Stambaugh Stadium scoreboard upgraded

By Denise Dick | July 28, 2015 at 12:05a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

The Stambaugh Stadium scoreboard is getting a new look thanks to Pepsi.

Workers from Baker Painting and Coating in Boardman last week repainted the steel structure that frames the scoreboard at Beede Field at Youngstown State University.

New lighting also is part of the project.

“Both projects are being funded with external dollars,” Trevor Parks, YSU’s sports information director, said in an email. “Pepsi is the sole sponsor of the scoreboard.”

Cost of the scoreboard is about $400,000, and the lighting costs about $600,000.

Parks said the Penguin Club, the football booster organization, is contributing to the lighting expense.

Parks said the scoreboard was last upgraded for the 2004 football season. The agreement with Pepsi provides enhanced marketing and revenue opportunities, he said.

The old board was in disrepair, and no replacement parts were available for its video board, Parks said. The previous scoreboard company went out of business.

Last summer, the university inked a deal with Pepsi to become YSU’s sole soft-drink provider. YSU previously offered only Coca-Cola products.

Besides its cola, Pepsi also offers Mountain Dew, Gatorade and Aquafina.

The lighting and scoreboard project are expected to be finished in time for the Penguins’ home opener Sept. 12. YSU faces the Colonials from Robert Morris University of Moon Township, Pa. Kickoff will be at 7 p.m.

Robert Morris’ 2014 record was 1-10.

The Penguins’ record was 7-5. This will be Cardinal Mooney High School graduate Bo Pelini’s first season as YSU’s head coach. He formerly coached the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers.