While it was desired by Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon, a new scoreboard will not be installed at PNC Arena prior to the 2018-19 season.
Earlier this year, Dundon pitched some potential facility upgrades to the Centennial Authority, which serves as the landlord of PNC Arena. Among the changes brought up by Dundon was to the scoreboard, as he proposed installing a new blueline-to-blueline display by the beginning of the 2018-19 season. While officials had been considering that project for future seasons, Dundon’s proposal would have effectively accelerated the timeline for the scoreboard’s installation.
Despite that request, the Centennial Authority’s building and construction committee has decided to hold off on the scoreboard. Other upgrades for the 2018-19 season are not being ruled out, but officials felt that more time was needed to study structural changes relating to the scoreboard’s installation. More from The News & Observer:
Committee chairman Steve Stroud said the authority would need more time to assess structural changes in the arena needed to install a scoreboard that could weigh 50,000 pounds.
“We’re disappointed and disagree with that assessment,” Hurricane president Don Waddell said.
Authority chairman Thomas McCormick said the authority could approve other requests for next season such as a 3D lighting projection system and theatrical lighting and an onsite warehouse.
Dundon is the new owner of the Hurricanes, as he purchased the controlling interest in the team from long-time owner Peter Karmanos Jr earlier this year. The Hurricanes have played at PNC Arena since 1999, when it opened as the Raleigh Entertainment & Sports Arena.
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