The installation of a new $82,491 Daktronic scoreboard behind Waterman’s Field at South Whidbey High School wrapped up on Monday.

It replaces a three-decade-old football scoreboard that had a history of malfunctioning during sporting events. Unlike its predecessor, the new field scoreboard will not just display numbers and a running clock. The new scoreboard is capable of displaying everything from video highlights of previous games to advertisements from sponsors. It can also be customized to fit a wide variety of sports and will not be chained to just football and soccer. South Whidbey School District Maintenance Director Brian Miller said the scoreboard can display information such as the names of athletes in a race at a track and field event.

In October 2016, the South Whidbey School District purchased two Daktronic scoreboards and a digital clock for $176,605. Approximately half the cost was paid for through a marketing and fundraising campaign orchestrated by Miller and community member Jon Chapman. The sponsors include Hanson’s Building Supply, Porter Whidbey Insurance, China City, Whidbey Coffee, Mukilteo Coffee Roasters, Whidbey Telecom and Rich’s for the Home.

The businesses purchased long-term advertising on the back of Waterman Field’s press box and main gymnasium wall. The prices ranged from $5,750 to $10,500 for 2-by-8-foot signage on the press box and gym wall. All of the revenue from the advertising campaign went to the purchases of the new scoreboards and digital clock.

The digital clock and second scoreboard were installed in Erickson Gymnasium in November 2016 and accommodate basketball and wrestling.