Jaguars unveil massive new video board

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Jacksonville Jaguars unveiled what they are calling the largest video boards in the world Saturday night at EverBank Field as part of an event that was free for season ticket holders.

The two massive end-zone displays, which stand 60 feet high and 362 feet long each, are the centerpieces of the $63 million in enhancements to the stadium where the Jaguars have played since their inception in 1995.

"There's been so much work going on behind the scenes, in front of the scenes, for well over a year," Jaguars president Mark Lamping said. "And to have things go as well as they have tonight is just a real tribute to the community, the people that work for the Jaguars, and the belief that all of us have that Jacksonville can continue to be a better and better place."

The evening began with a friendly between Fulham Football Club, which is owned by Jaguars owner Shad Khan, and DC United of Major League Soccer. The video board unveiling took place shortly before 8:15 p.m. in the form of a seven-minute video which preceded the start of a concert by country music superstar Carrie Underwood, who was introduced by Jaguars coach Gus Bradley.

The high-definition video displays were manufactured and installed by Daktronics of Brookings, South Dakota. With more than 21,700 square feet of digital canvas, each display is longer than a football field. The particular technology selected for the installation has a high brightness that officials say will help overcome the Florida sunlight, especially in the direct sunlight received by the north end zone.

As a frame of reference, the much-ballyhooed Dallas Cowboys' video board suspended 90 feet above the field at AT&T Stadium is 11,520 square feet per side.

The 13 new video boards throughout the stadium will get some attention, but not as much as the north end zone plaza area already has. The area includes spa cabanas and party cabanas for parties of 20 to 200 on two levels with all-inclusive food and beverages. The area also includes video boards, two swim spas, bar rail seating, and men's and women's restrooms. The swim spas measure 12 feet wide by 25 feet long by 3 feet, 5 inches deep and will be staffed by lifeguards.

Fulham defeated DC United 3-0, with all three goals scored by Moussa Dembele.

By the time Underwood took the stage, most of the lower bowl of the stadium and several section in the west grandstands were filled close to capacity. The weather even cooperated, with not so much as a threat of rain.

"It was four or five times better than I thought it was going to be," Lamping said.

You can follow Ken Hornack on Twitter @HornackFSFla or email him at khornack32176@gmail.com.