The Daktronics Experience

Join Justin and Matt as they look back on a big month for Daktronics. From the University of Richmond upgrading the Robins Center with a new display system and Park Outdoor celebrating its 50th digital billboard, to an upcoming Women in Sports event and Dak Prescott’s gift transforming Haughton High School, there’s plenty to cover. We also recap the three podcast episodes released in November, featuring insights on game presentation, DakClassroom and major display upgrades.

Links:

• Park Outdoor Celebrates 50th Digital Billboard with High-Visibility Upgrade Near Syracuse
• Women In Sports Online Event in December to Focus On Fostering an Environment of Excellence
  • Registration Link: https://www.daktronics.com/en-us/events/women-in-sports
• University of Richmond Upgrades Robins Center with Daktronics Display System
• Prescott Field: How Dak Prescott’s Gift Sparked a New Era at Haughton High
• (VIDEO) Prescott Field Dedication at Haughton High School

In this episode, we’re joined by Lucas Dahlberg, Game Presentation talent and student at the University of St. Thomas. Lucas shares how his journey began with running a high school video board and quickly grew into building full game-day productions, leading student crews, and now working hands-on in a brand-new D1 facility.

He talks through his progression from Elk River High School to St. Thomas, what it was like opening a brand-new arena, and how he landed a role with the Minnesota Wild… all before finishing his first year of college.

Lucas also breaks down how he builds shows using Daktronics tools like Show Control, what he’s learned from watching productions at every level, and why giving students access and ownership is so important for growing the industry.

Topics Covered

• How Lucas got his start with video boards as a high school freshman
• Growing an entire student-run events team from scratch
• Transitioning to the University of St. Thomas and producing D1-level shows
• Building the first-ever game presentation for the new Lee & Penny Anderson Arena
• Working promotions for the Minnesota Wild and how that changed his perspective
• Idea “hacking” — pulling inspiration from pro venues and college gamedays
• The tools he uses every day, including Daktronics Show Control
• Advice for students and schools wanting to get into live event production

Whether you're in athletics, production, or just love hearing about passionate young talent in sports, Lucas’s story is a great look at the next generation of game-day creators.

Links:

• University of St. Thomas Athletics: https://tommiesports.com/ 
• DakClassroom: ht tps://www.daktronics.com/en-us/markets/sports/high-schools/dakclassroom
• Camino: https://www.daktronics.com/en-us/products/software-and-controllers/show-control/products/camino 
• Show Control: https://www.daktronics.com/en-us/products/software-and-controllers/show-control 

To hear all about connecting with students at the high school level for video production, we spoke with Kyle Sydow, Daktronics High School Park and Rec Market Manager. He dives into DakClassroom, what it is and does, and what it provides for students and their communities. We also cover how this solution impacts high schools, colleges and even the professional levels of sports. 

Links:

• 227 – Capitalizing on Future Opportunities via Crew Connect with Brandon Shih
• DakClassroom Webpage: https://www.daktronics.com/en-us/markets/sports/high-schools/dakclassroom 

When looking for the most out of their sponsorship, Idaho Central Credit Union (ICCU) looks to schools in need and then makes a big difference for their students and community. To hear how they do it, Justin and Matt spoke with Clark Rasmussen, Marketing Sponsorship Supervisor at ICCU. He shares the details of providing video displays and scoreboards for schools, the pillars they use to determine the right fit and how the impact lasts for years to come.

What has Daktronics been up to in the month of August 2025? Join Justin and Matt as they recap projects and events that were announced in the past month, from high schools to multi-use arenas to industry conferences and more.

Links:

• Sign Companies and Industry Experts to Gather for Daktronics Sales Expo 2025
• Denny Sanford PREMIER Center Selects Daktronics to Refresh Digital Display Experience for Visitors
• Plum Senior High School Gets Tech Boost from Daktronics, We’re All Mustangs Here Foundation and Benefactor Pat McAfee
• IDEA Conference Recognizes Daktronics with Multiple Awards
• South Dakota Enhances Highway Safety with Upgraded Message Displays

When Sidney Public Schools decided to install an outdoor video display at their stadium, they turned to Daktronics for consistency with their indoor installation from 2021. To hear the details of how they incorporated video displays into the high school setting and involved their students, Justin and Matt talked with Matt McKay, Sidney Public School’s Director of IT Services. He expands on the integration as well as his experiences of learning the product, attending the recent Daktronics High School Video Summit and much more.

Links:

• DakClassroom: https://www.daktronics.com/en-us/markets/sports/high-schools/dakclassroom 

When walking into a high school arena gives off a college atmosphere, you know the technology is having a big impact. To hear about that impact, Justin and Matt visited Huron High School in South Dakota to talk with Scott DeBoer and Michael Dramstad. Scott is the Activities Director and Huron Arena Manager while Michael is the Network Systems Engineer for the Huron School District. They dig into the technology, including the largest end wall display in a South Dakota High School, and how they are making it work for their events, students, sponsors and more.

Links:

• YouTube Version: https://youtu.be/SgVljPv-Cn8 
• Daktronics News Release: https://www.daktronics.com/news/huron-high-school-elevates-live-event-experience-with-daktronics-digital-display-installation

When event production takes center stage at Waunakee High School, Justin and Matt call up Jason McConnell to hear about it! Jason is the Director of Warrior Media and Video Content Coordinator for Athletics and he’s been part of a student-centric team that won a Daktronics DakClassroom Student Showcase Award this year for Best Overall Production and Best Use of Students in Production. He shares how their team works, the great things they are doing and where some of the students have gone from there.

Links:

• Daktronics Project Page: https://www.daktronics.com/en-us/photos?k=waunakee&project=199127-001&media=WP-022546
• Event production curriculum webpage: https://www.daktronics.com/en-us/markets/sports/high-schools/game-day-production-program

(Jason McConnell)

(Director View)

(Stream)

Join hosts Justin and Matt as they dive into six standout Daktronics projects from June 2025. From college and high school athletics to international smart city upgrades, this month’s highlights show the wide reach of our display technology.

Links:

• University of St. Thomas Brings Light to New Multipurpose Arena with Daktronics Displays
• Roadways in Riyadh Municipality Inform Drivers with 36 Daktronics LED Displays
• Daktronics Announces First-Annual DakClassroom Student Showcase Award Winners
• Assumption High School Expands Sports Media Opportunities for Young Women
• Wake Forest University Brings Elevated Volleyball Experience with Daktronics Displays
• Continuous Centerhung Coming to the University of Nebraska at Omaha from Daktronics

In this episode, Justin and Matt recap the highlights from May 2025, including several exciting Daktronics news releases. They cover the upcoming Women in Sports online event set for June. Plus, hear about recent display upgrades across the country including the University of Delaware softball, Auburn football, Centreville Bank Stadium and Huron High School. These all enhance the fan experience with Daktronics technology.

• Women In Sports Online Event in June Focuses On Insights from Coaching and Athletics Business Experience
  • Registration Link: https://www.daktronics.com/en-us/events/women-in-sports
• University of Delaware Brings Large Video Upgrade to Softball Games with Daktronics Technology
• Auburn University Adds to Football Experience with Daktronics Upgrade
• Daktronics Brings LED Displays to Life for Centreville Bank Stadium
• Huron High School Elevates Live Event Experience with Daktronics Digital Display Installation