Purdue Univ. as part of a new renovation project will add "two large video boards, including a giant scoreboard that will, in essence, enclose the south end zone" of Ross-Ade Stadium, according to Pete DiPrimio of the Ft. Wayne NEWS-SENTINEL. Texas A&M currently has the nation's largest scoreboard in college sports, but Purdue AD Morgan Burke during a gathering of John Purdue Club members said that, in an "ideal world, the Boilers' new scoreboard would be just a little bigger." He said that it would "create the impression the stadium was enclosed." A "state-of-the-art sound system also will be installed to provide a surround sound experience." A new scoreboard -- "basically the size of the south end zone scoreboard -- will be installed in the north end zone," and a video ribbon boarder "will be added." Burke also wants to "adjust the seating options for young alums (replace old bleachers with chair-backs), add lights for more night games as well as provide funds for maintenance." The price tag is "likely between" $30-60M, although Burke "said not to hold him to it until a feasibility study and market survey are finished." The project "likely would take two to three years to complete" (Ft. Wayne NEWS-SENTINEL, 4/15). In Indiana, Mike Carmin noted as part of the "current concept, two bridges would connect the south end zone to the stadium on both sides." Money will be raised "through a capital campaign" -- similar to the $100M Mackey Arena renovation -- but "future television revenues from the Big Ten will be used to help fund the project." Alcohol, which currently "isn't permitted inside the stadium," would likely "be available in some areas" (Lafayette JOURNAL & COURIER, 4/16).
