I don't post much on the basketball board, so maybe this has been discussed, but I'd love to see a hanging scoreboard in the Convo. That got me to thinking about alumni donations to make it happen, and that led me to an idea about a Bobcatattack.com scoreboard. With new video technology, it would seem this concept is more practical than it once was.

I'd like to tap into the collective intelligence we have as users of this board--engineers, audio/video experts, fund-raising experts, lawyers, etc. Here is a potential outline for a plan:

1. Establish feasibility. The university may have already done this.
2. Establish cost. I have no idea what these things cost, which I admit could kill this idea immediately.
3. How many users on BA.com? What kind of per capita donation are we talking about?
4. Establish fund-raising plan and term.

I realize there are structural considerations for making this happen, but with lighter-than-ever video technology, I find it hard to believe the roof rafters could not support it. Even if they couldn't, I would also assume some measure of structural reinforcement could be retrofitted.

One potential payoff for BA.com: It is lettered with bobcatattack.com on all four sides. I would assume there would be additional advertising space on the board that would help fund the upkeep. That advertising might also be factored to help pay for the board itself.

I think you're looking at a number well into six figures and that's a pretty basic one.

Good info. Thanks Ryan.

Unfortunately, since Miami was replacing an existing hanging scoreboard, the 700k price is probably too low for what we would need. On the other hand, Buffalo went all out. I'm not sure what the control room entailed, in terms of using an existing room or constructing something all new. Maybe a safe early assumption is 1.5 million?

Agree that the university's focus is on the IPF, but I would think this project could be added quickly if the overall cost is significantly less. We're talking under 2 million as compared to the IPF's 10-12 million?

Not pictured: fishing wire.

(laughing)

I agree Alex.  

If I had the money, Powerball-ticket-in-hand-willing, part of my multi-million dollar donation would be earmarked for what you describe...not to mention feeding those normally power-off'd monitors at the concession stands as well.

I think we could put lots of those video majors to work with some hands-on experience running all of it.

If this company ( http://www.sideeffectsinc.com/) can give away free score boards and scrolling tables to high schools by getting local advertisers to foot the bill I don’t see why Ohio couldn’t do the exact same thing on a larger scale.

The University is in the process of negotiating a new contract.  I believe athletics will be getting an adrenaline shot from that in the next 5 months.  I am wondering if they just use it to finish the indoor or if they have a few more gifts that will come through and will use it elsewhere.

You wouldn't like our video boards from up top.  When we have crowds of 10K+ it becomes a problem.  You will have a very difficult time seeing our current video boards from the higher seats, especially at certain angles.  I agree IPF comes first though.

Meh, I'd much rather have Convo improvements. But that's me.

Personally, I don't see the need for a hanging scoreboard, but instead think it would be less expensive to simply move the scoreboards up to the higher reaches of the upper level behind the baskets.  That, or maybe in the corners up high. That would be better viewing of the scoreboard, and might allow the use of existing equipment.  No matter what the solution, there has to be a better solution without spending the 2.4 million Buffalo did, that's for sure.

I like the current boards just fine.