BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Samford University announced a six-figure lead gift from alum Joe Goode to support the addition of a proposed video board, scoreboard and audio system for Joe Lee Griffin Field, home of Samford baseball.  Goode is a 1952 graduate of Howard College, later becoming Samford University, and a longtime supporter of the Samford baseball program.
 
"This will be the first video board for our baseball program which will enhance the fan experience and create additional opportunities to generate revenue," Director of Athletics Martin Newton said. "We are committed to providing our student-athletes and fans with first class facilities and a game day atmosphere that is second to none in the Southern Conference."
 
At an estimated cost of $360,000, the proposed Daktronics video board measures 15.6 feet high by 34.8 feet wide and features a high-definition display to bring crisp, vivid imagery to Samford baseball fans. 
 
The display is also capable of variable content zoning, which allows multiple content to be displayed at once including live video, instant replays, up-to-the minute statistics, graphics, animations and sponsor messages.
 
"This gift is my way to say thank you and give back to the university that means so much to me," Goode said. "I hope that my gift demonstrates my love for both Samford and college baseball."
 
The project will also include Daktronics' powerful Show Control operating system, a new audio system and a fixed-digit scoreboard to provide all the statistics fans expect including at-bat, balls, strikes, outs, inning scores, runs, hits and errors. 
 
"This project represents a major facility upgrade for our program," Samford head coach Tony David said. "We want to create an exciting atmosphere for our fans and the addition of a video board and enhanced sound system will improve the overall game day experience.  This is the latest demonstration of the commitment that our administration and donors have to Samford baseball and our student-athletes. It is an addition to our facility that will energize our players and recruits as well as our loyal alumni and fan base.  We are grateful to Mr. Goode for his gift and for putting this project on the fast track."
 
Samford baseball has experienced tremendous success in recent years winning both Southern Conference regular season and conference tournament championships and advancing to NCAA Regionals in three of the last nine seasons while support for the program continues to grow.
 
"The popularity of college baseball is greater than ever before as we have seen with increased attendance and television ratings across the country," Deputy Athletics Director Bo Kerr, who is leading fundraising efforts for the project, said. "Not only will this project improve the fan experience at our home games but it will create additional opportunities for us to increase corporate sponsor revenue.  We are extremely grateful to Joe for this gift."
 
The board will be installed at Joe Lee Griffin Field once fundraising for the project is complete, with a goal of having it in place in time for the 2022 baseball season. Additional funding is still needed, and anyone interested in supporting the project should contact Bo Kerr at (205) 726-2139 or jkerr@samford.edu.
 
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