Nemzek Fieldhouse gets new scoreboards

From a new university logo to updated academic and athletics websites, the changes continue to come to MSUM.  This time scoreboards, sound systems and almost all things technology are being updated in the Nemzek Fieldhouse.

Over $1 million was invested in flashy new video and audio technology that just received the finishing touches. A 288-by-512-inch scoreboard, two smaller LED-scoreboards, two sideline scorers’ tables and audio speakers were the main additions. In charge of it all is Jon Wepking, the interim assistant athletics director for media and public relations.

“It’s a complete technological renovation of what we’ve considered as our gameday,” Wepking said. “It’s a complete overhaul.”

The scoreboards allow Dragon Athletics to feature high-definition video and graphics during sporting events.  The audio system is also an upgrade and the sidelines will now feature two scorers’ tables instead of one. Both scorers’ tables are LED lighted that can feature graphics, statistics, advertisements and more. The previous scoreboards only featured areas for statistics such as score, players’ scores, time and not much else.

The new system is not aimed only for fans and student-athletes but also potential interns. The whole system, and the equipment that goes with it, needs a lot of hands to get it running.  It is an opportunity that Wepking sees as invaluable.

“The goal is to make it student-run, so it’s also a great educational opportunity to be a lab or a class or whatever we end up making it,” Wepking said. “It’s a great opportunity for people who love production.”

When Dragon volleyball enters Nemzek Fieldhouse as the first team to use the scoreboards, fans will see technology never before seen at MSUM. The experience isn’t meant to rival only other D-II schools, but it’s aimed at competing with the top D-I schools in the nation.

“You’re going to come in here and you’re going to get an experience better than most D-I schools, and that’s not coming from me,” Wepking said. “That’s coming from the guys that put the stuff in that do this across the country.”

The total time to install all of the new gadgets was around five weeks. Just in time to show off pre-stages of the ideal scoreboard use is the Seventh Annual Dragon Fire Walk for Athletics.  Participants will catch a glimpse of the huge addition when they join the activities in Nemzek Fieldhouse. The scoreboards and all will have to wait another four months, though, before being put to regular game use.

BY COLLIN BOYLES
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