University of North Carolina Athletics
Kenan Video Board Installation Postponed
May 16, 2002 | Football
May 16, 2002
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill will not install a video board at Kenan Stadium this year, Chancellor James Moeser and Director of Athletics Dick Baddour announced today.
"Because of the budget constraints the state and University face this year, Dick Baddour and I feel it is better to delay the installation of the video board," says Moeser. "This is not a matter of financing, but rather a matter of public perception, and we want to be sensitive to that. I asked Dick and Coach (John) Bunting to consider postponing installation, and they agreed. I thank them for putting the football program's needs behind what is best for the University. Dick had worked tirelessly to find funding for the board that would not use state or academic dollars."
Moeser added he still strongly supports installing a video board in the future with non-state funds.
The video scoreboard is planned for the east end of Kenan Stadium. The approximate $2 million cost of purchasing and installing the board and public address system will be paid for as part of a new multimedia radio/television rights contract. The board itself, which costs approximately $670,000, has been ordered, but UNC will work with the company to try and defer the delivery and payment schedule.
'No tax dollars or any funds otherwise marked for academics are being used for the board," says Baddour. "However, we are keenly aware of the perception of installing the board in light of the budget crisis.
"The Chancellor and I maintain our commitment to the installation of the video board in 2003," continues Baddour. "Its addition is in the best long-term interest of our football program. I know many of our fans will be disappointed, but I hope they understand this is best for the University now."
unting agreed that postponing the video board was the proper action to take at this time.
"There's no question this is the right thing to do," says Bunting. "I'd like to see a video board in Kenan Stadium, but if adding a board at this time sends a conflicting message to the people of North Carolina, then we will wait. I know the Trustees, Chancellor Moeser and Dick are committed to this project because they understand the positive impact it will have on our program. I am confident we will see a board at the proper time. Our great fans will support this team in its challenging home schedule this fall and continue to make Kenan Stadium the best football stadium in the ACC."
"I appreciate Coach (John) Bunting's extraordinary acceptance and concurrence with this decision," says Baddour. "As much as he knows the benefits of having the board, Coach Bunting is the epitome of a team player and knows well the difficult financial times the state is facing."
