The unveiling of the video board in Gallagher-Iba Arena is about to take place. Where now hangs a shroud of black plastic, four 8-by 10-feet video-screen panels will soon be installed, marking the final major step in the renovation of the arena.
Marty Sargent, assistant athletic director, said the video board is the “last major item the facility needs to complete the [renovation] project.”
Installation will begin following the Feb. 5 Oklahoma State vs. Kansas State men’s game, and the board is scheduled to be operative Feb. 11.
Being able to watch the video board is a long anticipated moment for many OSU sports enthusiasts.
“I’ve always wanted to be able to see instant replays on questionable calls. It’s going to make Oklahoma State basketball even more exciting,” said Zac Harrel, mechanical engineering sophomore.
The completion of the video board has been pending due to lack of funds since the beginning of the facility’s renovation.
“It was a financial issue,” Sargent said. “We needed to get (some other) things done first.”
Harry Birdwell, athletic director, said the video board cost just less than $500,000. The money to purchase the board was the result of private donations — a culmination of a variety of small gifts.
Athletics are not the only domain that will benefit from the new video board. Other events, such as graduation, that take place in the arena will have the opportunity to use the board, provided the event’s organizers pay the required fee.
The video board will provide not only broadcasts and instant replays, but will also make information more readily available to spectators.
Sargent said video board will make a “valuable contribution to events held in the arena because there can be information put out to people that they can see … and people will enjoy the video board.”
Advertisers will also get a chance to take advantage of the video board. However, the commercials will not take precedence over the event taking place and will likely be run before or after the game or during half-time, said Joey Biggs, director of marketing for athletics.
Officials responsible for securing the video board agree the addition will have a positive impact on the university.
“It will be a great addition, enhancing the game day experience for fans as they watch the best college basketball in the country,” Biggs said.
Amber Switzer can be reached via e-mail at news@ocolly.com
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