Idaho State University’s new Holt Arena video board almost online; American Falls High School gets old scoreboard

With the generous donation from the Idaho Potato Commission, Idaho State Athletics entered a partnership with Daktronics for video and scoreboard upgrades in Holt Arena that have been implemented this summer. The new scoreboards will be operational for ISU’s first football game on Sept. 3.

Representatives from Daktronics are at Holt Arena this week training ISU staff on its use. A 12-feet-high, 39-feet-wide LED video board has been installed directly behind the east end zone and ISU has also upgraded the scoreboard on the west side of the arena. This board will stand eight feet high and 32 feet wide with two additional advertising spaces eight feet wide on either side.

"This new audio and video platform is a quantum leap forward in the fan experience at Holt Arena and we are grateful to the Idaho Potato Commission for its generous donation," said Jeff Tingey, director of ISU Athletics.

Thanks to American Falls High School student Dawson Winder, that school is receiving Holt Arena’s old scoreboard for its use. Dawson acquired the scoreboard for American Falls as part of a senior class project.

“My coach told me he heard that ISU was getting new scoreboards and it was worth a shot to see what they are doing with the old ones, so I decided to call you guys,” said Winder, who plays football for his school. “It was pretty awesome when they agreed to give them to us. I was tickled pink and it was like Christmas all over again.

“I just looked at our old scoreboard and it is pretty beat up and old,” Winder continued, “and I wanted to leave a mark on my school for the last year I was there.”

American Falls High School Principal Travis Hansen said the school is excited about the new scoreboard.

“I was really surprised when Dawson Winder did this as a senior project,” Hansen said.  “His goal is to have it in before the first game, which is the end of August. This will be a great addition. I don’t even know how old the old scoreboard is – it seems like it has been there forever. I’d like to thank ISU for the generous donation and we’re all excited.”