Crew Stadium Video Unit May Not Be Replaced

As the Columbus Crew determines the next steps to in the aftermath of this weekend's fire, a representative from Daktronics, the unit's manufacturer believe that the video board may not need to be replaced.

According to Regional Sales Manager Will Ellerbruch, the video unit was not damaged by the water used by the Columbus Fire Department in their effort to extinguish Saturday's blaze, and has actually been running as designed this week.

"The video unit was designed to be used outdoors, and therefore designed to be soaked," Mr. Ellerbruch said.

There was significant concern with the amount of water that the Columbus Fire Department used in containing the blaze in the scoreboard's speaker cabinet that the video board would be irreparably damaged.

Technical staff from Daktronics believe the video board may be ready by this Saturday's game against the New York Red Bulls. The team has been looking into alternate video and audio solutions with two Crew games and the Rock on the Range concert scheduled for this month.

Mr. Ellerbruch said that, if the video board were to need replaced, lead time on a replacement unit would be 100-120 days, but given the condition of the current unit, replacement doesn't seem necessary due to any water damage.

The team's video board is 14 years old and has been showing signs of wear, but the possibility that it's still operational gives the team flexibility in planning a replacement.

UPDATE: Crew President and General Manager confirmed that the video board will be operational this weekend:

#crew96 stadium video board is fully functional and ready for Saturday's game. Auxiliary sound from stage will be only noticeable difference

— Mark McCullers (@CrewPrez) May 1, 2013