Rebels National Championships in 1959, 1960 and 1962. At the 1998 season opener vs. Memphis, the field was named in honor of Dr. Jerry Hollingsworth for his continuing generous support to Ole Miss athletics.
For more information on Daktronics products/services, visit www.daktronics.com.
