Scoreboards 101: Which one is Right for Your School?

Posted by Matt Roberts

Oct 19, 2012 2:31:00 PM

kentucky scoreboardsHas that score flip chart seen its better days on the court? Does the crowd have to twist their neck backwards or squint under a net to see the score on each possession? If so, it’s probably time to check into a new scoreboard. If your school has been contemplating a purchase of a new scoreboard, there are varieties you should examine before making a choice.

Tabletop scoreboards 

This style of scoreboard is perfect for elementary school games in which minimal information is needed for display. This type of scoreboard can be displayed for scoring and timing of an athletic event, then put away and stored. It can be transported from game to game or stored away safely after each game. This is the most economical option for schools with basic sporting events for smaller children.

Wall-mounted scoreboards

This type of scoreboard will become a permanent focal point in your gym and will completely revolutionize crowd involvement as they fully engage in seeing the score change and knowing game statistics. The start up cost of wiring this scoreboard is a bit more, but will pull a crowd together at sporting events. 

Multi-sport scoreboards

These types of boards are helpful in upper grades or high school when playing various sports such as soccer, basketball, hockey, and volleyball. The time, score, game period, player, and team fouls can all be displayed in one place. Great advancements have been made in these scoreboards, which generally use LED (light emitting diode) technology and sometimes even wireless capabilities. More recently, scoreboards have been designed to be more user-friendly so that students can operate them with ease. If your school is hoping to create an all around virtual experience, scoreboards can also be used with computer software to create a “big league” effect through video display and a movie type atmosphere.

Another important factor to consider when looking for a new scoreboard is choosing the right size scoreboard based on your gym or field's size. Not only can Toadvine Enterprises help you find the perfect scoreboard your facility based on your school's budget, we can also help you choose the correct size. Contact us to learn more.

Topics: Toadvine Enterprises, Athletic Equipment, high school scoreboards, Kentucky stadiums

New Requirements for Bleacher Safety

Posted by Matt Roberts

Sep 27, 2012 4:36:00 PM

Toadvine EnterprisesAre your bleachers and stadium seating up to code? There are new requirements for bleacher safety, and any facility with bleachers and public seating (indoor or outdoor), must be inspected annually. 

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends the following bleacher safety guidelines: 
  • Provide routine inspection and maintenance, at least twice a year, in accordance with the bleacher's owner's manual.
  • Use only trained personnel to open and close bleachers following instructions provided in the owner's manual. DO NOT ALLOW STUDENTS OR UNTRAINED PERSONNEL TO OPERATE BLEACHERS.
  • Install bleacher guard rails as a safety precaution and as an indication that the bleachers are fully extended.
  • A licensed professional engineer, registered architect, or company that is qualified to provide bleacher products and services should inspect the bleachers and provide a written certification that the bleachers are fit for use.
  • The option of replacing bleachers as opposed to retrofitting should be considered.

Toadvine Enterprises and Vine & Branch introduce a maintenance and safety inspection program for all of your indoor and outdoor seating and equipment. Vine & Branch is fully staffed with manufacturer-certified service technicians to ensure the safety of your seating. If you have not complied with your states regulations, you run the risk of having your facility closed. 

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) also requires that all outdoor grandstands and folding or telescoping seating be inspected annually by an engineer, registered architect, or manufacturer-certified inspector. It just makes sense to have your equipment inspected by someone who is an expert of that equipment. Call us today to schedule an inspection of your bleachers. (502) 241-6010

Topics: Toadvine Enterprises, stadium seating, bleacher inspections, Bleacher maintenance, seating maintenance

Product Highlights: Porter Winches and Gill Athletics Heat Index

Posted by Matt Roberts

Sep 17, 2012 12:05:00 PM

Porter has announced its new line of winches that can accommodate your curtain and gymnasium dividers. Tired of the struggle of closing and opening curtains in your facility? These improved winches are the perfect solution. They are easy to use and designed to work with all of Porter's existing control systems. 

The 00709000 is a listed winch that comes with a full 5 year warranty. This winch will be able to span the current range of Porter backstops up to 40' attachment height. This winch has the ability to be raised or lowered manually with a battery-operated drill or socket for install or emergency situations. Porter's goal is to be able to continue to increase its winch line so it can grow the custom engineered product offerings and capabilities. Keep your eyes out for winches that will allow them to design bigger, more unique systems.

Kentucky athletic equipmentGill Athletics has an entire web page of new products, and one specific product we wanted to highlight is the Ultrak 830 Heat Index. Coaches who are tracking the actual heat index on the field can measure, in real time, if the conditions are safe for the players. This is a great tool and should be a part of every coach's on-field toolbox. With record-setting temperatures this summer, coaches are taking their role seriously to keep players safe. This new tool from Gill Athletics should be a must for every athletic director. 

Additional features of the Ultrak 830 Heat Index:

• Accurately calculates temperature, humidity, heat index, and dew point

• 30 dual split recallable memory

• Measures to 10 hours with 1/100 second resolution

• Presettable countdown timer with auto repeat function

• Time, calendar, and alarm

• LED backlight

• Solar powered with back-up lithium battery

• Water resistant 

• Five-year warranty 

Let us at Toadvine Enterprises know if you'd like more information on either of these new products. 

Topics: Toadvine Enterprises, Kentucky athletic equipment, Kentucky athletics, Porter Athletics, Gill Athletics, football equipment

Iroquois Amphitheater Highlighted Events

Posted by Matt Roberts

Aug 21, 2012 1:58:00 PM

Louisville athletic equipmentIroquois Amphitheater is a beautiful venue for wide variety of events. Some of their upcoming events speak to the diversity of the talent and entertainment they offer our city. They have U of L dance theater coming up for multiple performances followed by rock and roll bands like Umphrey’s Magee and Edward Sharp and The Magnetic Zeros. They have events for the whole family like movie nights. The price is right for the upcoming movie night on September 8 featuring The Zookeeper starring Kevin James. The cost is free, and what a great way to spend the evening with the whole family.

Toadvine Enterprises was contracted for the seating project for the Iroquois Amphitheater and there are 2,366 seats in all. The exterior seats are a comfortable way to enjoy this beautiful outdoor venue and all the variety of entertainment they offer.

The Iroquois Amphitheater origins were a result of the Works Progress Administration and was originally built in the spring of 1938. Their website recalls, “After the 2000 performance season, Metro Parks began an ambitious project to modernize the facility while preserving the Amphitheater’s historic features and unique character.” Toadvine Enterprises was proud to participate in the renovation process of this wonderful facility. Since the renovation, they have grown in the scope of their entertainment offerings and have reestablished themselves as one of the favorite local entertainment venues in Louisville.

If you have not visited Iroquois Amphitheater, it should be added to your short list of places to visit in Louisville. You will not be disappointed. Here are a few things they have coming up through September. Check their website for dates and times.

  • Gilbert & Sullivan’s “HMS Pinafore”
  • U of L Dance Theater
  • Movie Night: “The Zookeeper”
  • Umphrey’s McGee
  • Derby City Brass Band
  • Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros
  • The Dark Side of the Wall
image courtesty of Iroquois Amphitheater 

Topics: auditorium seating, Toadvine projects, Iroquois Amphitheater, Toadvine Enterprises, Kentucky athletic equipment, Kentucky athletics, Fall sports in Kentucky

NBA Finals, the U.S. Open, and Bird Noises

Posted by Matt Roberts

Jun 19, 2012 10:37:00 AM

Kentucky athletic equipmentAt Toadvine Enterprises we take our sports seriously. If you have been following the NBA finals it has been a treat. The Miami Heat are leading the Thunder 2-1 in the seven game series. Game three had some awesome highlights and predictable stats. It was not surprising that Wade and James combined for 54 of the 91 points the Heat posted in their 91-85 victory. Shane Battier added several three buckets for a ridiculous percentage; 4 of 6 in Game 1, 5 of 7 in Game 2, 2 for 2 in Game 3. That’s 11 of 15, 73.3 percent. With Miami leading 2-1 we want to hear from you. Can the OKC Thunder pull three wins out of the next four games? What will the result of this year’s NBA Finals be?

In golf news, we want to congratulate Webb Simpson on his U.S. Open victory yesterday in San Francisco. Webb sat in the club house at +1 after his four rounds. He had to sit with his wife and watch Graeme McDowell and Jim Furyk finish the 17th and 18th hole to see if his score would hold up or if there would be a playoff. Furyk fell apart on the last three holes and gave himself little chance to force a playoff. McDowell, however, left himself a 25 putt for a birdie that would force a playoff. It was not to be. McDowell misread the hole and the ball drifted well left of the hole. McDowell two-putted to secure solo second. Webb claimed his first major win in his second major appearance and received $1.44 million for his efforts. The last nine majors have been claimed by an unprecedented, nine first time major winners so what will happen with the remaining major tournaments this year. Will the next major see a veteran or first timer hoisting the trophy? Let us know your predictions.

There is always a heckler. This year’s U.S. Open Trophy ceremony had a man in a bizarre costume appear in front of the camera while Bob Costas was interviewing Webb Simpson. The man calls himself Jungle Bird and says he is an activist raising awareness of deforestation. He walked in front of the camera and began making bird sounds. This is not the first time he has done this. Apparently he has met the Queen of England and did something similar. He pointed out no charges were pressed that time.

Topics: equipment maintenance, Jungle Bird, Jim Furyk, Webb Simpson, Graeme McDowell, U.S. Open, Toadvine Enterprises, Kentucky athletic equipment, Tennessee athletics, Tennessee sporting goods

Why Does Having a Great Sports Facility Matter?

Posted by Matt Roberts

Apr 18, 2012 2:25:00 PM

Toadvine EnterprisesEvery kid dreams of playing on a state-of-the art ball field or football stadium. That’s probably because most of us started out playing on a Sandlot-like mound of dust with a broken fence and worn out bases.

You have to start somewhere, but by the time you’ve grown and reached the high school and collegiate level, you’ve probably moved passed the Sandlot and have set your sights on something much bigger. There’s a sense of pride, ownership, and camaraderie that comes with playing on a great looking field. But looks aren’t the only thing that matter.

Yes, Toadvine Enterprises can transform your stadium into your players’ dream field, but even more than that, we can also make it a safe, secure spot for your players and spectators. Worn out bleachers and faulty support rails are a hazard and should be inspected and maintained before each season.

Here at Toadvine Enterprises, we know what it takes to give your school and its teams the feeling and confidence that comes with having a great sports facility. Giving your athletes a stadium to be proud of will allow them to have a greater appreciation for their school, while boosting morale and school spirit. But more importantly, we can ensure your facility is safe for your fans and up to code. Call Toadvine Enterprises today to learn more.

Topics: bleachers maintenance, outdoor sports facilities, Toadvine Enterprises, stadium seating, outdoor seating

Precast Concrete Stadiums

Posted by Matt Roberts

Apr 12, 2012 2:09:00 PM

Dant Clayton's precast stadium bleachersAre you wanting the look and feel of a concrete stadium, but can’t afford the price tag? No worries, Dant Clayton has the solution for you! Introducing Dant Clayton’s Precast Concrete Stadium. This technology breakthrough provides the feel and benefits of a concrete stadium, without the cost of one. Their evolutionary design combines the use of precast concrete pieces with an economical steel structure.

The hybrid precast system does what no other system out there is able to do! Dant Clayton’s hybrid system gives fans a solid and sturdy walking surface with less noise, vibration, and deflection, allowing for the concrete stadium experience on a pre-engineered budget!

The key features of this evolutionary design are what makes it ahead of the curve!

  • No drilling into concrete for seat attachments
  • Structural steel column grid can be engineered for any application
  • It is half the weight of conventional pre-cast risers
  • All engineering, fabrication, and erection are performed by Dant Clayton, simplifying the design and construction process
  • Works with bleacher benches, chairs, or ANY other seat type

Call Toadvine today to figure out how we can give you a stadium like the pros on your budget!

Topics: outdoor stadium seating, Toadvine Enterprises, Bleacher maintenance, indoor seating, college stadium seating, Dant Clayton, Hybrid Precast Bleachers

We're Nearing the End of the School Year!

Posted by Matt Roberts

Apr 5, 2012 6:08:00 PM

Spring sports season KentuckyThe start of April marks the beginning of the end of the school year. With about two months left for most schools in our area and spring break in full force, most students and faculty can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel!

The beginning of spring also means the beginning of a lot of other activities in Kentucky and Indiana like:

  • Baseball season starting up
  • The end of March Madness with The Kentucky Wildcats winning their Eighth National Title!
  • The Masters kicking off
  • Keeneland Spring Meet opening
  • The Kentucky Derby Festivities are getting underway

Because school isn’t far from closing for the summer, this is a great time to start thinking about preventative maintenance for your equipment and bleachers. It’s also a great time to re-stock on new equipment for your sports facilities.

Right now, Toadvine Enterprises has openings for summer maintenance programs for bleachers and gymnasium equipment. Call us at (502) 241-6010 or fill out our maintenance form on our website to get started.

Topics: equipment maintenance, Indoor scoreboards, Maintenance Services, Spring sports season, Toadvine Enterprises, Kentucky athletic equipment, Tennessee sporting goods, Indiana athletics provider

It's March and That Means March Madness Baby

Posted by Matt Roberts

Mar 6, 2012 1:29:00 PM

Kentucky athletic equipmentIt’s March. The sun is shining…well most of the time, and high school and college basketball is kicking into full gear.

Kentucky high school basketball is finishing up regionals and getting ready for the State Tournament. You can follow along with your favorite boys’ teams here and girls’ teams here.

The Cats are ranked # 1 and cruising toward a number 1 NCAA seed. They wrapped up the SEC regular season title and now focus their efforts on winning two titles in New Orleans. The SEC Tournament title and the Big Dance. There is a very good chance the Cats will be playing first round games in the YUM Center. Did we mention that Toadvine Enterprises had the honor of providing much of the athletic equipment used at the Yum Center?

The Cards are ranked in the top 20 and have stayed right in the middle of the pack in the Big East. Aside from a recent loss to a gritty South Florida squad, the Cards have played some very steady ball. They could be a very dangerous team come the NCAA tourney.

The Murray State Racers are hanging just outside the top 10 with one lone loss. They were a tough draw last year, and they could surpass that run this year.

Across the river, (now that we can cross it again) the Indiana Hoosiers are making a strong late season bid with a recent win over Big Ten leader Michigan State. They have some great wins on the resume (we don’t have to remind you of one the biggest one). With a strong Big Ten tourney, they could end up with a nice seed come tournament Sunday. You can follow Big Ten Tournament results here.

So let’s start some trash talking.

  • Who’s cutting down the nets in April?
  • How will UK, UofL, Murray State, and Indiana finish in their conference tournaments? How will they fare in the NCAA?
  • Who will win the Kentucky High School Boys Basketball Championship?
  • Indiana? Tennessee? Ohio?

It’s not March without basketball opinions. Hit us on Facebook, leave a comment below on this blog post, or reply to us on Twitter.

P.S. If you find any time to work in March, we’re still working and we’d love to quote you some athletic equipment, meet you about a custom seating project, or just answer some of your general questions about what we do.

Topics: Kentucky Wildcats, UofL Cardinals, Big Ten, SEC Tournament, Toadvine Enterprises, Kentucky athletics, Tennessee athletics, Indiana athletics provider, Basketball equipment, March Madness

Stadium Seating—You Have a Choice When it Comes to Quality

Posted by Matt Roberts

Feb 22, 2012 5:47:00 PM

Stadium seating from Dant ClaytonIf your school is thinking about installing new stadium seating for its outdoor facility, what are some of the factors that determine the quality and overall type of seating to purchase?

Price will definitely come into play in your decision making process, but what about quality, reliability, structural support, and all of the other details that go into building and installing outdoor stadium seats?

Dant Clayton has put together a comparison guide that lays out their product vs. other products on the market. The purpose of the comparison is to present the two basic systems that are available for permanent grandstand projects. The two aluminum decking systems in this guide are very, very different in design and performance.

You can download the guide for free on our website and use it as a reference when you start to consider new seating for your facility.

Contact Toadvine Enterprises with questions regarding your next seating project.

Topics: college outdoor seating, outdoor stadium seating, Toadvine Enterprises, indoor seating, college stadium seating, indoor bleachers, Dant Clayton

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