NCAA - University of South Dakota

U. of South Dakota Unveils New Athletic Marks

South Dakota's Team Unveils New Look, Facilities Upgrade and New Partnerships

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (June 2, 2004) – The University of South Dakota unveiled a new look for Coyote Athletics and announced plans for significant fan enhancements to the DakotaDome during an announcement with Daktronics, Inc., today at Scheels All Sports store in Sioux Falls, S.D.

The new athletic apparel can be purchased by Coyote fans today exclusively at Scheels All Sports stores in Sioux Falls, S.D., Rapid City, S.D., and Sioux City, Iowa. The new line of clothing will soon be available in the Barnes and Noble Store on the USD campus in Vermillion and anywhere that The University of South Dakota apparel is sold.

The enhancements to the DakotaDome represent the largest sports project (to date) produced by Daktronics in the state of South Dakota. The new system and related enhancements will improve the experience for all participants attending an event in the DakotaDome, South Dakota’s most recognizable, versatile and fan-friendly arena. Enhancements include giant video screen technology and other modernized displays, including a customized ProStar“ LED Video Display and Scoring System, improvements to concourse and concessions, innovative signage, merchandising, promotions and much more.

Corporate partnerships—and no taxpayer monies—will fund the nearly $2 million in enhancements that will be manufactured and installed by Daktronics, Inc, headquartered in Brookings, S.D. While the University has many corporate sponsors, new partnerships with CorTrust Bank, Avera Health, Daktronics, Dodge and the university’s new soda and snack vendor have allowed the new scoreboard and signage project to be advanced.

University officials anticipate the Board of Regents will grant final project approval in June with the new equipment and renovations installed and ready for the football season opener. The Coyotes take on Peru State on Sept. 2 at 7 p.m.

“These improvements will make South Dakota's premier athletic facility even better,” said Athletic Director Joel Nielsen. “Starting this fall, fans who come to the DakotaDome will see considerable enhancements which will improve the atmosphere and make the game day experience much more enjoyable. This is technology similar to what you’d see at the Metrodome or Soldier Field," Nielsen said.

“We are excited to help make this fantastic upgrade a reality,” said Dr. Al Kurtenbach, chairman and co-founder of Daktronics. “This is the largest single project Daktronics has done in the state of South Dakota and we feel it shows the great amount of support we have for academic institutions and their athletics programs.”

The DakotaDome opened in 1979 and underwent a roof replacement renovation in 2001-02. It houses the athletic department at the U and annually hosts over 450,000 people in athletic events, conventions and other special occasions. Complete schedules of athletic events can be found at www.usdcoyotes.com

This article was taken from www.usdcoyotes.com.  All rights reserved.