Funding a scoreboard with ad revenue

Money collected from businesses and organizations interested in advertising on North Allegheny School District property would cover the almost $500,000 cost of a new electronic scoreboard at Newman Stadium, according to a proposal before the school board.

If approved, Wright Automotive would pay the district $100,000 during 10 years for an ad on the secondary scoreboard in the high school gymnasium, where basketball, volleyball and wrestling are held.

Wright would pay $100,000 during 10 years for naming rights for the football field at Newman Stadium, which draws an average of 7,000 fans per game, according to Athletic Director Bob Bozzuto.

Monte Cello’s Italian Restaurant, which has four locations in the North Hills, would pay $70,000 over a decade to be the “official pizza” of North Allegheny athletics and for the Monte Cello Red Zone announcement during games.

The school board is to meet Wednesday. Other companies in the proposal seeking to advertise in the stadium are:

– University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, eight-year deal worth $48,000.

– Tri-State Orthopedics, eight years, $44,000.

– Shaw Sports Turf, eight years, $40,000.

– Eastbay, four years, $25,000.

– North Allegheny Basketball Association, one year, $5,000.

The North Allegheny Hall of Fame plans to donate $40,000 over eight years to help cover the cost of the new scoreboard, Bozzuto said, adding that he is working on agreements with several other organizations that are interested in advertising in the district.

“One of our goals has been to get more business and organizations to help support things like the purchase of a new scoreboard, so we don’t always have to rely on tax dollars,” Bozzuto said. “Allowing them to advertise helps us achieve our goals while showcasing the organizations that support us.”

Revenue from the advertising would cover the $472,000 cost to install a 50-foot high scoreboard that has a 26-foot wide video board for electronic media presentations, the athletic director said.

“I think it will really be a great communications tool to showcase the district,” he said.

The school board on Wednesday also could accept a $7,594 donation from Baierl Automotive Group to install 24-inch-tall illuminated letters on the district’s activity and athletic canter that bears the company’s name.

Newman Stadium is in the midst of nearly $973,000 worth of renovations that include new turf and a running track, a remodeled press box, a new public address system and a new entrance way, which is being paid for with a $40,000 donation from booster groups.

Work at the stadium, including installation of the new scoreboard, is expected to be completed by the start of the fall sports season.- Pittsburgh Tribune Review

by Tony LaRussa