The Daytona Tortugas (High A; Florida State League) will install a new 36-foot wide, LED video board at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in time for the 2018 season.
This investment, paid for by the Tortugas ownership group, is the latest upgrade to the city-owned ballpark, the fourth oldest in professional baseball. Over the past 18 months, ownership has worked closely with the City of Daytona Beach to upgrade the stadium grandstands, as well as add new picnic areas, concession options and a point of sale system, with the goal of enhancing the fan experience.
“This is a big day for the Daytona Tortugas and Jackie Robinson Ballpark, but most importantly for our fans. Adding a video board of this magnitude will truly be a game changer for those looking to experience a night at The Jack,” said Ryan Keur, Team President. “Jackie Robinson Ballpark has the ability to transform into the ultimate venue with this sort of investment and will continue to be used as a community-gathering place that looks to host nearly 200 events a year.”
Tortugas ownership, made up of Reese Smith, Bob Fregolle and Rick French, has made a significant investment in the Daytona Beach area since buying the team in 2015. The group funded and launched the Tortugas Care Foundation to enrich the lives of youth in the community through recreational opportunities, as well as contribute to local sea turtle conservation efforts. The Foundation also recently pledged to provide uniforms and equipment for the City of Daytona Beach Little League, and co-owner Bob Fregolle and his wife Lori are underwriting a new Miracle League Field in New Smyrna Beach.
The video board will be the first of it’s kind at The Jack, stationed in left-center field, while the manually operated scoreboard in left field will remain in place. “Fans can expect an elevated experience at the ballpark in 2018,” Keur said. “For one, this video board will allow our partners to engage with fans like never before. But it will also allow our fans to interact and track player profiles and stats.”
Installation of the system is expected to be completed by Duluth, GA-based Formetco over the next 45 days.
Image courtesy Daytona Tortugas.