scoreboards

A scoreboard is a device or system used in sports and other events to display real-time information such as team scores, game time, period or inning, and additional status details for players, officials, and spectators. Scoreboards range from simple manual boards to sophisticated electronically driven displays. They are used in venues including stadiums, arenas, gymnasiums, and outdoor fields, and can also appear as digital overlays for broadcasts.

Scoreboards come in several types. Manual scoreboards rely on physical indicators, flip cards, or chalked boards and are common in smaller venues or historic sites. Mechanical and electromechanical boards use rotating wheels or drums to show numbers. Modern scoreboards are digital, using LED or LCD displays to show digits, text, and basic graphics. Larger venues often employ video boards or jumbotrons, which can present scores alongside replays, animations, and sponsor content. Many systems combine a standard scoreboard with a video display to provide comprehensive information and multimedia presentations.

Key components typically include team identifiers, numerical scores, a game clock, period or innings indicators, and sometimes fouls, timeouts, possession arrows, or player statistics. Data are usually updated by an official scorer or automated timing system and are displayed in real time. In contemporary settings, scoreboards are integrated with content management systems to coordinate graphics, advertisements, and live feeds, and may connect to external data sources for statistics.

Scoreboards enhance spectator experience through visibility and accuracy, support officiating and game pacing, and offer sponsorship and branding opportunities. They require reliable power, network connectivity, and regular maintenance to ensure uptime during events.