Houston Texans: Our scoreboard is bigger

The NFL Houston Texans powered-up two new HD video scoreboards last Friday at Reliant Stadium, which combined create the largest video board ever installed in a sports stadium. The scoreboards cover 14,549 square feet, or over 100 feet wider than the Dallas Cowboys’ LED monstrosity suspended over the field in AT&T Stadium.

Installed with the help of $16 million from taxpayers, the mammoth scoreboards demonstrate how far teams will go to thrill their fans, leapfrog NFL peers and improve chances to host a Super Bowl. While the scoreboards are larger than those planned for the San Francisco 49ers new home, Levi’s Stadium, Houston won’t retain bragging rights for long. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ Everbank Field will display a more gigantic scoreboard in 2014.

Of course, the Cowboys aren’t concerned about a scoreboard bigger than their own that happens to be in Texas too. Actually, I’m sure Jerry Jones won’t stand for this personal assault.

Photo credit: Houston Texans

Stadium Crawl Weekend Reading

Some of America’s most renown sports franchises announced stadium and arena news this week. Here are a few stories of my own and links to others. Now grab a cold one, put your feet up and enjoy.

AT&T New Official Sponsor of Cowboys Stadium – ESPN 
The Dallas Cowboys and AT&T announced a multiyear deal to rename Cowboys Stadium, AT&T Stadium, effectively immediately.

Madison Square Garden Needs to Move – Stadium Crawl
The iconic Manhattan arena, home to the Rangers and Knicks, has a decade to find a new location.  Tick Tock.

Bankruptcy won’t halt new NHL Detroit Red Wings Arena – CNN Money
Although the City hit a rough patch, plans are moving ahead for a $444 million hockey arena for their beloved Red Wings.

MLS DC United Stadium receives mayor’s backing – Stadium Crawl
The MLS DC United unveiled renderings of their new stadium this week.  The good news – the mayor and City Council support it.

Wrigley Field $500 million renovation includes Jumbotron – USA Today
New construction at the 99-year young beauty will improve the clubhouses, training facilities and install a 5,700-square feet Jumbotron.   I’m all for modernization, but a Jumbotron, at Wrigley?  Really!