Columbus Clippers Set to Open Huntington Park and Season with Integrated Daktronics System
BROOKINGS, S.D. – March 25, 2009 – Newly constructed Huntington Park, home of minor league baseball’s Columbus Clippers, will open this spring and feature the latest in light emitting diode (LED) technology designed, manufactured and installed by Daktronics Inc. (Nasdaq-DAKT) of Brookings, S.D.
“We are thrilled with our new Daktronics display,” said Ken Schnacke, Columbus Clippers President and General Manager. “The technologies used by Daktronics give us one of the outstanding video boards in the entire country. The high resolution color video board is like watching TV in your living room; and the ease of use of the system makes it user friendly which means it will be extremely fan friendly. In addition, the technology permits the video boards to be visible from almost any angle of the ballpark.”
Fans entering Huntington Park for the inaugural 2009 season will be greeted by an integrated Daktronics display system showcasing Clippers baseball. At the centerpiece of the integrated system is a large video board utilizing Daktronics HD-X video technology. Measuring approximately 32 feet wide by 18 feet high, the video board can operate as a single giant display or be divided into multiple zones (windows) to show a wide variety of statistics, information, graphics, animations and live and recorded video.
Surrounding the main video screen, fans will be informed of vital game information with Daktronics LED matrix and ticker displays.
Daktronics will provide an additional video display to the right field structure and digital ribbon boards mounted on the fascia. Ribbon boards provide in-game information, out-of-town scores, promotional messages and crowd prompts that create an interactive experience. Sponsors will also have creative opportunities to get their messages across through motion graphics and other eye-catching content.
The Clippers will be one of only a handful of minor league teams to incorporate digital LED technology into the outfield fence. The 20 feet long display will provide additional information for fans and added value for corporate sponsors.
“Huntington Park is one of the best new stadiums in the country and we at Daktronics are very pleased to be a partner in this stadium,” said Will Ellerbruch, Daktronics Regional Sales Manager. “The combination of HD-X technology and our other LED technology will provide the Clippers with tremendous flexibility to engage fans and activate sponsors.”
Daktronics is also turning on major systems and system upgrades this season for the New York Mets, New York Yankees, Cincinnati Reds, Texas Rangers, Kansas City Royals and Pittsburgh Pirates. This season’s Minor League projects include systems for the Bowling Green Hot Rods, Columbus Clippers, Gwinnett Braves, Long Beach Armada, Reno Aces, Tacoma Rainiers, Toledo Mud Hens and Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.
About Huntington Park
Opening prior to the 2009 minor league baseball season, Huntington Park is the new stadium host for the Columbus Clippers. The 10,000 seat stadium, located in Columbus, Ohio, will be one the premier minor league ballparks. The Columbus Clippers, a Triple-A affiliate with the Cleveland Indians currently play in the International League.