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With the rapid technology innovations going on these days, center
hung scoreboards are only averaging just shy of a decade of use before being
replaced with the latest state-of-the-art technology. As it turns out, a lot of
scoreboards that are currently in use today in the NHL would seem due for a
replacement. Let’s take a look at these boards.
Chicago, Vancouver,
and Calgary
Built in 2006, these boards are not only overdue in terms of
age but certainly in size. Now that Carolina is getting a new board, Calgary
has the smallest main video screens in the league despite actually getting a
full HD makeover on the existing structure just a few years ago. Having been
upgraded to newer technology, and the fact that the team is seeking a new arena
in the near future, we do not expect to see a new board there anytime soon.
Chicago of course has already dismantled their board this summer, but Vancouver
has made no mention of a new board. The current main video screen is only 24
feet wide, so certainly not terrible in size, but we think they will upgrade in
the next 1-2 Summers.
Buffalo, Philadelphia,
Nashville, and Washington
2007 had four scoreboards hanging in the league this season,
but 3 of those are on their way out this Summer. Philadelphia, Nashville, and Washington
are all upgrading scoreboards. That just leaves Buffalo. They certainly should
get a new scoreboard ASAP, but problems created by turnover in management and a
series of bad seasons may cause a delay in getting on. It has been confirmed
however, that the team is looking into ways to bring the Key Bank Center up to
date.
Boston and Montreal
It seems unnatural to put these two rival teams together in
any category, but here we are… 2008 model scoreboards. Boston has just finished
removing their current scoreboard to make way for a new one, but Montreal has
made no similar news. Perhaps that is because of their 30ft wide video screens
which were state of the art in 2008, and still hold up extremely well in 2019.
It certainly won’t last many more seasons, but I could see it sticking around
for 1-2 more.
Dallas and Carolina
Dallas also has a 30ft wide scoreboard, so they might not be
in a rush at this point to bring in a new board. Built that same year, 2009,
Carolina’s board was only half that size and they have removed that board to
make way for a new one that will begin construction next month.
Pittsburgh and Los
Angeles
Build in 2010, these scoreboards haven’t reached a decade
yet, but given that one belongs to a very strong northeastern hockey team prone
to winning championships, and the other home to the second busiest arena in the
country, a new scoreboard may already overdue. Los Angeles being known for its
glitz and glamor may be the first to upgrade, and you know they will go all out
when they do.
Stay tuned as we watch for any new scoreboard developments.