Willie Fritz’s debut season as head coach of the University of Houston Cougars football team promises to be a big one, not only on the field but also on the big screen. As part of recent upgrades to TDECU Stadium, the university has introduced a new video board that will redefine the fan experience in the 2024 season.
A massive video board will tower over the west end zone. At 7,000 square feet, it is the 11th largest among FBS schools and the second largest in the Big 12 Conference. Only Rice-Eccles Stadium in Utah is larger at 8,000 square feet. At 43 feet tall and 150 feet wide, the new screen is nearly three times the size of the previous board, giving fans a visual experience as large as a football field itself.
New video board aims to increase fan engagement. UH Senior Associate Athletics Director TJ Meagher explained the importance of video boards in providing dynamic fan interaction during games. The original board, installed a decade ago, was state-of-the-art at the time, but the current upgrade offers a modernized experience that aligns with the university’s vision of increasing game day excitement.
How Houston’s new video board compares to the others @Big12Conference pic.twitter.com/ioIqzpq5wt
– Joseph Duarte (@Joseph_Duarte) 23 August 2024
“Video boards are undoubtedly the most dynamic element of fan interaction at college football games. The original board at TDECU Stadium was impressive when it was installed 10 years ago, but it was time for an upgrade,” Meagher said. “This project provided the opportunity to do just that.”
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Meagher’s thoughts were echoed by UH Assistant Athletic Director Grantscott Greene, who highlighted the scoreboard’s new features that allow for a better player experience and display statistics, national scores and more content. In addition to installing the $10 million video board, UH also upgraded the sound system to complete the improvement.
“With more digital landscape on this board, we will be able to provide fans with engaging content throughout the game, including game stats, scores from around the country and more,” Greene said.
Looking ahead, the $130 million Memorial Hermann Football Operations Center and new stadium suites are scheduled for completion by the 2025 season. This will further enhance TDECU Stadium’s status as a premier college football stadium.
