Think your TV is big? Well, UT’s new one will be even bigger!
April 17th, 2009 | 
Author: I am a bit behind on this story (at least I think I am) but still figured this is worth passing along.
In case you hadn’t heard, this weekend’s Orange and White Game will be the last for the Jumbotron at Neyland Stadium. This change, however, is being driven by necessity, not vanity.
Tennessee Jumbotron I: 1999 - 2009
When installed in 1999, the Sony video screen was the largest of its type in the country. According to an article on “Tennessee Today” since that time Sony has discontinued producing video screens which has led to problems for the Jumbotron and the UT Athletic Department. For the last three years, no replacement parts have been available for the screen and the UTAD has had to purchase scrap parts from other screens just to keep it running. With a limited supply of parts, it has been difficult to service the aging video screen.
Then, after a screen malfunction in the Fall of 2008, fears arose that if the screen were turned completely off, it might be impossible to turn it back on. It is for this reason that the screen has been left on in “sleep mode” constantly since the Fall of 2008.
Thus, after the 2009 Orange and White Game, the screen will be officially disconnected and removed from its perch above Neyland Stadium.
Not to fear, however, the screen will be replaced by an even more gargantuan 41 x 127 foot one (that’s 5,207 sq. ft.) which should be ready to go for the 5 September kickoff against Western Kentucky. The new screen will rest on the existing stantions that support the current screen and, apparently, is being designed and installed by Anthony James Partners, a Virginia firm specializing in massive video screens.
Below are a few renderings of the new screen that recently made their way onto the web. Whether they are accurate is hard to say, but I figured they are worth sharing:
Renderings of Tennessee’s New Jumbotron
— Click Images to Bigify —
I have to say that the design is impressive. I especially like the decorative “T” iron work along the top. Still, I hope that the final design includes the “VOLS”” sign that has graced the south endzone of the stadium since 1966.
A few shots of the “VOLS” sign through the years • L to R c. 1966, c. 1971, c. 1977-99
As for the old screen, if you’re in the market, I bet UT would make you deal on it. Might look nice in your living room…
…or on top of it.
– So it goes ….gif "Think your TV is big? Well, UT’s new one will be even bigger!")
Image(s) Courtesy of: : FVSports • TheVIB || Statement on Fair Use
About the Author: "Lawvol" -- I'm just a guy living in North Carolina who has an unnatural fascination with the color orange. Just because I'm a Tennessee alum and die-hard Volunteer fan doesn't mean that I can't poke a little fun at the Big Orange and anybody else for that matter.
Feel free to complain all you want. >> Read more from this author
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- @allthingsvols Yes, I know about that all too well. It was fun, but the show must go on. Besides, I am super excited about going to VN.
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B.L.I.N.K.
It’s still smaller than Mississippi State’s HD screen. Their main screen is 10 square feet larger, is flanked by two vertical HD screens and has a horizontal screen below for the scoreboard. Overall it’s 152 feet wide by 135 feet tall. This screen barely competes. Surely Neyland Stadium deserves the biggest and the best.
Of course, nothing yet compares to Texas’ “Godzillatron” which is about 10 feet wider and a few feet taller than Tennessee’s new screen.
I appreciate wanting to have the best of the best, but when it comes to things like scoreboards, it seems to me that it should be proportional to the stadium (i.e. not too big). Otherwise it could look really silly. That’s just my feeling, though.
@ Jim:
The difference is that UT plans on using theirs for replays, while MSU will use theirs to distract fans from the on-field product.
Ok, in all seriousness you do have a good point. With such a huge stadium, a huge Jumbotron would be nice to have. Perhaps they’re saving a few bucks to buy one for the north side of the stadium as well.
Front looks great with the screen but the back looks hideous. I hope the back will stay the same.
I’m realllly excited about getting a new jumbotron. Our existing one seems to waste a lot of space (I don’t know how much that is attributable to the technology available when it was built though). I hope we get something along the lines of what auburn and texas have. A 108,000 seat stadium has gotta have a big @$$ HD jumbotron! Keep us posted on any developments/leaks on this project.
btw: I don’t know where you got those artist renderings but I don’t really trust them considering they put screens on the side facing the river.
My mistake, upon second glance those appear to be advertisements on the back, not screens…
Here are some photos taken by the guys installing the new jumbotron right now:
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff305/signguy42/Neyland223.jpg
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff305/signguy42/Neyland225.jpg
http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff305/signguy42/Neyland212.jpg
Sweet!
I went ahead and posted a slideshow of those images (with a shout out to you, of course).
Thanks for the links, and the comment…