CASE STUDY
Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg, KS
OVERVIEW
Pittsburg State University (PSU), located in Pittsburg, Kansas, is a prominent public university known for its strong academic programs and vibrant student life. With a student enrollment of over 7,000 and a well-regarded athletics department, PSU offers a wide range of events and activities for students, faculty, alumni, and the local community. The university is committed to providing its students and athletes with the best facilities and technology to enhance their experience.
In 2023, PSU sought to upgrade its athletic facilities with more modern, interactive, and efficient signage solutions. Specifically, the university decided to replace its outdated scoreboards and signage with state-of-the-art digital displays, choosing the Next LED Signs Apex model for its indoor digital sign and scoreboard needs.
CLIENT: Pittsburg State University
PITCH: ONYX 10MM
PIXEL MATRIX: 270px x 120px
The Challenge: Overcoming the Limitations of Mechanical Systems
Before the digital installation, PSU’s athletic department encountered several hurdles that hindered the fan and athlete experience:
- Outdated Mechanical Scoreboards: The previous systems were unable to display real-time, dynamic content, limiting the university’s ability to engage fans during live events.
- Minimal Content Capabilities: The old signage could only show basic scores, missing opportunities to promote player statistics, upcoming campus events, or social media feeds.
- Inefficient Information Management: Manually updating player stats and sponsor messages during fast-paced games was cumbersome and slow, often leading to information delays.
The Solution: High-Resolution, Multi-Use Digital Displays
Next LED Signs provided a custom APEX solution designed for the rigors of a high-traffic university arena:
- Vivid High-Resolution Displays: The APEX model delivers superior color and clarity, ensuring that highlight reels and sponsor ads are visible from every seat in the arena.
- Simultaneous Multi-Use Functionality: The system allows staff to display live feeds, real-time scores, and social media interactions all at once on a single display.
- Cloud-Based Real-Time Updates: Equipped with easy-to-use software, PSU staff can now adjust player substitutions and game statistics instantly from a remote connection.
“The video display in the Plaster Center really sets it apart from other venues. This new sign was the icing on the cake. It really helps bring the whole center together and adds that wow factor for future guests. NextLED did an incredible job. They listened to our needs and developed the product to meet those needs. What more could we ask for?”
– Brad Wells
Pittsburg State
The Results: Enhanced Fan Immersion and New Revenue Streams
The addition of the Next LED Signs Apex indoor digital sign and scoreboard has brought significant improvements to both the athletic experience at PSU and the university’s engagement with its community:
Enhanced Game-Day Experience
The new digital scoreboard has transformed the fan experience, offering vibrant visuals, detailed player statistics, and live updates in real-time. Fans and spectators have noted that the high-resolution graphics and dynamic content make the events more exciting and immersive.
Increased Fan Engagement
The ability to display interactive content—such as live polls, trivia questions, and social media posts—has deepened fan involvement. Fans can now feel more connected to the events, engaging with the team and the university through social media shoutouts or game-related trivia.
Improved Communication & Information Delivery
The cloud-based platform has enabled the PSU staff to deliver up-to-date information quickly, whether it’s changes in the game schedule, halftime performances, or emergency alerts. The digital signage system has significantly improved the efficiency of event operations, allowing real-time adjustments.
Revenue Generation
The ability to display dynamic sponsor advertisements has opened up new revenue streams for the university. Local businesses have benefited from the increased visibility, while the university has gained an additional avenue to support its athletic programs.
Brand Visibilty & Promotion
The high-quality display has become a powerful tool for showcasing PSU’s brand and programs, both during sports events and other university-related activities. The signage has helped create a modern, professional atmosphere that aligns with the university’s commitment to excellence.
Reduced Operational Costs
The elimination of the old mechanical scoreboard has reduced maintenance costs, as the new system is more reliable and easier to maintain. Additionally, the digital signage system eliminates the need for printed materials, saving PSU money on promotional flyers and posters.
Positive Feedback from Athletes & Fans
Athletes have expressed greater satisfaction with the new scoreboard, as it provides real-time statistics that are critical for tracking performance. Fans have also appreciated the enhanced visuals and the overall improvement in the event atmosphere.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Digital Scoreboards
How do digital scoreboards improve the university fan experience?
Digital scoreboards transform game-day atmospheres by offering vibrant visuals and interactive content like live polls and trivia. By integrating social media shout-outs, universities can deepen fan involvement and create a more immersive, modern environment.
Can high-resolution LED signs increase university sponsorship revenue?
Yes. The ability to display dynamic, high-definition sponsor advertisements opens up new revenue streams. Local businesses and corporate partners benefit from increased visibility through rotating digital ads, providing a valuable platform for brand promotion.
What are the operational benefits of upgrading to digital signage?
Transitioning to a digital system reduces long-term operational costs by eliminating the need for recurring printed promotional materials. Furthermore, solid-state digital signs are more reliable and easier to maintain than outdated mechanical models, resulting in lower upkeep expenses.
Bring More Impact to Your Digital Scoreboard Project
If your school or athletic program is planning a new digital scoreboard, NEXT LED Signs can help. Our scoreboard systems are built to support game-day visibility, sponsor messaging, fan engagement, and long-term performance in outdoor athletic environments.
Call 888-359-9412 or visit Contact Us to talk about your project.