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Jumbo gains for Trojans fans

Trojan home games are about to get a whole lot more exhilarating.

SAIT is bringing in the big guns. Or more specifically, the big screen.

Two Daktronics Jumbotrons are on their way to SAIT’s sports facilities, with a 12-foot screen slated for the gym and another 16-foot monster for the arena.

Mark Pretzlaff, athletics manger, says there are many benefits in the new screens.

“The main feature is the instant replays,” he said. “We can also add sponsorship corners much like shows at the Saddledome.”

The opportunity for sponsorship is also going to allow SAIT to make other exciting ventures said Pretzlaff, including the potential for student employment.

“Our first goal is to get it up and running for men’s national basketball tournament (starting Mar. 18), and then expand it for the RTBN students to make it a learning tool as well.

“This is not just an initiative for SAIT Trojans,” he said. “It’s also an initiative for the students to be able to become involved for academic purposes.”

Dick Bourne, video and production academic chair, has been on-board from the beginning. Not only is this a way for students to get a more holistic education, he says it’s also going to increase the turn out to games.

“It will bring SAIT into the ring with other schools across the country that are just now getting into this. It will be like going to the Saddledome, and cheering on your family and friends.”

Like many, Bourne understands the frustrations of being seated far from the rink. “You’ll be able to see more closely what the action is,” he said.

“Be it a great save by the goalie, a close up of the action, or the back of the net goal. The game will be just that much more entertaining.”

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