 "Photo: Brian Hollingsworth")
UT's claim to the largest high definition scoreboard in the United States didn't live up to all the hype during its debut Saturday, according to some students.
Some fans expressed disappointment in how the 7,370-square-foot screen was used, because less than half of it actually depicted game coverage, while the rest was used for advertising and other graphics.
"What is the point of boasting the world's largest high def, if we're only using 20 percent of the screen?" said Alejandro Juarez, a communications studies and corporate communications senior, in an e-mail to The Daily Texan."The old one was just as good ... and we could of saved ourselves some money!"
The HD scoreboard is part of UT's $8 million upgrade to Darrell K Royal Texas-Memorial Stadium's audio and visual system. The screen stands 55 feet tall and is 134 feet wide. It made its first game appearance Saturday during UT's football match up against the University of North Texas.
"It was a little upsetting the amount of advertising, but maybe after they are done paying it off, it'll be better," said English freshman Cate Smithson.
Advertisements ran on the perimeter of the screen throughout the game, and replays were shown on less than 50 percent of the screen.
Some students were still proud to show off the new screen to opponents in future games.
"The Jumbotron is like a $15 million investment in awesome," said pharmacy senior Jorge Pena."It just makes this school that much better."
