MONROE, CT — A new videoboard at Benedict Stadium could make Masuk High School’s athletes larger than life with a live-stream of game action, highlights, photos and player bios. The 13-by-24-foot screen could also enhance Masuk’s annual graduation ceremonies.
Masuk sports teams standing to benefit from the technology include football, lacrosse, soccer and track and field, as well as the Monroe Lions youth football teams that play on Masuk’s home field on Sundays.
Principal Steve Swensen is working with the Power Ad Company to find the financial backing needed to make this a reality by the summer of 2026.
“We have very successful athletic programs and this is something that will enhance it behind the scenes,” he said during an interview in his office Tuesday morning.
In addition to enhancing game experiences for athletes and their fans, Swensen said the promo board would be run by students using cameras and other equipment inside the press box.
“This provides educational opportunities for kids, who want to go into marketing, audio-visual and video production,” he said.
Newtown High School has had a video promo board at its Blue & Gold Stadium since 2021 and, if Masuk’s project succeeds, it will be the second school in the SWC to have one, according to Swensen.
Swensen said he first considered the stadium screen while working with Masuk alumni, Evan Walsh, territory manager for the New York/Connecticut Regional Office of Watchfire, to obtain the digital sign in front of the high school four years ago.
The high school would keep its original scoreboard and the videoboard would be set up to its left with a truss to tie it all together. Swensen said keeping the scoreboard will free up more space for content on the screen.
This summer, the project for a new press box will include a larger space for cameras and the communication abilities needed to run the videoboard. Swensen said Dan Krofssik, head of maintenance, is working closely with Eversource to ensure the board has everything it needs to run properly.
A sponsorship letter
Swensen hopes local advertising will pay for the $150,000 videoboard, as well as the $70,000 to $80,000 needed to install it. He said the Board of Education recently removed the installation from its capital plan, as Masuk’s effort to complete the entire project without taxpayer funds gets underway.
He is working with Tyler Burley of Power Ad, who is soliciting companies to buy sponsored ads for the videoboard. Swensen also sent out a sponsorship letter to local businesses.
“Whether or not you choose to partner with us on this initiative, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your continued support of Masuk High School,” Swensen wrote. “Together, we can create opportunities that inspire, educate, and unite our students and community for years to come.”
Sponsor levels include Diamond, Platinum, Gold and Silver. All levels will get a sponsor night(s), PA announcements, social media and online recognition and a dedication night on opening night.
Diamond: Term/payment options: seven years, $35,000 upfront or $5,715 per year for seven years for a total of $40,005. The sponsor gets a:
- 2.5′ x 10.5′ static ad centered under the scoreboard
- 2x rotating digital ad on side of videoboard
- 3x full screen commercial ads
- 3′ x 16′ A-frame ad on sideline
- 3′ x 6′ windscreen for fence
- Family passes to all home events (excludes state games)
Platinum: Term/payment options, five years, $15,000 total upfront or $3,500 a year for five years for a total of $17,500. This includes a:
- 2.5′ x 7.25′ static ad off-center under scoreboard
- 1x rotating digital ad on side of videoboard
- 1x full screen commercial ads
- 3′ x 8′ A-frame ad on sideline
- 3′ x 6′ windscreen for fence
- Family passes to all home events (excludes state games)
Gold: Term/Payment Options: four years, $5,750 total upfront or $1,562.50 a year for four years for a total of $6,250. This includes a:
- 1x rotating digital ad on side of videoboard
- 3′ x 6′ windscreen for fence
Silver: Term/Payment Options: three years, $2,750 total upfront or $1,000 per year for three years for a total of $3,000. This includes:
- 1x rotating digital ad on side of videoboard
“We already have two Diamond level sponsors: the Masuk All Sports Booster Club and Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gaetano Marra Homes,” Swensen said.
Those interested in becoming a sponsor should send an email to Tyler Burley, project manager of Power Ad Company, [email protected], or email Masuk Principal Steve Swensen with any questions at [email protected].
All respectful comments with the commenter’s first and last name are welcome.
We are worried about a fancy scoreboard for football but are getting rid of hockey? Seriously?
This seems irresponsible to pursue when the First Selectman has cut 1.8 million from the budget. Monroe may have to fund raise just to keep educational programs., teachers, etc.
If the town businesses want to sponsor it, so be it. This is a “sign” that Masuk surely isn’t what it used to be in terms of quality education and decision making.