Indian Stadium upgrades ready

By Dustin Dearman, Herald Staff

"Indian Eye", the new privately funded video scoreboard, is now completed and ready for operation for the first home game on Sept. 15.

According to Chris Wyche, Associate Director of Athletics for Marketing and Development, the video board behind the south goal posts will stand 39 feet and 6 inches by 52 feet tall and will include a 17-by-23 foot video screen.

Another smaller 14-foot-6-inch by 32-foot scoreboard has already been installed behind the north end zone, replacing Indian Stadium's original board.

A BOSE public address system, new 25 second clock and locker room clocks complete the new improvements at Indian Stadium.

"The timing of this project is excellent," said Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Joe Hollis. "As our football program embarks on its first year in the Sun Belt Conference and the new football building is being constructed, our facilities are receiving a significant upgrade. Our entire program will benefit from the scoreboards and video boards."

Cardiology Associates of Northeast Arkansas became the first to sign a major sponsorship to support the construction costs of the video and scoreboard.

Other sponsors include Union Planters Bank, Cavenaugh Auto Group, PepsiAmericas, Gregory's Jewelers and B.B. Vance Group. An amount by an anonymous donor has also been given to the project.

According to Wyche, Nucor-Yamato Steel has donated the steel for the scoreboard's foundation.

"We are appreciative of the sponsors who have committed to the installation of the video boards. This equipment will increase revenue and enhance the entertainment value of these facilities and provide the possibility and opportunity for student involvement in campus events," said President of Arkansas State University Dr. Les Wyatt.

The Convocation Center will get an upgrade as well. Two 12-by-26 foot video boards will hang over the green and yellow entrances as well as a pair of statistic score boards over the red and yellow entrances.

These improvements to the athletic facilities were part of a June afternoon where the Arkansas State Indian Club Inc. also donated $425,000 to the athletic scholarship fund.

"The annual pledge by the Indian club to contribute $425,000 to the scholarship fund has been fulfilled through hard work and the generosity of supporters of Arkansas State University.

The Indian Club has also paid off outstanding indebtedness. This fiscal condition is a milestone for our booster organization," Wyatt said.

It has not only been the Athletic Department who has gained from these advancements.

The College of Communications and ASU-TV 63 has reached an agreement with the Department of Athletics.

ASU-TV 63 will operate the video boards at home football and basketball events. The new mobile truck and video equipment that will be used by staff and students was purchased by the Department of Athletics.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for our students, "said Dr. Richard Carvell, Chairman of ASU's Radio-Television Department and Director of Broadcasting.

"This new partnership with the ASU Department of Athletics will add another dimension to our academic program and will give our students the chance to exhibit their creativity and skills in yet another arena. We accept the challenge and look forward to working directly with the Athletic Department once again."