Sun Dome To Feature Significant Improvements In 2005-06
TAMPA, Fla. – USF men’s and women’s basketball fans will notice a drastic improvement in the appearance of the Sun Dome for the 2005-06 athletic campaign.
Highlighted by the installation of four state-of-the-art video scoreboards, the Bulls’ home court will feature a number of upgrades enhancing the USF fan experience. While crowds will visibly notice the scoreboards and new playing surface, an improved ticketing system will also represent significant importance in the customer support area.
“It is our intention to provide fans with the best experience possible when supporting all of our programs at USF, from arrival to departure,” Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Doug Woolard said. ”The latest round of upgrades to the facility and ticketing system is a major step toward accomplishing that goal for men's and women's basketball.”
Each of the four corners of the Sun Dome will feature a scoreboard with full high-end graphics and video capabilities. Two of the boards will offer an in-house video feed, which will include replay and in-game highlight functions thanks to a ProStar VideoPlus Display.
“This is a dynamic opportunity to enhance the game-day atmosphere for fans at the Sun Dome, and Action Sports Media is excited to support USF by providing technological advances in its facility signage,” CEO of Action Sports Media Gordon Whitener said.
The remaining pair of scoreboards contains ProAd Video Plus Displays, which will be utilized to broadcast game-related graphics and sponsor information.
“The entertainment and informational content provided by the scoreboards will rival any arena in the country,” USF Associate Athletic Director Tom Veit said. “This agreement improves the quality of all events hosted by the Sun Dome, not just USF athletics.”
Each of the four scoreboards, produced by Daktronics and made possible through a partnership with ACTION SPORTS MEDIA, will have the ability to display high-end graphics, statistical information and advertising.
“With this upgrade, USF will be recognized as having one of the most dynamic systems of any NCAA facility,” Kirk Simet said, the national sports system sales manager for Daktronics. “These integrated video, scoring, information and advertising display systems will offer the fans even more excitement in regards to USF basketball.”
Action Sports Media, Inc., provides niche collegiate sports marketing services, specializing in athletic venue media rights. Action Sports services its contracts by selling advertising and signage sponsorship rights at various sports venues, and the company has exclusive contracts with premier athletic programs in powerhouse NCAA conferences including the BIG EAST, SEC, Big Ten, Big 12 and Pac 10.
“We are looking forward to our partnership with Action Sports Media,” Woolard said. “The new ownership was aggressive and worked very hard to build a relationship with USF athletics. We are excited to be the first partner of the new era for Action Sports Media.”
Other collegiate clients include Alabama, Mississippi State, Purdue and Tennessee.
“The scoreboards will greatly enhance the appearance of the Sun Dome and provide a totally different atmosphere for not only the fans, but the players as well,” USF head men’s coach Robert McCullum said. “Combined with the other possible improvements I have discussed with Doug Woolard, fans are going to be treated to the total collegiate basketball experience.”
USF men’s and women’s players will be the biggest benefactors of the brand new playing surface, scheduled to arrive in early October. The court, produced by Connor Sports Flooring, is made of northern hard maple and features red power shok pads. The graphic design of the surface (60 ft. by 112 ft.) is being completed by Praters Floor and will include the primary “USF” logo at mid-court as well as BIG EAST Conference logos in the lane at each end.
“It’s a real credit to the athletic department and the support it is giving to both the men’s and women’s programs as we get ready for BIG EAST play,” USF head women’s coach Jose Fernandez said. “The new court is just a part of the continued efforts being made in regards to improving the Sun Dome.”
For the first time ever, USF basketball fans will be able to purchase tickets using 3D imaging from Ballena Technologies. When logging onto GoUSFBulls.com, the athletic department’s official site, the user will be able to select seats in a designated section of the area and see the specific view of the court from that location thanks to digital technology. Other features have also been added and will be available in time for a portion of the 2005-06 home schedule.
“Individual game tickets are now easier than ever to buy online through Ticketmaster and the print at home option really makes things easier for our fans,” Assistant Athletic Director Jim Louk said.