ATHENS, Ohio – Ohio University’s campus contract with G&J Pepsi for exclusive pouring rights will mean stadium enhancements at five athletic venues in the upcoming year, Associate Athletics Director for External Affairs Mark Wilson announced today. State-of-the-art video boards will be added to Peden Stadium and the Convocation Center, while Bob Wren Stadium, Chessa Field and the softball complex will have their original scoreboards replaced.

“We really want to thank Pepsi for all they do with Ohio Athletics,” said Wilson. “The new scoreboards at all our venues will be a great improvement to the fan experience. Moreover, the addition of video boards at Peden Stadium and the Convocation Center will make the gameday atmosphere even more exciting for Bobcat fans.”

The new displays at Peden and the Convo will contain video matrix boards that are capable of showing live action as well as replays. Other features include the ability to display updated player and team statistics throughout the game and bring the fan up-close views of Marching 110 performances and other pregame and halftime activities.

Peden’s main video screen is 15 x 20 feet, with the overall board extending eight feet on either side. The bottom will contain a pair of three-side rotating advertising panels.

“We are proud supporters of Ohio Athletics,” said Curt Allison, division sales manager of G&J Pepsi. “We have had a presence at Bobcat sporting events since 1967 and want to provide a positive experience for fans and students at the game. We look forward to continuing the relationship over the next 10 years.

Work began in mid-July with the new scoreboard at Bob Wren Stadium being installed and the foundations being poured in preparation for the new boards at Chessa Field and the softball complex. On July 21st, installation will begin on the videoboards at Peden Stadium and the Convocation Center. Work on all of the projects is expected to be completed by the end of July, according to representatives of Daktronics, the company responsible for the manufacturing and installation of the boards.

“We are pleased that Ohio University has decided to use Daktronics,” said Will Ellerbruch, sales representative for the company, one of the leading manufacturers of scoreboards and video systems. “Our video displays enhance the entertainment value of the sporting events in an unlimited number of ways – from pregame introductions, to advertisements and promotions for other university entities.”

Regionally, Daktronics has provided scoreboards for Detroit’s Ford Field, both Paul Brown Stadium and Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati and the Columbus Crew Stadium.

Season tickets for the 2003 Ohio football season are on sale now. For more information, call the Ohio Athletics Ticket Office at 740-593-1300 or 1-800-575-CATS. The Bobcats open the season at Peden Stadium on Thursday, August 28, hosting Southeast Missouri State.