New scoreboards to be installed at South Whidbey High School

Say goodbye to South Whidbey High School’s three-decades-old scoreboards at Waterman’s Field and gymnasium.

The South Whidbey School District has purchased two Daktronics scoreboards and a digital clock for $176,605, according to Maintenance Director Brian Miller. Around half of the cost — $90,000 — was secured through a marketing and fundraising plan, which gave South Whidbey businesses the opportunity to purchase long-term advertising on the back of Waterman Field’s press box and main gymnasium wall.

South Whidbey Athletic Director Paul Lagerstedt said he expects installation to occur in November, just as wrestling and basketball season is revving up.

The scoreboards are capable of customizing information digitally to match whatever sporting event is happening, Miller said. A digital display also provides an opportunity to run pre-recorded videos of past games while also fulfilling marketing and spirit purposes. The video display is expected to be an ongoing source of advertising revenue, Miller said.

The 30-year-old scoreboard at Waterman’s Field was often susceptible to failure, most recently when it malfunctioned during a season-opening football game against Coupeville in 2015. The new scoreboards will be the wave of the future, Miller said.

“The customization is great,” Miller said. “And, of course, they’ll be functional.”