Tom Gola Arena Debuts New Daktronics LED Video Displays

BROOKINGS, S.D. – Jan. 20, 2012 – La Salle University’s Tom Gola Arena debuted two new state-of-the-art LED video displays at their men’s basketball game on Dec. 10, 2011, versus Army. The displays were designed, manufactured and installed by Daktronics Inc. (Nasdaq-DAKT) of Brookings, S.D.

“I think it is tremendous for the fans to get them excited,” Head Coach Dr. John Giannini said. “The reason all the pro teams have them is because they add a great deal to the game-day experience. Our games are going to be a lot more fun because of them.”

Located in the corners of the court, the video displays measure more than seven feet high by nearly 14 feet wide. Featuring 10 millimeter pixel spacing, the video displays can operate together or separately, and each can show single large images or be divided into multiple zones (windows) to show live and recorded video, a variety of statistics, exciting graphics, animations and sponsor information.

The funding for the video displays was provided by a generous gift from long-time La Salle supporter John Glaser ’62.

“We are excited to equip Gola Arena with state-of-the-art video boards,” Director of Athletics Dr. Tom Brennan said. “A special thanks goes to John Glaser for his generous gift.”

To control all the new displays and the existing Daktronics custom scoreboard in the arena, Daktronics included its powerful Show Control System with this installation. Touted by experts as the best in the industry, the system provides a combination of display control software, world-class video processing, data integration and playback hardware that forms a user-friendly production solution.

Daktronics Scoring and Timing Interface (DSTI) was also included in the installation. The software sends game and statistics directly from third party statistics software to Daktronics display controllers. It reduces operator requirements and increases fan excitement by showing official game statistics on the displays in an arena. The software is available for baseball, basketball, football, hockey and volleyball.

“We are happy to work with La Salle University on this project,” Daktronics Sales Representative Scott Willson said. “The video displays, together with their other equipment in the arena, will improve their home court experience and keep fans on their feet throughout games.”

Daktronics also has equipment in Kirk Pool, home to La Salle aquatics.

About La Salle University Basketball

Located in Philadelphia, Penn., the La Salle University Explorers compete in the NCAA’s Division I and are a member of the Atlantic Ten Conference. The basketball program has been rated the 53rd “Greatest College Basketball Program of All-Time” by Street & Smith’s magazine and 71st by the ESPN College Basketball Encyclopedia. La Salle has won one National Championship, one National Invitation Tournament Championship and advanced to two Final Fours. The Explorers have also made 11 NCAA Tournament appearances, won eight Philadelphia Big 5 city championships and four Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Championships. The program is one of only two schools (Houston) to have two players in the top 25 in all-time NCAA scoring. It’s also had three National Players of the Year; only Duke University and Ohio State have had more.