LED Scoreboard Costs: Traditional and Video displays

1. Outdoor vs. Indoor LED Scoreboard Cost

Outdoor LED scoreboards are larger than their indoor counterparts. This is because outdoor scoreboards need to be visible from greater distances and accommodate larger crowds. The larger size ensures that the information displayed on the scoreboard remains clear and legible even when viewed from a distance.

Influencing factors in LED scoreboard cost:

• Weather Resistance: Outdoor scoreboards require weatherproofing and more durable materials, increasing their cost compared to indoor scoreboards

• Durability: Outdoor scoreboards need to withstand environmental factors and potential vandalism, leading to higher costs than indoor scoreboards.

• Visibility and Brightness: Outdoor scoreboards require higher brightness levels for clear visibility, which adds to their cost compared to indoor scoreboards.

• Installation and Mounting: Outdoor scoreboards may have additional installation considerations, increasing installation costs compared to indoor scoreboards.

• Maintenance: Outdoor scoreboards need more frequent maintenance due to weather exposure, leading to higher maintenance costs compared to indoor scoreboards.

2. Type of Scoreboard

Although things like size, location, and competition level will impact your total cost, perhaps the most critical factor is the type of scoreboard you choose.

Traditional Fixed-Digit Scoreboard

These displays are the most basic of all the various types. They are simple and to the point, without many bells or whistles. These scoreboards typically show the score and time, but not much else. You’ll find these at smaller recreational facilities and some high school stadiums. 

Fixed-digit scoreboards have traditionally been illuminated using incandescent or metal halide light bulbs. However, LED scoreboards have surpassed them thanks to their energy efficiency, zero maintenance, and environmental friendliness. This is not to say there are no “old school” scoreboards in use, far from it, but sports facility operators around the country are increasingly choosing LED scoreboards over other alternatives. 

Fixed-digit LED scoreboards are controlled via a digital control panel that you can operate using your mobile phone or a laptop. Traditional fixed-digit scoreboards are typically operated via a physical control panel that consists of buttons or switches for each of the digits shown on the scoreboard. Either way, fixed-digit scoreboards do not have a steep learning curve to operate.

Because they have the fewest features, traditional fixed-digit scoreboards tend to run much cheaper than the other types on our list.

If you’re looking for a simple – yet modern – way to display scores, stats, and data for your athletes and fans, a traditional LED fixed-digit display might do the trick.

Price Range of LED Fixed-Digit Scoreboards

For this level of scoreboard technology, you can expect to pay between $4,000 and $36,000. Get a more precise cost estimate for your LED scoreboard by using our cost calculator.

Traditional + LED video scoreboard

The next tier of LED scoreboards is a hybrid of a traditional LED fixed-digit scoreboard with a video display attached to it. These hybrid scoreboards will have areas designated for each type of display. In one area you can display scores, letters, and numbers for team names. In the other area, you’ll have the ability to display basic videos, graphics, and animations. Oftentimes, sports facility operators also want to make some space for ads or sponsor banners to monetize the sports facility better. 

These combination scoreboards are the perfect upgrade for facilities looking to modernize their displays without spending a fortune on an all-new video scoreboard. If you already have an existing fixed-digit scoreboard at your sports court or field, all you need to do is purchase and install a video display to convert your traditional scoreboard to a modern video scoreboard that boosts the fan experience and engagement at your sporting events. 

Price Range of a Traditional LED Scoreboard with Video Display

If you’re looking to add an LED fixed-digit scoreboard with video capabilities to your sports field, you should expect to pay between $40,000 and $70,000. The price will largely be driven by the size of the display. Get a more precise cost estimate for your LED scoreboard by using our cost calculator.

Large LED video displays for sports facilities

LED video displays at sports facilities or arenas are cutting-edge visual platforms that elevate the spectator experience. These high-resolution screens, composed of individual LED modules, deliver vibrant and dynamic visuals that captivate audiences.

If you’re looking to take your fan experience to the next level, a full video display is the way to go. But keep in mind that these displays come at a premium cost.

Understanding what you want to display is a major component of choosing the right display. If you are fine with only displaying scores, time, and the basics, a traditional scoreboard might be right for you. However, if you are looking to show logos of sponsors, appealing animations, or graphics, you should consider a hybrid or full video display.

Comparing LED video displays:

• Video scoreboards, as the name suggests, primarily focus on displaying live scores, game statistics, and other relevant information during sporting events. They are typically located within sports arenas and stadiums, serving as a central point for conveying critical game-related data to the audience. Video scoreboards often combine text, graphics, and occasionally video feeds to provide real-time updates and enhance the spectator experience. Read more about LED video boards in our separate guide.

• LED video walls are closely related to video scoreboards in they use the same technology. However, the video wall is a modular solution that is put together using several video displays. The size and design depend largely on the dimensions of the sports field or stadium they are installed. The distance between spectators and the video wall is a critical factor. The longer the distance, the bigger the video wall needs to be. LED v

  ideo walls can be used to display any kind of digital content which makes them the perfect solution to keep fans engaged in a large stadium. They are also great for advertising purposes. Learn more about the cost of LED video walls for sports facilities in our dedicated guide.
• Jumbotrons are colossal electronic display screens commonly seen in sports arenas, stadiums, and public areas. It distinguishes itself from an LED video wall through its massive size and prominent placement. Towering several stories high, the Jumbotron guarantees optimal visibility for spectators, capturing their attention with its vivid imagery and high-definition resolution. Unlike an LED video wall that consists of smaller individual panels, the Jumbotron is typically a single integrated screen. This seamless construction allows for uninterrupted visuals and a more immersive viewing experience. With its ability to showcase live footage, replays, advertisements, and interactive content, the Jumbotron serves as a captivating centerpiece, captivating and unifying crowds with its monumental presence. Learn more about the cost of jumbotrons in our separate article.

Total Cost Range for Full LED Video Displays and Video Scoreboards

Due to the features and technology involved, video displays are going to be the most expensive option. You can expect to pay anywhere from $50,000 to $3,000,000. The final price depends largely on the size of the screen. The dimensions of the video board, on the other hand, depend on the size of the stadium or arena, the competition level, the viewing distance, and the number of spectators in the stands. 

• High school level: $30,000 – $500,000
• College / university level: $400,000 – $3,000,000

Get a more precise cost estimate for your LED video display by using our cost calculator.