The largest video board in the state at the high school level and a multi-color LED light show will enhance the experience at Spartan Stadium.

August 20, 2021 -- The gameday and fan experience at Spartan Stadium is being taken to the next level with new additions this fall. The headline features are a Daktronics video board and the addition of a multi-color light show to the LED light system that was put in place last year.

The Mountain Brook Board of Education funded the video board that costs nearly $400,000 and will be reimbursed by the sponsorships sold from advertisements within five years. 

The video board will be displayed on the school side of the stadium and be fully visible from the bleachers. The dimensions and features are as follows:

• Entire structure: 36.4 feet high X 46.8 feet wide

• Arched truss with backlit channel lettering above the screen: 6 ft. high X 46.8 inches wide
• Video display: 26.4 feet high X 46.8 feet wide
• Eight sponsor panels below the video display 4 feet high X 48.8 inches wide
• Sound system: 3 feet high X 8 feet wide (will rest on the top of the existing ivy wall next to the video board)

“We are excited that our video board project has come to fruition through the generosity and backing of the Board of Education,” Athletic Director Benny Eaves said. “The video board will provide a wide range of opportunities for our student-athletes, teams, and general student population.  It will greatly affect the game-day atmosphere and experience for all in attendance.  We are also proud to know that after the BOE payback phase is complete we will be able to generate and contribute funds to the high school general fund as well as save for future athletic venue video board purchases.  Both the school system and Daktronics are excited to install the largest high school venue board in the state of Alabama.”

There are four levels of video board sponsorships. The top-level sponsorships (Tip of the Spear) will directly affect EVERY sport at the high school as the money is dispersed among all sports. These sponsors are limited to eight slots and will be displayed on the bottom of the video board in addition to having representation at every high school athletic venue. The remaining three levels – Shields Up, Edge of the Sword, and Spartan levels will benefit the sports designated by the sponsor.

“The Spartan Athletic Foundation has been phenomenal in helping recruit and secure our eight Tip of the Spear sponsors as well most of the lower three-level sponsorships,” Eaves said. “They have been crucial in the fundraising process.”

Barring any complications, the video board will be up and running for the varsity football game versus Huffman on September 10.

The LED lights were put in place for last football season. They replaced the original stadium lights that had been in place for over 50 years. This year, the multi-color feature was added to create an environment similar to Bryant-Denny Stadium and Jordan-Hare Stadium. 

Green and gold (or any color combination for that matter) can flash across the stadium after a first down, touchdown, or any special situation.

“The lights add to the excitement and Friday nights at MBHS will be something that everyone will want to be a part of,” MBHS Principal Philip Holley said.

Both the video board and light features can be used for any event in Spartan Stadium at any time of the year.