CASE STUDY
Hill-Murray High School
Outdoor Digital Scoreboard at
OVERVIEW
Hill-Murray High School, located in Maplewood, Minnesota, is a private Catholic school that offers a rigorous academic curriculum along with a strong focus on athletics. The school’s sports programs, including football, soccer, and track and field, play a central role in student life and community engagement. As part of its commitment to providing students and local fans with an enhanced athletic experience, Hill-Murray sought to upgrade its outdoor facilities, specifically its athletic scoreboard.
In 2023, Hill-Murray decided to replace its outdated, static scoreboard with a state-of-the-art Next LED Signs Outdoor Digital Scoreboard to enhance the fan experience, improve operational efficiency, and foster community engagement. The new system would also help the school attract more spectators and sponsors, while giving students involved in athletics a more modern, professional environment.
CLIENT: Hill-Murray High School
PITCH: FLEX 16mm
PIXEL MATRIX: 540px x 340px
“The integration of digital displays and scoreboards in schools has revolutionized campus advertising. We’ve seen tremendous growth, as these dynamic platforms allow brands to engage directly with students in an impactful way. It’s not just about visibility; it’s about creating memorable experiences that resonate with the entire school community.”
– Brian Nicholson
School Space Media
Photo courtesy of Peterson Companies, Inc.
The Challenge: Overcoming the Limits of Legacy Technology
Before the 2023 installation, Hill-Murray’s athletic department faced several visibility and engagement hurdles:
- Outdated Static Scoreboard: The previous traditional model could only display basic scores and time, offering no platform for player recognition or live stats.
- Limited Fan Interaction: With minimal content options, the game-day atmosphere was largely passive, missing opportunities for community engagement.
- Missed Sponsorship Revenue: The old system lacked the digital capability to effectively promote local sponsors, limiting a vital source of athletic funding.
The Solution: High-Resolution, Cloud-Managed Scoreboards
Hill-Murray chose a NEXT LED solution designed to maximize visibility and operational efficiency:
- Vivid Full-Color Display: The high-resolution system is capable of showing detailed game statistics, professional graphics, and promotional videos.
- Real-Time Digital Updates: A cloud-based management system allows staff to immediately update score changes, timeouts, and player substitutions.
- Interactive Engagement Features: The new board enables live social media feeds, trivia questions, and fan polls to create a lively game atmosphere.
The Results: Increased Revenue andStronger Community Ties
The addition of the Next LED Signs Outdoor Digital Scoreboard has had a transformative impact on Hill-Murray High School’s athletics program and the overall fan experience:
Enhanced Game-Day Atmosphere
The high-definition, full-color display has significantly improved the visual appeal of Hill-Murray’s athletic events. Fans are now treated to dynamic content, including real-time game stats, videos, and sponsor advertisements, making the events more exciting and engaging. This has led to a more vibrant, energized atmosphere at games.
Increased Fan Engagement
The interactive features, such as social media feeds, live polls, and trivia, have increased fan participation during games. Spectators can now engage with the scoreboard, answer trivia questions, and see their social media posts featured on the screen, fostering a sense of community and involvement.
Improved CommunicationT
he scoreboard has enhanced communication during events by providing up-to-the-minute information on scores, game stats, and other key updates. This has improved the overall fan experience, as spectators now have immediate access to important information without relying on staff or printed materials.
Revenue Growth through Sponsorship
The Next LED scoreboard has proven to be a valuable asset in attracting sponsorships. Local businesses now have the opportunity to display their logos and advertisements on a dynamic platform, increasing their visibility to the community. This has helped Hill-Murray generate additional funding for its athletic programs, supporting scholarships, equipment, and facility upgrades.
Long-Term Cost Savings
The durability of the Next LED scoreboard has reduced maintenance costs. Built to withstand Minnesota’s harsh weather conditions, the digital scoreboard requires far less upkeep than the old mechanical model, providing long-term savings for the school.
Positive Feedback from Students and Alumni
Students, athletes, and alumni have all provided positive feedback about the new scoreboard. Athletes appreciate the visibility and recognition it provides during games, while alumni enjoy the enhanced atmosphere during homecoming and other special events. Parents and fans have also commented on the improved fan experience, noting that the digital scoreboard makes attending games more enjoyable.
Stronger Community Connections
By showcasing local sponsors and featuring community events, the digital scoreboard has helped strengthen Hill-Murray’s ties to the local community. It has become a focal point for promoting school spirit, athletics, and community involvement.
Want more information?
Frequently Asked Questions About Digital Scoreboards
How do digital scoreboards help high schools generate revenue?
Digital scoreboards create a high-visibility platform for local businesses to display rotating advertisements and logos. This provides high schools with a sustainable way to generate additional funding for athletic scholarships, equipment, and facility upgrades.
What are the benefits of LED scoreboards for fan engagement?
Modern LED boards improve the game-day atmosphere by integrating interactive features like social media shout-outs and live trivia. This increases spectator attendance and participation by making every athletic event more exciting and visually engaging.
Can digital scoreboards withstand harsh winter weather?
Yes. NEXT LED digital scoreboards are engineered for high durability and are built to withstand harsh climates, such as Minnesota’s extreme weather. These systems require significantly less maintenance than mechanical models, leading to long-term cost savings for the school.
Create a Better Game-Day Experience
If your school or athletic facility is considering a digital scoreboard, NEXT LED Signs can help you create a display that does more than show the score. Our outdoor scoreboard systems support visibility, sponsor messaging, fan engagement, and a stronger event atmosphere with the durability needed for long-term performance. Call 888-359-9412 or visit Contact Us to talk about your project.