New High-Def Video Scoreboard Coming to UMaine’s Alfond Stadium

A new high-definition video scoreboard will be installed on Morse Field in Alfond Sports Stadium at the University of Maine next year with the help of an $800,000 gift from UMaine benefactors Phillip and Susan Morse.

In announcing the gift, which will fund the $750,000 scoreboard and support the baseball program, University of Maine President Paul Ferguson cited the Morses’ long history of support for UMaine Athletics and the difference their contributions have made through the years.

“The long-term generosity and commitment of Phil and Susan Morse to Black Bear Athletics is remarkable and is reflective of the long-term loyalty and focus on excellence so characteristic of our UMaine alumni,” said President Ferguson. “We are so grateful for their contribution.”

Phillip Morse, an owner and vice chair of the Boston Red Sox, and his wife, Susan Keene Morse, both graduated from UMaine in 1964. Their daughter, Katherine Morse, is a 1992 UMaine graduate.

UMaine’s Morse Field in Alfond Stadium is named in their honor.

The new scoreboard, approximately 30 feet wide and 20 feet high, will include such features as HD video display and instant replay. The state-of-the-art technology will also provide the opportunity for enhanced fan interaction, including live remote fan shots, video engagement, and posted tweets and texts.

The scoreboard will be installed in time for the first home football game in fall 2014 and will be one of the few outdoor HD video boards in New England.

“The impact of this gift for our football program will be huge,” said UMaine Head Football Coach Jack Cosgrove. “The scoreboard is the single biggest thing we can do to improve the game day atmosphere in the stadium, and I believe it will excite our players, students and fans.”

UMaine’s football and track and field programs will use the scoreboard. So, too, will many high school teams that compete in Alfond Stadium, as well as the annual Special Olympics.

“This generous gift from the Morse Family will take us to another level in fan engagement and will also be a real boost for the many community organizations and high school teams that use Alfond Stadium,” said UMaine Athletic Director Steve Abbott.  “Events ranging from the Special Olympics, to high and school and college track meets, to state championship contests in football and field hockey will be greatly enhanced by this state-of-the-art video scoreboard.”

Morse Field was made possible by a generous gift from the Morses in 1997 for the playing surface, lights and scoreboard, which transitioned UMaine’s stadium field from natural to artificial turf. Morse Field opened Sept. 12, 1998.

Contact: Margaret Nagle, 207.581.3745