Schoellkopf Field to get new video scoreboard

A new large video scoreboard is being constructed over the summer in time for this season's football season, as well as for the 2011-12 lacrosse programs.

[www.facebook.com]

I hope that the football team gets to use it but I fear that the first highlight will be during lax season.

ugarte
I hope that the football team gets to use it but I fear that the first highlight will be during lax season.

Actually, Andy Noel was interviewed on Sidelines last week and said it will be completed in early August to allow time for practice and preparation, so we should be in good shape for the football season.

[www.cornell.edu]

Ken711

ugarte
I hope that the football team gets to use it but I fear that the first highlight will be during lax season.

Actually, Andy Noel was interviewed on Sidelines last week and said it will be completed in early August to allow time for practice and preparation, so we should be in good shape for the football season.

[www.cornell.edu]

I think you missed ugarte's point.

I just hope we can keep it functional if we host any lax regionals.

Al DeFlorio

Ken711

ugarte
I hope that the football team gets to use it but I fear that the first highlight will be during lax season.

Actually, Andy Noel was interviewed on Sidelines last week and said it will be completed in early August to allow time for practice and preparation, so we should be in good shape for the football season.

[www.cornell.edu]

I think you missed ugarte's point.

Sorry... I missed the "highlight" point.

Who's paying? Haven't seen any news stories about it. It's a good idea. This kind of thing is also a lightning rod for profs and departments feeling the pinch.

billhoward
Who's paying? Haven't seen any news stories about it. It's a good idea. This kind of thing is also a lightning rod for profs and departments feeling the pinch.

Noel said it was paid for by football and lacrosse supporters.

I was about to say something snippy like the football supporters didn't see the need for a tens column for the Home Score ... but maybe things are finally looking up for them. We've had a decade (several decades) of dashed hopes with new coaches. Kent Austin may be the difference-maker.

I believe Austin was a driving force behind raising funds for the project.....

To incite applause in the crowd, can we get a graphic of two seemingly gloved hands clapping slowly? Please?

Scersk '97
To incite applause in the crowd, can we get a graphic of two seemingly gloved hands clapping slowly? Please?

BRUIT!!!

jtwcornell91

Scersk '97
To incite applause in the crowd, can we get a graphic of two seemingly gloved hands clapping slowly? Please?

BRUIT!!!

Had to read it closely. For a minute I thought you were advertising a cologne.

Time lapse of the new video scoreboard going up can be seen at:

[www.facebook.com]

Ken711
Time lapse of the new video scoreboard going up can be seen at:

[www.facebook.com]

Wow, it's incredible seeing the process of going from no scoreboard to no scoreboard zoom by like that!

Worst. Timelapse. Ever.

More photos of the new video scoreboard construction and football practice.

[www.cornellbigred.com]

Huggy bear is immortalized.

Maybe they can play a different game on the scoreboard to attract spectators.

Hey - I'm very pleased to have a replay board. Sneeze and miss a goal in lacrosse and you have no idea what happened. Over the last few years, the school has done a great job with Schoellkopf: new addition to the fieldhouse, new turf, new video board. It's a great place to see a game. Now if only we had something to cheer about on the football side of things. It kills me to see such a huge stadium so empty...

CUontheslopes
Hey - I'm very pleased to have a replay board. Sneeze and miss a goal in lacrosse and you have no idea what happened. Over the last few years, the school has done a great job with Schoellkopf: new addition to the fieldhouse, new turf, new video board. It's a great place to see a game. Now if only we had something to cheer about on the football side of things. It kills me to see such a huge stadium so empty...

I agree having followed Cornell football for over 40 years. Developing a consistent winning program will surely help, something I hope Coach Kent Austin will establish.

So how was the scoreboard in person? Did you need sunscreen? Does this by chance give Cornell the ability stream more ads?

Tom Fleischman of The Ithaca Journal wrote

And of course, the university debuted its new video scoreboard, a 40-foot-high, 38-foot-wide behemoth with a 18-by-31 video screen as its centerpiece. It showed game action and replays, panned the stands, found the "Fan of the Game," quizzed the attendees on Cornell trivia and generally provided an alternate form of entertainment.

Of the 73 photos accompanying the article, #16 shows the scoreboard, and it appears in the distant background of a few of the last photos.

Yes, there were a few ads. Both Ciao Pizza & Pasta (with which I wasn't familiar) & Time Warner got text ads at the bottom of the scoreboard throughout the game. They also played one actual commercial a couple times during breaks in the action. I'm totally blanking on the product, but it's an ad you would have seen on TV. Overall, nothing too annoying.

They're still working out the kinks. For example, I don't think they know how a "kiss cam" is supposed to work, but they'll get there. Standard graphics like the clapping Mickey Mouse hands, crazy dancing bobble head characters, and the "noise meter" were all present.

It really does add to the gameday experience though. I was surprised how much it enhanced my enjoyment of the game (although winning obviously helps).

Strongly, strongly disagree.

The scoreboard, as currently controlled, detracts from the gameday experience by presenting a loud, annoying sideshow of crap, including the "kiss cam," Clarkson-style clapping hands, and everything else that makes me puke. If they could keep it to replays and information on the players, I'd have no problem with it.

And commercials? Fuck me. I was more than pleased when a commercial came on while I was making my way through the "Motto Cheer." To my mind, a perfect example of how overzealous use (or uses) of the scoreboard make it tougher to be an involved, spirited fan.

Scersk '97
And commercials? Fuck me. I was more than pleased when a commercial came on while I was making my way through the "Motto Cheer." To my mind, a perfect example of how overzealous use (or uses) of the scoreboard make it tougher to be an involved, spirited fan.

Dude, not that I don't agree with you in principle, but entire football head coaching tenures at Cornell have been briefer than you making your way through the "Motto Cheer."

Scersk '97
Strongly, strongly disagree.

The scoreboard, as currently controlled, detracts from the gameday experience by presenting a loud, annoying sideshow of crap, including the "kiss cam," Clarkson-style clapping hands, and everything else that makes me puke. If they could keep it to replays and information on the players, I'd have no problem with it.

And commercials? Fuck me. I was more than pleased when a commercial came on while I was making my way through the "Motto Cheer." To my mind, a perfect example of how overzealous use (or uses) of the scoreboard make it tougher to be an involved, spirited fan.

I couldn't disagree with you more. Ok is some of the sideshow stuff annoying? Sure, but it's outweighed 1000x over by being able to see a replay. I can't tell you how many times (particularly in lacrosse) I'd wished I'd been able to see a replay. How many times at a lax game have you seen the net flutter, cheered and then turned to the person next to you to ask, "What just happened?"

For kids and lukewarm fans, all the silly stuff improves their experience. They generally like it. The more we can do to get those tepid fans into the stadium the better. For me, I'm just happy to have a replay.

CUontheslopes
For kids and lukewarm fans, all the silly stuff improves their experience. They generally like it. The more we can do to get those tepid fans into the stadium the better. For me, I'm just happy to have a replay.

No! We must sneer derisively as possible at the lukewarm fans for their foolish, foolish opinions and drive them form our midst!

KeithK
We must sneer derisively as possible at the lukewarm fans for their foolish, foolish opinions and drive them form our midst!

That would make an awesome forum thread title.

Beeeej

KeithK
We must sneer derisively as possible at the lukewarm fans for their foolish, foolish opinions and drive them form our midst!

That would make an awesome forum thread title.

Or a University motto.

"I would found an institution where the rest of you can pound sand."

Trotsky
"I would found an institution where the rest of you can pound sand."

Pretty sure that's the motto at Cato.

Scersk '97
Strongly, strongly disagree.

The scoreboard, as currently controlled, detracts from the gameday experience by presenting a loud, annoying sideshow of crap, including the "kiss cam," Clarkson-style clapping hands, and everything else that makes me puke. If they could keep it to replays and information on the players, I'd have no problem with it.

And commercials? Fuck me. I was more than pleased when a commercial came on while I was making my way through the "Motto Cheer." To my mind, a perfect example of how overzealous use (or uses) of the scoreboard make it tougher to be an involved, spirited fan.

I obviously disagree, but I respect any opinion that believes "it should be about the game." However, we had a great crowd (although half of it leaving at halftime during an entertaining game was... curious). I do think that everyone in attendance, including those less "die hard" than you and me, had a wonderful time, and the scoreboard is partially to thank for that. I think a lot of those people will come back for a non-Homecoming game this season, and that makes me happy. The players deserve a crowd.

To your point though, they did use the scoreboard to flash "player cards" with student-athlete pictures and pertinent info. I think we can both agree that this, at least, is an appropriate use of the technology.

CornellChris
To your point though, they did use the scoreboard to flash "player cards" with student-athlete pictures and pertinent info. I think we can both agree that this, at least, is an appropriate use of the technology.

Yes. But to address CUontheslopes, who seems grateful that good (replays) has come along with the bad ("kiss cam" ), one wonders why we have to take the good with the bad. I blame the Nintendo generation and their enablers.

Enormous screens corrupt absolutely something something.

Scersk '97

CornellChris
To your point though, they did use the scoreboard to flash "player cards" with student-athlete pictures and pertinent info. I think we can both agree that this, at least, is an appropriate use of the technology.

Yes. But to address CUontheslopes, who seems grateful that good (replays) has come along with the bad ("kiss cam" ), one wonders why we have to take the good with the bad. I blame the Nintendo generation and their enablers.

Enormous screens corrupt absolutely something something.

My comment is not that I'm pleased to take the good with the bad, but rather that I'm willing to accept the cheesy graphic because I get instant replays. No serious fan of any sport is going to argue that replay does not enhance the fan experience. And as for the "bad," well there are some people (read: kids) who like that and if it puts a few more people in the stands, then just avert your eyes when it comes on - simple enough.

This board is just absurd sometimes with how it bashs the non-purists. I mean for God's sake, they can't even sell out Lynah anymore - maybe if the faithful weren't often so hostile to the "facetimers" a few more of them might turn into loyal fans. A full stadium's better than a half empty one, even if a few of those people like the kiss cam. Rant complete.

The DAK scoreboard clapping hands and noise-o-meters are absurd but not as bad as a stadium or arena that isn't full. I for one would trade Lynah and its traditional scoreboard with the missing pixels (burned out bulbs) for the Quinnipiac rink or BU's rink. In an instant. Well, maybe not if you have to take the thundersticks as part of the deal.

billhoward
I for one would trade Lynah and its traditional scoreboard with the missing pixels (burned out bulbs) for the Quinnipiac rink or BU's rink.

HERESY!!!

CUontheslopes
And as for the "bad," well there are some people (read: kids) who like that and if it puts a few more people in the stands, then just avert your eyes when it comes on - simple enough.

Actually, if it were just visual pollution, I wouldn't care so much. It's the noise. You have to understand who I am a bit to understand why I'm peeved: 4-year bandie and pep bandie, doctorate in musicology (dissertation on opera history), and audio purist.

To my mind, there were already enough sources of sound to provide the correct noise profile for a football game, so I detest the audio intrusions from the scoreboard, including piped-in rock music, commercials, and idiotic cheer prompts. That is, we already have fans, cheerleaders, and a (well-known and respected) band, so why do we need more noise?

Now, I understand the notion that probably goes through every well-meaning functionary's mind when approached about this stuff— "More noise will be even better!"—but that's not what happens. In my experience, piped-in noise creates docile fans who don't react to the game. And, as I mentioned above, we already have enough prompts. My directive to the fans: listen to the cheerleaders and band and react. We do it at Lynah, why not at Schoellkopf?

- Cheerleaders?

- Forget it, he's rolling.

Scersk '97

CUontheslopes
And as for the "bad," well there are some people (read: kids) who like that and if it puts a few more people in the stands, then just avert your eyes when it comes on - simple enough.

Actually, if it were just visual pollution, I wouldn't care so much. It's the noise. You have to understand who I am a bit to understand why I'm peeved: 4-year bandie and pep bandie, doctorate in musicology (dissertation on opera history), and audio purist.

To my mind, there were already enough sources of sound to provide the correct noise profile for a football game, so I detest the audio intrusions from the scoreboard, including piped-in rock music, commercials, and idiotic cheer prompts. That is, we already have fans, cheerleaders, and a (well-known and respected) band, so why do we need more noise?

Now, I understand the notion that probably goes through every well-meaning functionary's mind when approached about this stuff— "More noise will be even better!"—but that's not what happens. In my experience, piped-in noise creates docile fans who don't react to the game. And, as I mentioned above, we already have enough prompts. My directive to the fans: listen to the cheerleaders and band and react. We do it at Lynah, why not at Schoellkopf?

I find the absolute most annoying part of any Cornell football game to be the band splitting up into sections and playing from different parts of the stadium. It comes across as them being more interested in themselves than the game. It's distracting and annoying. The pep band on the other hand is much more into the game on a regular basis.

When Cornell sends the band on the road, as it did to Yale, they provide all the decibels and entertainment Cornell fans could want. The only thing missing was a W at the end of the game.

Yes, when the band splits up and plays from different sections, there is an element of "hey, look at me, I'm showing off." Still, it's entertaining.

If there's one thing the band could work on, it's clarity on the part of the announcer. For decades there have been games where I have been unable to fathom what the announcer said. Legibility comes and goes: "And now, the Big Red Marching Band forms a [muphlbl garble] in honor of [sceeeeeech] by playing [redacted]." Sometimes it's the PA system but in Yale Bowl the Yale announcer came through perfectly. Even though he had nothing to say and the band followed to perfection. I'm not sure if the Yale band formed a very limp "Y" Saturday or a fallopian tube and either is a possibility when the Yale team swarmed up the base of the Y. (Look, we all see inkblots differently.) The Yale halftime act had something to do with Romeo and Juliet, so it could go either way.

[clear]
Yale band forming a, probably, letter Y



Sorry to diss this one part of the band. I love seeing them at games, or the pep band, or even a couple of band alums with a pair of trumpets and a cowbell. Nothing like a 30-piece pep band showing up at Princeton for lacrosse and they're only band at the stadium. I hope potential Princeton lax recruits take notice of which school and which band cares more. We love you, Big Red Band.
[clear]
Big Red band at Yale

billhoward
For decades there have been games where I have been unable to fathom what the announcer said. Legibility comes and goes: "And now, the Big Red Marching Band forms a [muphlbl garble] in honor of [sceeeeeech] by playing [redacted]."

I'd be happy if they'd just drop the unnecessary and pretentious "And now..."

Robb
- Cheerleaders?

- Forget it, he's rolling.

Too bad there is no rec'd on this board.

billhoward
Yes, when the band splits up and plays from different sections, there is an element of "hey, look at me, I'm showing off." Still, it's entertaining.

It's annoying, distracting and self-absorbed. No one but the band (or perhaps some of you band alums) likes it. I'd take 1,000 clap meters before I had to hear annoying blare of trumpets serenading each other across the stadium without regard for what was going on in the game.

CUontheslopes

billhoward
Yes, when the band splits up and plays from different sections, there is an element of "hey, look at me, I'm showing off." Still, it's entertaining.

It's annoying, distracting and self-absorbed. No one but the band (or perhaps some of you band alums) likes it. I'd take 1,000 clap meters before I had to hear annoying blare of trumpets serenading each other across the stadium without regard for what was going on in the game.

I disagree, there is someone, me.

CUontheslopes
without regard for what was going on in the game.

I suspect that anything that distracts from the game is probably in the interest of improving attendance.

CUontheslopes

billhoward
Yes, when the band splits up and plays from different sections, there is an element of "hey, look at me, I'm showing off." Still, it's entertaining.

It's annoying, distracting and self-absorbed. No one but the band (or perhaps some of you band alums) likes it. I'd take 1,000 clap meters before I had to hear annoying blare of trumpets serenading each other across the stadium without regard for what was going on in the game.

I think some band traditions have arisen from all the years of football mediocrity and needing to make their own fun at games.

I live in Atlanta, and both the Georgia Tech and Georgia bands split up and roam around the stadium right after halftime. It is just something that "real" marching bands do.

rmandel
I live in Atlanta, and both the Georgia Tech and Georgia bands split up and roam around the stadium right after halftime. It is just something that "real" marching bands do.

It's Atlanta. They're foraging for food.

imafrshmn
I think some band traditions have arisen from all the years of football mediocrity and needing to make their own fun at games.

Hmm.

For the sake of ECAC hockey, this was a band practice, not a game at Brown, right? There is nobody in the opposite stands.

billhoward
For the sake of ECAC hockey, this was a band practice, not a game at Brown, right? There is nobody in the opposite stands.

The only time I saw them skate, it was after a game, and it took them a while to make their way to the ice and lace up. Even though it was announced during the game, most fans at Brown leave before or immediately after the final buzzer.

imafrshmn
I think some band traditions have arisen from all the years of football mediocrity and needing to make their own fun at games.

Ding, ding, ding! Some games are best appreciated from the top of the Biotech Building.

Scersk '97
Ding, ding, ding! Some games are best appreciated from the top of the Biotech Building Chapter House.

FYP.

Robb

Scersk '97
Ding, ding, ding! Some gamessports are best appreciated from the top of the Biotech Building Chapter House.

FYP.

FYP.

RichH

billhoward
For the sake of ECAC hockey, this was a band practice, not a game at Brown, right? There is nobody in the opposite stands.

The only time I saw them skate, it was after a game, and it took them a while to make their way to the ice and lace up. Even though it was announced during the game, most fans at Brown leave before or immediately after the final buzzer.

I have seen them skate under those circumstances, after the game, in their band uniforms. They were bad musicians and worse skaters, but IMHO it was a very cool thing to do and I wish they'd continue the tradition.

At least it doesn't have any flying animals.

Yes, but can anybody tell me where I'm supposed to get on my feet?

Jim Hyla



At least it doesn't have any flying animals.

Needs more Space Bears.

ETA: also, what's with the students walking around campus Charlie Chaplin style? Does that inspire people these days?