Nov. 12, 2012

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The University of South Carolina Athletics Department added a closed caption ribbon board at Williams-Brice Stadium that debuted at Saturday’s football game against Arkansas. In the department’s constant effort to improve the fan experience, the closed caption board was added to further incorporate the deaf and hard-of-hearing community into the stadium experience.

“We take to heart what our fans invest in our programs when they come to our stadiums and truly believe it is our responsibility to provide them the best stadium experience possible,” South Carolina Director of Athletics Ray Tanner said. “The new video board has added another facet to enjoying our football games, and we are so pleased that it has also allowed us the chance to include the closed caption ribbon board to expand the experience of our deaf and hard-of-hearing fans.”

The ribbon board, which is 3’10” tall and 36’4″ wide, will be on the Floyd Building just below the new video board. Daktronics developed the 2,250-pound board with Tyler Jones, project manager, taking the lead. Engineer for UTS David Cockfield built the technical components needed for operating the board from the Williams-Brice Stadium control room. Dr. Karen Pettus, director of the office of student disability services at the University, worked closely with Associate Athletics Director for Operations and Facilities Jeff Davis and Ann Derrick, project manager in the University’s facilities design and construction department, on the plans to bring the $100,000 ribbon board into existence.

“I am so excited about this addition to our football stadium,” Pettus said. “The addition of the closed caption ribbon board will ensure that everyone who attends a home football game has the full South Carolina game day experience. It is a pleasure to work with an athletics department that values the diversity of our university community.”