Gary SouthShore RailCats, Troy University Trojans Turn to Daktronics

The enthusiastic fans of the Gary SouthShore RailCats minor league baseball team have had even more to celebrate this summer at U.S. Steel Yard in Gary, Indiana. The ballpark has installed a new LED video display manufactured by Daktronics. The company also recently struck a deal with Troy University to design, manufacture and install a new display and audio system in Veterans Memorial Stadium that will feature one main video and audio, two ribbon displays and two marquee displays outside the stadium.

“We were thrilled to partner with Daktronics on this project. Their proclivity for quality, customer service, and attention to detail is second to none,” said Beth Heffernan, Vice President of the Gary SouthShore RailCats.  “We expect this state-of-the-art video board to be a wonderful centerpiece for the U.S. Steel Yard for years to come.”

Already one of the top minor league baseball facilities in the nation, this new display brings even more life to U.S. Steel Yard’s game-day atmosphere. The display measures approximately 15.5 feet high by 21.5 feet wide and features a 15HD pixel layout.

The display features the ability to show one large image to highlight live video and instant replays, as well as the capability to be divided into separate windows to show anything ranging from colorful animations, vivid graphics, up-to-the-minute statistics, scoring information and sponsor advertisements.

The board also includes excellent image clarity and contrast with wide angle visibility while providing multiple levels of protection from the elements. These display characteristics allow every fan a high quality experience as they keep up with all the action.

“Daktronics is excited to provide the RailCats with our 15HD display technology, “said Ryan Stratton, Daktronics Sales Representative. “Through the use of this technology, the team’s display will have unparalleled image quality regardless of ambient light conditions on any given day.”

U.S. Steel Yard also received Daktronics powerful Show Control System with this installation. This system provides a user-friendly production solution.

“Through the use of our Show Control user stations, the Gary RailCats will have full control over the fan experience by displaying video imagery, animations and statistical information,” said Stratton. “With the advent of a powerful control system, such as the Show Control System, the team has the opportunity to create a fan experience second to none at the touch of a button.”

At Troy University, the new main video display and marquee displays from Daktronics will replace the Trojans previous displays that were also completed by Daktronics 10 years ago.  Installation is tentatively scheduled for mid to late summer.

“It is exciting to further enhance our gameday experience for Trojan fans with the addition of the new Daktronics video board, ribbon boards and sound system in Veterans Memorial Stadium,” Troy Athletic Director John Hartwell said. “We are pleased to partner with an industry leader like Daktronics, with whom we have a long-standing positive relationship. Additions such as these will help us continue to build the Troy Trojan brand.”

When the Trojans return to the gridiron this fall they will be pleased with the stunning updates in Veterans Memorial Stadium. The main display that is being installed will measure approximately 23 feet high by 54 feet wide and will incorporate a 15HD pixel layout. This display will provide excellent image clarity and contrast with wide angle visibility while providing multiple levels of protection from the elements. It will be capable of showing one large image to highlight live video and instant replays. It can also be divided into separate windows to show a variety of vivid graphics, colorful animations, up-to-the-minute statistics, scoring information and sponsor advertisements.

The two ribbon displays that the Trojans have opted for will provide the opportunity to showcase sponsors throughout events and also provide up-to-the-minute statistics and game information. Both ribbon displays will measure approximately 2.5 feet high by 300 feet wide and will feature a 20 millimeter line spacing.

In addition to the displays being installed inside the stadium the Trojans are also installing two upgraded marquee displays on the existing sign located on Hwy 231. These displays will be utilized for advertising space, promoting upcoming sporting events and for relaying campus events and information. Both displays will incorporate a 16 millimeter line spacing and will measure approximately 6.5 feet high by 16 feet wide.

To complete the installation the Trojans have also decided to have a custom audio system installed, which will be integrated with the video and scoring system. The system will provide full-range sound reproduction and will deliver clear and intelligible speech. This system will provide a powerful audio experience for the fans. Daktronics audio offers high quality audio systems that can integrate with dynamic displays in both indoor and outdoor sport venues.

“I am honored to continue our long-standing partnership with Troy University,” said Daktronics Sales Representative Glen Marts. “These new display and audio systems will enhance what is already a great game-day atmosphere at Memorial Stadium. I am very pleased that Troy has decided to trust Daktronics for these upgrades to Memorial Stadium. I look forward to working with Troy University for many years to come.”

Lastly, Daktronics has partnered with W.J. Strickler Sign Company and Hershey Entertainment & Resorts (HE&R) out of Hershey, Pennsylvania, to upgrade their existing three-sided marquee that greets visitors as they enter the entertainment complex, which includes Hersheypark, GIANT Center, Hersheypark Stadium and Hersheypark Arena. Installation was completed prior to Memorial Day.

“It was a pleasure working with Daktronics and W.J. Strickler Sign Company on our marquee upgrade,” said Vikki Hultquist, Assistant General Manager, Attractions & Entertainment for HE&R. “As leaders in their field we anticipated a high quality product with exceptional service and the results were just that. We value our relationship with them, and look forward to working together again on additional upgrades.”

Each display is approximately 8.5 feet high by 12 feet wide. These three displays each incorporate 16 millimeter line spacing. The displays also feature excellent image clarity and contrast with wide angle visibility while providing multiple levels of protection from the elements. Sticking with industry standards the displays are capable of showing one large image, and can also be divided into separate windows to show a variety of vivid graphics, colorful animations and sponsor advertisements.

“Daktronics is very proud to partner with Hershey Entertainment and W.J. Strickler Sign Company to breathe new life into their main entry marquee,” said Daktronics Sales Representative Scott Willson. “A world-class destination deserves world class technology and the new displays are a huge step up from what had been in place previously. The results are stunning.”