Screen play at Sterling High School

STERLING – Have you ever wanted to see that Warriors’ game-winning goal or highlight reel touchdown just one more time?

Well, now you can.

With the installation of a new 33-by-18-foot video board, fans at Sterling Chevrolet Field at Roscoe Eades Stadium soon will be able to re-live the Friday-night-lights action.

The $211,000 big screen will be used to show instant replays, live video, and, of course, a few commercials.

“This board gives us the capabilities to show highlights, prerecorded interviews, roster graphics and advertising,” Superintendent Tad Everett said Friday. “It’s not just for football, but any activity” – track meets, soccer games, graduation, even family movie nights.

“We’re excited to improve all experiences with the video capabilities of the board,” Everett said.

What it won’t be used for: reviewing plays. The Illinois High School Association does not allow officials to consult instant replays to overturn controversial calls.

Newman Central Catholic High School, which rents the stadium for its games, also will be able to use the board, at no extra cost.

“The only requirement is to have someone trained in operating the video board, whether they have to train a staff member or hire someone else,” Everett said.

In addition to enhancing the experience of a game or event, the other main purpose of the nearly 600-square-foot board is to make money from the advertisers who will pay for spots during such events.

It will take 3 to 4 years to pay the Sterling Schools Foundation, which fronted the district the 200 grand. After that bill is paid, money generated by the ads will help pay for the maintenance of the field’s $1 million artificial turf.

It was installed in 2012, and will need to be resurfaced after about 10 years, which will cost about $450,000.

The stadium also generates money in other ways: The district gets $17,000 a year from U.S. Cellular, which installed a tower on the north end and leased the space for 30 years. This year it will bring in about $17,000; that revenue will increase 3 percent a year for each of the lease’s remaining 24 years.

One of its largest sources of turf revenue came from Sterling Chevrolet, which paid $240,000 for 5 years of naming rights and advertisements.

That agreement was to expire June 30, but the district decided to extend that agreement through this football season, because renovations forced the removal of the advertising for a time.

“We wanted to honor the integrity of the contract, because we had to take down signs during construction last year,” Everett said. “They’ve been a fantastic partner for us and we want to offer them the first opportunity to extend the agreement.”

​It’s too soon to tell whether the dealership will renew its contract, but Lee Schreiber, Sterling Chevrolet’s president, said they have “loved their time as the sponsor.”

“It’s why we’ve dedicated another $60,000 over the next 5 years to the foundation,” he said.

“We’re dedicated to making a positive impact in Sterling.”

AD-DITIONAL INFORMATION

Interested in advertising on the new Roscoe Eades Stadium video board?

Call the Sterling Schools Foundation at 815-626-0022 or athletic director Greg King at 815-625-6800, ext. 1429, for rates and more details.