BROOKINGS, S.D., April 20, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Daktronics Inc., (Nasdaq:DAKT) of Brookings, S.D., announced today that Iowa State University has chosen the company to design and manufacture a state-of-the-art high definition video display for Jack Trice Stadium. The Board of Regents, State of Iowa, recently approved final plans for the structure that will rise above the Jacobson Athletic Building in the stadium's north end. Department officials with Iowa State University said construction of the structure will begin in late April of 2011.
A photo accompanying this release is available at
Measuring approximately 36 feet high by 79.5 feet wide and rising over 100 feet above the playing surface of Jack Trice Stadium, the new video display will feature Daktronics latest 15HD pixel layout with 720 lines of resolution. This technology and its control system allow for complete flexibility in programming. 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, animation, and live and recorded video.
"The impact of this structure on our football program is hard to quantify, but its size, quality and versatility will significantly enhance Jack Trice Stadium," Iowa State Director of Athletics Jamie Pollard said. "Beyond a significant upgrade of entertainment possibilities, it also helps us maximize marketing potential within the stadium."
Also included in the project is a custom sound system from Daktronics. When combined with the video display, the new Sportsound® system will deliver pounding bass energy, smooth mid and high range frequencies and high impact entertainment through the integration of audio, video and scoring technologies. The system uses the latest in digital audio technology, and it also operates on reduced power thanks to more efficient digital amplifiers and power supplies.
"With the Regents' approval, we can now move forward expediently to have the videoboard and sound system ready to go when the Cyclones hit the field this fall," Pollard said. "The amazing display and the versatility of the board will be a huge enhancement to the game-day enjoyment for fans. It's like adding a huge flat screen HD television to your home."
The video display and sound system will weigh approximately 67,000 pounds, supported by pillars measuring approximately 8 feet wide by 14 feet deep.
"Daktronics is honored to continue our longstanding partnership with Iowa State University," said Tony Mulder, Daktronics Regional Manager. "The HD technology and the updated location of the display will make the experience inside Jack Trice Stadium better than it has ever been."
The current video display system, installed by Daktronics in 2002, will be used in some capacity in its present location for the foreseeable future.
About Jack Trice Stadium
Without a doubt, the 55,000-seat Jack Trice Stadium is one of the most beautiful nationally. Located on a 30-acre tract, the stadium is part of the ISU Center on the southeast corner of the Ames campus.
The stadium complex was transformed in 1995-96 with the construction of the state-of-the-art Richard O. Jacobson Athletic Building. The home of Iowa State's football program includes football offices, team meeting rooms, locker rooms, an auditorium and a natural grass field that debuted with the 1996 season opener.
About Daktronics
Daktronics has strong leadership positions in, and is the world's largest supplier of, large screen video displays, electronic scoreboards, computer-programmable displays, digital billboards, and control systems. The company excels in the control of large display systems, including those that require integration of multiple complex displays showing real-time information, graphics, animation and video. Daktronics designs, manufactures, markets and services display systems for customers around the world, in sport, business and transportation applications. For more information, visit the company's World Wide Web site at: , e-mail the company at sales@daktronics.com, call (605) 692-0200 or toll-free (800) 325-8766 in the United States or write to the company at 331 32nd Ave. PO Box 5128 Brookings, S.D. 57006-5128.
The Daktronics logo is available at
Cautionary Notice: In addition to statements of historical fact, this news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are intended to enjoy the protection of that Act. These forward-looking statements reflect the Company's expectations or beliefs concerning future events. The Company cautions that these and similar statements involve risk and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectation, including, but not limited to, changes in economic and market conditions, management of growth, timing and magnitude of future contracts, and other risks noted in the company's SEC filings, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for its 2010 fiscal year. Forward-looking statements are made in the context of information available as of the date stated. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise such statements to reflect new circumstances or unanticipated events as they occur.
The photo is also available via AP PhotoExpress.
CONTACT: MEDIA RELATIONS: Mark Steinkamp Marketing & Sales Support Mgr. (605) 692-0200 mark.steinkamp@daktronics.com INVESTOR RELATIONS: Bill Retterath Chief Financial Officer (605) 692-0200 bill.retterath@daktronics.com IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY: Steve Malchow Sr. Associate Athletics Director (515) 294-3662 sdm@iastate.edu
