How Archbishop Spalding High School Went Beyond the Display to Lead the Mid‑Atlantic

Archbishop Spalding High School is known for its exceptional academics, thriving athletics, and standout fine arts program. As a co‑ed Catholic high school serving grades 9–12, the school prides itself on excellence.

With more than 30 varsity programs and 60 total athletic teams, Spalding competes across multiple sports and wanted a video board that could elevate every one of them.

President Shannon Gilligan explains, “We have a phenomenal academic, athletic, and fine arts program. Being a very successful school, it led to needing a really amazing scoreboard.”

A High School LED Video Board Designed to Stay Ahead of the Competition

When nearby schools began installing video scoreboards, Archbishop Spalding saw an opportunity to match the momentum and even lead the region.

“A couple of the other schools in the area were starting to do video boards,” Athletic Director Jon Mellinger shared. “We wanted to make sure we were matching the competitiveness of our partner schools but also being on the cutting edge.”

Talking with Daktronics gave them confidence that they could push forward with the best technology available.

“There was a great list of products we could pick from to remain at the forefront, but also innovate as well,” Mellinger added.

They ultimately installed one of the largest high school LED video boards in the entire Mid‑Atlantic.

“I think it might be one of the largest boards above North Carolina,” says Mellinger. “How cool is that?”

A Friday Night Experience for the Whole Community

Friday nights at Archbishop Spalding are more than sporting events – they’re full-on celebrations.

Friday night is definitely a vibe here,” says Gilligan. “Who doesn’t want to be at a school with a huge scoreboard behind them, especially when we’re winning? Walking out here at night and seeing it lit up is incredible.

With the new Daktronics video board, fans now take advantage of:

• High‑energy starting lineups
• Bright, immersive visuals
• In‑game prompts and messages
• Real‑time replays
• Crowd shots from the stands
• Calls to visit concessions and the Cavalier Shop
• Game‑day traditions like singing the alma mater

Mellinger adds, “It’s loud, it’s bright, it provides replay. It allows the fans to be interactive… the fans are chanting and screaming, and if we win, we run over and sing the alma mater. That’s meaningful for everyone in our community.”

Students Behind the Screen: A Pipeline into Creative Media

The school isn’t stopping at game‑day enhancement – students are becoming creators.

Mellinger says the board is inspiring multiple programs. “We partnered with our communications and marketing director to start building content. Ultimately, we want to put the power in the students’ hands – photography, videography, and video production. They’re already coming up with ideas.”

And their fired‑up student section, The Rowdy Red, brings unmatched energy.

The student fans come up with content ideas. When it lands, and they see what they created, the kids go crazy.

How Archbishop Spalding Funded Its High School Video Board

Spalding used a smart mix of operating funds and long‑term advertising partnerships to fund and sustain their display investment. Advertisers can choose static artwork or fully animated pieces.

Gilligan explains, “We used operating funds, but also sold advertising to various companies. We have certain levels of advertising they can purchase. The scoreboard’s funding itself – and not just for a year. It will continue to fund itself for its life.”

A Partnership That Becomes Part of the School Community

From day one, Archbishop Spalding felt supported by Daktronics in product selection, design, onboarding, gaining sponsorships and content planning.

“Daktronics has been a great partner,” says Gilligan. “I don’t look at this as a one‑and‑done purchase. It’s an ongoing partnership. They’re now part of our community.”

Mellinger is excited about the overall impact, saying, “Family members, community members, and neighbors say, ‘Man, this board is bright and big.’ When games are going, you can see it from pretty much anywhere on campus. It’s very cool.”

Watch the Archbishop Spalding Story

See how Archbishop Spalding High School is raising the bar for high school sports and giving its students unforgettable experiences both on and off the field.

And explore more high school success stories in Stories Beyond the Display.