Daktronics of Brookings, South Dakota, has partnered with Illinois State University to design, manufacture and install a new LED video display, totalling 2,025 square feet, and a Daktronics Sportsound audio system in the end zone of Jay & Lori Bergman Field in Normal, Illinois. The video display, complete with Show Control system and custom digital content, and audio system will be delivered ahead of the 2026 football season.

“Coming off a national title game appearance just months ago, we know Redbird Football is positioned for success in the future,” said Paul Kebbes, deputy AD for external operations at Illinois State University. “We want to ensure the game-day experience is at the highest level possible for our fans, and this upgrade, thanks to Daktronics, will assist in our efforts. Jay & Lori Bergman Field will continue getting better and better for coaches, student-athletes and dedicated fans!”

Video Display Details

The end zone video display will measure approximately 31.5 feet high by 64.5 feet wide to deliver larger-than-life visuals to everyone at Hancock Stadium. The display features a 10-millimeter pixel spacing for excellent image clarity and contrast. It also features industry-leading environmental protection ensuring it operates as expected in the outdoor elements.

“Bringing audiovisual upgrades like this is something we take great pride in at Daktronics and we’re thrilled to bring this solution to Illinois State University and their fans,” said Ryan Kuzman, Daktronics sales representative on the project. “It’s been great to work with the Redbirds Athletics team to bring this to fruition, and it will be exciting to see this project make a positive impact for years to come.”

The display is capable of variable content zoning allowing it to show one large image or multiple zones of content at the same time. This could be any mix of live video, instant replay, graphics and animations, statistics and game information, or sponsorship messages.

Audio System Details

A Sportsound® 2050 audio system will also be added to the stadium above the video board and will be integrated with the video and scoring system. The system provides full-range sound reproduction, delivers clear and intelligible speech, and provides a powerful audio experience for the fans. Daktronics audio offers high quality audio systems that can integrate with dynamic displays in indoor and outdoor sport venues.

Daktronics is also including a complete Show Control solution. This industry-leading control system provides a combination of display control software, world-class video processing, data integration and playback hardware that forms a powerful yet user-friendly production solution. For more information on Show Control, visit www.daktronics.com/show.

Included with the equipment installation, Illinois State University will also receive a custom digital content package to be produced and delivered by Daktronics Creative Services, an in-house, award-winning creative team.

Daktronics has grown with the sports industry since its beginning in 1968. Today, the company has LED video display installations at hundreds of colleges and universities across the United States. For more information on what Daktronics can provide for the collegiate market, visit www.daktronics.com/college.