Southern Illinois University (SIU), a public research university in Carbondale, Ill., chose Watchfire to overhaul outdated scoreboards in its Division I sports facilities. Faced with aging, outdated scoreboards, SIU needed a solution that replaced old technology and enhanced fan engagement across venues.
Tim Leonard, SIU’s athletic director, emphasized the need for change. “As a Division I school, we knew we had to step up. Our outdated technology was holding us back, and the fan experience simply wasn’t where it needed to be. The upgrades were essential to delivering the excitement our fans and high-performing athletes deserve.”
At the Banterra Center, home to Saluki basketball, Watchfire installed a 4-sided center-hung display and videoboards on both ends of the court, doubling the video output. “The clarity is outstanding, and the displays work together seamlessly to create a fully immersive environment,” says Leonard.
Real-time stats, player profiles, and highlight reels keep fans engaged throughout the game, significantly boosting the overall atmosphere. For the first time, SIU’s swim and baseball venues feature videoboards, elevating the experience for spectators and athletes. The Dr. Edward J. Shea Natatorium now boasts a 12′ x 23′ display that presents real-time stats, race details, and swimmer profiles with perfect clarity, even in a high-humidity environment.
“The technology in the Natatorium is impressive—it’s completely changed how fans experience our swim meets,” says Leonard.
At Richard “Itchy” Jones Stadium, baseball fans now enjoy a 17′ x 37′ videoboard offering immersive video content and real-time game updates. “We’ve never had video at baseball before,” says Leonard. “The new board transforms the fan experience, making each moment more engaging and offers community engagement opportunities for local businesses and sponsors.”
SIU’s Davies Gym, home to Saluki volleyball, also benefited from a scoreboard upgrade. A new fixed-digit scoreboard now provides clearer, real-time scores and player stats, making it easier for fans to stay engaged during matches.
The result? Enthusiastic feedback from fans and athletes alike. “These upgrades exceeded our expectations and delivered everything we hoped for,” says Leonard. With Watchfire’s cutting-edge displays, SIU has elevated its athletic facilities, providing a modern and engaging fan experience that enhances every game day.
More details:
- The Banterra Center, home to Saluki basketball now boasts a four-sided center hung display with 3.9mm pixel pitch, each side measuring 10′ H x 16′ W. Additional features include top and bottom LED rings and two 8′ x 15′ wall displays, all designed to captivate the 8,284-seat venue’s audience. The displays provide real-time game data, player profiles, and highlight videos, while also serving as a platform for promoting university initiatives and community events. This blend of dynamic content keeps fans engaged and connected, both on and off the court.
- The Dr. Edward J. Shea Natatorium received a 12′ x 23′ 10mm display, revolutionizing how swimming and diving results are presented in the 600-seat, Olympic-sized pool facility. The state-of-the-art Watchfire display revolutionizes the spectator experience, offering crystal-clear visibility of swimmer stats, lane assignments, race details and real-time results. Engineered to withstand the pool’s challenging, high-humidity environment, SIU now has a reliable, long-term solution that enhances both fan engagement and event management.
- At Richard “Itchy” Jones Stadium, baseball fans now enjoy a massive 17′ x 37′ videoboard with 16mmpixel pitch. Introducing video capabilities to the diamond for the first time, this new Watchfire display replaces the original fixed-digit scoreboard, dramatically modernizing the baseball experience. With its vibrant visuals and advanced features, the display enhances fan engagement by providing immersive video content, live game updates and interactive elements. This significant upgrade transforms the entire game experience, making each moment more dynamic and engaging.
- Davies Gym, home of Saluki volleyball, has upgraded to a new 5′ H x 10′ W fixed digit scoreboard, enhancing the game-day experience by making it easier for fans to follow scores, stats, and player information in real-time.
“The clarity is outstanding,” says Leonard. “We’ve doubled our video output in the basketball arena, and the new boards integrate flawlessly to create a truly immersive experience for our fans. The Natatorium display is stunning, and our baseball and volleyball teams have never had anything like it. Each of these displays has significantly elevated the gameday atmosphere.”
“We’re thrilled to support SIU in their mission to revolutionize their sports facilities,” says Clint Burges, major accounts manager at Watchfire. “Our cutting-edge displays enhance the overall experience for fans and athletes alike, reflecting SIU’s dedication to excellence. We’re excited about the possibility of expanding these advancements to more SIU teams, showcasing the university’s leadership and innovation in collegiate athletics.”
