The enhanced video board that Auburn fans have been anxiously waiting for is starting to take shape with the majority of the steel beams being covered with screen paneling.
The audio boxes are also close to being completed, which stand on top of the steel shell of the video component.
Since the video board’s record-breaking size is projected to shine more light on Auburn’s football program, the construction team decided to pay it forward, allowing the seniors on the football team to sign the final beam.
Beam Erection Director and General Foreman in training, Kelby Sandoval said leaving an autograph on the beam is something special.
“I think it’ll be a big thing.” Sandoval said. “You know you’re older, you’re senior players. I know there’s been a lot of comments saying ‘Bring us a championship’, and if we’re apart of that, that’s awesome. It would mean a lot to know we did this and it would be a memorabilia for you guys as well as us to know that this could be somebody’s lucky charm. “
According to Sandoval, leaving signatures on a part of the construction project is a tradition among ironworkers.
“That’s kind of been a tradition for the erection portion of construction,” Sandoval said. “It’s an old tradition that ironworkers use for top-notch buildings. As far as getting everyone involved, it’s kind of a big deal.”
Wendy Peacock, construction manager for Auburn said the idea was inspired by the softball team, after they signed the eagle addition when their new video board was built in Jane B. Moore Field.
“I think after we [had the softball team sign] the Eagle, then that was on everybody’s mind.” Peacock said. “’Hey, why don’t we get the seniors to sign this and have their mark in history on the board.’”
The signed beam will connect the left and right audio towers above the video board, which are painted black, contrasting from the light gray steel of the video portion of the structure.
Design Lead Manager, Gregory Forthofer, said the audio towers are painted black for a reason.
“The reason we painted it black as opposed to the light gray is because there’s going to be a mesh in front of it to let the sound out.” Forthofer said. “So you’re going to be able to see through it a little bit, and you’ll be able to see the lighter color a lot easier.”
As far as the project has been going, Forthofer said it’s been smooth sailing.
“Nothing out of the norm from typical construction projects,” Forthofer said. “Everything’s been safe, it’s on schedule, it’s on budget. So for a construction project, especially something like this, it’s the best you can hope for.”
As if the video board isn't enough to enhance the field by itself, Forthofer and his team have been making improvements throughout the stadium.
For example, the ribbon boards that used to stop at the ends of the press box now stretch the length of the field on both sides.
Also, the bleachers in the student section have been stripped to allow for resealing of deck coating.
“You can see the different colors, it’s lighter, it’s newer-looking.” Forthofer said. “We’re basically on a five-year plan that spells out usually the areas that need to be deck coated to prevent water from when it rains, to [leaking on] everything underneath.”
Although word has spread concerning the possible reconstruction of the North End Zone, the Athletics Department released a statement saying, "The Athletics Department is in the conceptual phase for potential renovations to Jordan-Hare Stadium with a primary focus on the North End Zone. The department is exploring multiple options, with the timeline for the overall project remaining flexible."
Forthofer said that the improvements his team has been working on are sure to bring extra attention to Auburn this fall.
“I think [having] the largest college scoreboard in the nation is a pretty nice feather to have in your hat.” Forthofer said. “Just the excitement of it, between Coach Muschamp coming to continue his success, coach Malzahn along with this, I think the first game is going to get a lot of buzz.”
The construction team is aiming to conclude the project by Aug. 28, two weeks before the first game of the season against Louisville, even though the Tigers will face the Cardinals at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.
With all of the away games this season, and limited opportunities to buy tickers for a reasonable price, the Auburn Family Twitter page has suggested the idea of showing away games on the big screen, so fans can get more use out of it. Although no plans have been formally discussed, Forthofer said he likes the idea.
“It’s a great idea,” Forthofer said. “I haven’t heard anything, but I’ll tell you, the Athletic Department does a great job of listening to fans and listening to students as to what they want, so that’s not a bad idea.”
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