["https:\/\/schema.org",[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/nextledsigns.com\/2026\/01\/26\/what-athletic-directors-should-know-before-buying-a-new-scoreboard\/#article","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/nextledsigns.com\/2026\/01\/26\/what-athletic-directors-should-know-before-buying-a-new-scoreboard\/"},"headline":"What Athletic Directors Should Know Before Buying a New Scoreboard","description":"Buying a new scoreboard is not just about replacing what is broken. This guide covers long-term cost, reliability, indoor versus outdoor requirements, sponsorship revenue potential, software considerations, and expected lifespan before choosing a new scoreboard.","datePublished":"2026-01-26","dateModified":"2026-03-16","author":{"@type":"Organization","name":"NEXT LED Signs"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"NEXT LED Signs"},"about":["scoreboards","LED scoreboards","athletic directors","indoor scoreboards","outdoor scoreboards","school sports facilities"]},{"@type":"FAQPage","@id":"https:\/\/nextledsigns.com\/2026\/01\/26\/what-athletic-directors-should-know-before-buying-a-new-scoreboard\/#faq","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"How much does a high school video scoreboard cost?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Prices vary widely. Fixed-digit boards may start around $3,000, while LED video scoreboards for high schools typically range from $30,000 to $150,000. Large stadium displays can exceed that range depending on size and resolution."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Can a digital scoreboard pay for itself through advertising?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. Many schools generate meaningful sponsorship revenue using rotating digital ads and game-day placements. Some programs report earning over $12,000 in ad revenue within just a few months of installation."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What\u2019s the difference between an indoor and outdoor LED display?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Outdoor displays need higher brightness and weather protection, while indoor displays prioritize tighter pixel pitch for close viewing. Outdoor boards often use 10mm to 16mm pitch, while indoor boards commonly use 4mm to 6mm."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Who operates the scoreboard during games?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Most modern LED scoreboards are designed so schools can run them in-house, often with trained student crews or athletic staff. However, the operating software matters more than many buyers realize. Some scoreboard systems use basic control software included with the display, while others rely on advanced graphics, replay, or data-integration platforms that require annual licensing fees. In some cases, those software packages can range from a few thousand dollars per year to tens of thousands, depending on features and complexity. Athletic directors should ask upfront what software is required, what is optional, and what ongoing license costs look like over the life of the scoreboard, not just in year one."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What is the lifespan of a modern LED scoreboard?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Most LED scoreboards are rated for up to 100,000 hours of use, translating to 10 to 15 years for school programs, assuming proper design and long-term parts support."}}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/nextledsigns.com\/2026\/01\/26\/what-athletic-directors-should-know-before-buying-a-new-scoreboard\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/nextledsigns.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/nextledsigns.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"What Athletic Directors Should Know Before Buying a New Scoreboard","item":"https:\/\/nextledsigns.com\/2026\/01\/26\/what-athletic-directors-should-know-before-buying-a-new-scoreboard\/"}]},{"@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/nextledsigns.com\/2026\/01\/26\/what-athletic-directors-should-know-before-buying-a-new-scoreboard\/#video","name":"What Athletic Directors Should Know Before Buying a New Scoreboard","description":"Video companion to the blog post What Athletic Directors Should Know Before Buying a New Scoreboard from NEXT LED Signs.","thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/-1Qppj3kYEA\/hqdefault.jpg","uploadDate":"2026-03-16","duration":"PT58S","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=-1Qppj3kYEA","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/-1Qppj3kYEA","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/nextledsigns.com\/2026\/01\/26\/what-athletic-directors-should-know-before-buying-a-new-scoreboard\/"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"NEXT LED Signs"}}]]