Toledo Mud Hens to Reveal New Daktronics Displays for 2009 Season

BROOKINGS, S.D. – March 20, 2009 – The Toledo Mud Hens will showcase a new integrated video, scoring and advertising display system at Fifth Third Field this spring. The Mud Hens, a minor league affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, have teamed with Daktronics Inc. (Nasdaq-DAKT) of Brookings, S.D. to provide stadium upgrades prior to opening day of the 2009 minor league baseball season.

“The new boards will enhance the overall entertainment that our fans have come to expect,” said Mike Ramirez, Video Board and TV Production Manager. “We are excited to see what new ideas we can bring to the table with this new technology. We expect our fans will be very happy with what we will now be able to provide.”

Located over the left field fence, fans can view all the action of Mud Hens baseball on a state-of-the-art 33 feet wide by 32 feet high LED (light emitting diode) video display. The video board can operate as a single giant display or be divided into multiple zones (windows) to show a wide variety of statistics, information, graphics, animations and live and recorded video.

Daktronics also provided roughly 90 feet of digital ribbon display mounted to the fascia along the left and right field lines. These displays provide fans with in-game information, out-of-town scores, promotional messages and crowd prompts that create an interactive experience, immersing fans into the game. Sponsors will also have creative opportunities to get their messages across through motion graphics and other eye-catching content.

The new displays, along with an existing 40 feet wide by 20 feet high Daktronics video display located in right field, will surround the playing field and provide a game-day atmosphere second to none.

“We are very excited about the new video screen and LED ribbon board addition to Fifth Third Field,” said Will Ellerbruch, Daktronics Regional Sales Manager. “We have thoroughly enjoyed working with the Mud Hens since the open of the stadium. The new system will provide them with unprecedented flexibility to entertain and inform their fans all while activating sponsorships.”

Daktronics is also turning on major systems and system upgrades this season for the New York Mets, New York Yankees, Cincinnati Reds, Texas Rangers, Kansas City Royals and Pittsburgh Pirates. This season’s Minor League projects include systems for the Bowling Green Hot Rods, Columbus Clippers, Gwinnett Braves, Long Beach Armada, Reno Aces, Tacoma Rainiers, Toledo Mud Hens and Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.

Located in downtown Toledo, Ohio, the Toledo Mud Hens are a Triple-A minor league affiliate of the Detroit Tigers and play in the International League. With a seating capacity of over 10,000, the Mud Hens have called Fifth Third Field home since 2002. As one of the most picturesque and popular ballparks in all of minor league baseball, “The Roost” section of the field was rated as the best seats to watch a minor league baseball game by ESPN.com in 2007.

News Source : Toledo Mud Hens to Reveal New Daktronics Displays for 2009 Season