Big screen for big plays

Felix Pina

Conquest Journal crew setting up for Del Valle vs Hanks football game in the press box.

Felix Pina, Reporter
October 16, 2018

At a sporting event viewers may sit a short distance from the players, coaches and trainers, on the field. Some unlucky fans may sit farther away. For them, a Jumbotron can make all the difference.

The Jumbotron, a large screen used to show replays of the event and cheering spectators was installed at Conquest Stadium in July. It was operational by the first week of August. Conquest Journal handles all aspects of running the big screen

“It came down to figuring out what each button does to the Jumbotron,” Conquest Journal member Ivan Rodriguez says, “It was mostly trial and error.”

The crew practiced during a scrimmage at school and took two days to set up.

“It is not easy, but it’s not horribly hard,” audio video tech and Conquest Jornal adviser Marisol Rivera said, “(The crew) are smart and they took their time to practice how to work the Jumbotron during the summer.”

The crew works in the press box, at the top of the stadium.

“Everyone has a role with the Jumbotron,” Conquest Journal member Eileen Matamotos said, “We have people working with the cameras and use a tablet for the Jumbotron.”

Matamotos is in charge with what viewers see on the Jumbotron.

The Jumbotron also showcase advertisements for businesses and school activities such as clubs and events.

“We have adverts from Fred Loya Insurance that we play on the screen,” Rodriguez said.

The school was not the only high school to get a Jumbotron. Principal Antonio Acuña does not known how much the big screens cost for each high school.

“The district board decided to buy it,” Acuña said, “And all of the high schools got one. If I were to give you an estimated price, I would probably be lying.”

The purchase of the Jumbotron did not delay nor scrap any other projects Acuña said.

The Jumbotron has some helpful features and adds a flare to the field.

“I think that the Jumbotron is not only good for the school, but I think it helps the community to watch and enjoy the game,” Matamotos said.