JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – To the victors go the spoils.
In the case of the University of North Florida, those spoils are coming in the form of a new scoreboard and 44 brand new court side seats.
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Coming off of their most successful men's basketball season in the school's history, UNF athletic director Lee Moon announced the improvements at the annual Athletic Directors Reception Wednesday night at UNF.
"I think it is going to change the environment," said Moon. "We are going to try to make the fan experience something special, not only on the court, but in the arena to create the excitement of big time basketball atmosphere."
The scoreboard, manufactured by NEVCO, will be four-sided, and feature one of the only 6-millimeter LED displays in the country, meaning it will be clearer and sharper than current scoreboards. The scoreboard that is currently in the arena is more than 25 years old and is so out of date that Moon said that they cannot get parts for it anymore because the manufacturer does not make them.
"Our basketball team won and we have to show them the rewards of winning and what it can bring to your school. It also makes a statement to our players that they are appreciated."
One person that is very appreciative for the new improvements is men's head basketball coach Matthew Driscoll. Driscoll says that the new scoreboard and seats not only show his current team what can happen when you win, but it also sends a message to future recruits.
"Now when we are talking to recruits we are saying, look at how much they are investing now. In order to have that consistency and constant growth, you have to have that commitment."
In addition to the new scoreboard are plans for 44 court side seats next to a new LED advertising board that will cover a good portion of the sideline. A.D. Moon said that 40 of the 44 seats are already sold out for the 2016 season.
UNF hopes to have the new scoreboard and seats ready for a fan fest at the end of October.