The Football Stadium’s last renovation was 4 years ago with the installation of the turf. This summer will change this.

This coming summer, Parkway South along with the other 3 Parkway High schools will be installing video scoreboards.

This is all a part of Parkway Schools partnering with Kelly Sports Properties.

Pat Burns, the Athletic Director said, “Kelly Sports is a marketing group that can sell advertising and generate revenue for the school.”

This scoreboard is the first step in doing this.

“The video board will have advertisements surrounding it and the ability to play commercials throughout games,” said Burns.

Football Coach and history teacher, Joe Rosewell, believes this new partnership will bring more excitement and participation to the game.

“Possibly having a sideline cam and the commercials will bring excitement to Friday nights.”

However, there is some concern that the football program may sever ties with previous sponsors.

“I do fear we may lose former supporters and old relationships will be severed. Kelly Sports has control over deciding all sponsors,” said Rosewell.

Junior Carvell Williams who plays football believes that while playing, they will need to remain focused.

“Coach told us we were getting a new scoreboard and to not look at it, stay focused on the game,” said Williams.

He does believe it will change the atmosphere of Friday nights.

“I think it will help pump up the crowd,” said Williams.

Williams is referring to the possibilities to make entrance videos and play them on the screen before the team runs onto the field.

Williams also believes that the added revenue will be great for sports.

Sophomore Amber Hayes agrees that more money to the sports programs would be beneficial.

“I love how they are working to get more money on our sports. Sports are very important to South,” said Hayes.

The revenue generated from the advertising goes to all MSHSAA activities such as theatre and other arts. South’s marching band, The Spirit of 76,  would also benefit. Band teacher and director of the marching band Chris Becker doesn’t know how exactly they will be affected, he needs more information.

“I don’t know exactly how things are going to change. I’ve had parent representatives at all the meetings. I need more information but things such as the craft fair fundraising could be affected.

One aspect of the marching band that may change it that use of them during home football games.

According to Rosewell and his understanding of the Kelly Sports platform, the home football games will have a script that lays out when advertisements will play throughout the game.  This would also give only certain slots when the band could play.

The band currently has certain restrictions given by MSHSAA that dictate when they can play. Already there are certain games where they will only play 1-2 times in a half, according to Becker.

According to Becker the band has always been an important part of raising spirit at the games.

“The band has always been an intracle part of spirit, if that is restricted there could be changes to the atmosphere and feel of the home games,” said Becker.