Since its’ opening in 1966, Carter-Finley Stadium has been renovated several times to match the dedication of the fans who fill it. The latest renovation will let fans enjoy replays, highlights and other videos in close to HD quality, even if they’re seated on the very top row.
Ten years ago, the “Superscreen” scoreboard was put into place to enhance the Carter-Finley atmosphere, but as other college teams started placing HD scoreboards in their stadiums, the “Superscreen” quickly became outdated.
Athletics Director Debbie Yow said she thinks the new scoreboard will be “a significant improvement.”
With a price tag of $1.8 million, funded by the Athletics Department in part with revenue from ticket sales and merchandise sold on game day, the new and improved “Superscreen” is ready for the opening football game on Sept. 3, when the Pack will host the Liberty Flames.
N.C . State teamed up with Daktronics Inc. to replace the traditional scoreboard, which was 24 feet by 32 feet, with a much wider one — approximately 100 feet by 40 feet — which makes it easier to show a wider variety of content, from a single video image to multiple zones of graphics and information. Money to do so was not borrowed nor did the department take money from the Wolfpack Club to fund this renovation, according to a member of media relations.
Mark Steinkamp , who is the Senior Marketing Director for the Daktronics Group said the new widescreen scoreboard will provide incredible picture clarity due to the LED display panel.
“The state-of-the-art picture is made up of many thousands of light emitting diodes,” said Steinkamp . “This advanced pixel layout will eliminate color shifts at off angles, and the size of the screen, it will make countless flexible designs possible.”
Daktronics was also in charge of building the display system for the Wolfpack baseball team on Doak Field at Dail Park. Both display systems have a world-class image that produces up to 144 quadrillion colors, and the weather-sealed modules provide protection from the elements. An advanced cooling system offers an extended display life as well.
Assistant Athletics Director for Outdoor Facilities Ray Brincefield said it was time for the old screen to be replaced.
“Like most all video equipment, the maximum life expectancy is about 10 years” Brincefield said. “The reasoning behind the new scoreboard was being proactive.”
The improved screen is one of several improvements to the area over the years. In 1999, the 103,254 square-foot Murphy Center took the place of a once grassy hill in the south endzone . It now houses the training and preparation facilities for the student athletes.
Six years ago, 51 luxury suites, 955 club seats and areas for the media to cover football games opened as the Vaughn Towers. The following year, the new and improved A.E . Finley Fieldhouse was opened in the north endzone , which is home to two locker rooms as well as areas for the coaches, game referees, cheerleaders and the dance team.
After 45 years, Carter-Finley Stadium’s tradition of renovations seems to persist as thousands of fans continue to loyally fill the seats.
