Tuesday, December 11, 2001
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The new scoreboard at Les Murakami Stadium will look a lot like the one that was installed in 1984, but it will be different in a number of ways, not all visible to the naked eye. ‘The Les’ gets more
-- a new scoreboardNo more guessing the score, this
By Al Chase
one does not rely on light bulbs
achase@starbulletin.comWhat Rainbow baseball fans will relish is being able to discern the numbers on the scoreboard. No more trying to decide if a number is a 3 or 8 or a 4 or 7.
"The new scoreboard does not have light bulbs. It has light-emitting diodes, similar to what is used in traffic signals," Murakami Stadium manager Glenn Nakaya said.
FairPlay of Des Moines, Iowa, will take six to eight weeks to manufacture the scoreboard, which was ordered in October. The cost is $170,000 to $180,000. However, more than half the expense is being underwritten by sponsors.
"Our goal is to have it here by Jan. 20 and installed by the first game on Jan. 30 against Florida State," said Nakaya. "We wanted a company with a local representative (Roger Hill Ltd.) so we could be serviced. If there is a problem, we want someone here right away, not someone who has to fly in."
The new scoreboard will have a message center. Unlike the old one, it will have video capabilities which could eventually lead to instant replays.
The package includes a new computer and updated programs for the press box. This may allow for the running of visual commercials. Fiber optic cable will connect the computer with the message center, making transmission much faster. The scoreboard will be operated by wireless remote.
The names of visiting teams will be displayed vs. the permanent "VISITOR" on the old scoreboard. And, the present support structure will be used for the new scoreboard.
On sale: Baseball season tickets go on sale starting tomorrow and continue through Jan. 16 at the Stan Sheriff box office, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The cost is $185 plus a $20 premium seat donation for the blue and orange levels. The red level costs $145 for adults, $120 for seniors, children age 4 to 18 and UH students.
Season tickets also can be purchased through charge by telephone by calling 944-2697 starting at noon tomorrow.
Individual game tickets go on sale Jan. 22.
Go camping: Openings are available for youngsters interested in the University Rainbow Baseball Camps at Les Murakami Stadium.
The pitching/catching camp for youngsters ages 10-18 is Dec. 27-28. The hitting camp for those ages 8-18 is Dec. 29-30.
The cost is $110 per camp and includes a T-shirt. Lunch is not provided. Campers need to bring their own gear. For more information or an application form, call 956-6247.
UH Athletics