Users of the ground will welcome a new high-tech screen this weekend, replacing the old scoreboard that’s malfuctioned constantly after twice being struck by lightning.

Work on installing the new screen, a 4.2 metre by 2.4 metre high-resolution LED board, began yesterday and is expected to be completed in time for tomorrow’s Orange Hawks and Oberon Tigers Group 10 clash at Wade Park.

Coming in at a cost of $42,000 and installed by Bathurst-based supplier LED Screens Australia, the new screen is being installed on the same site as the old scoreboard.

Promised in council’s budget as part of the ground’s initial upgrade before the cost of resurfacing the ground blew out in 2011, Orange City Council sports and recreation committee chair Jason Hamling believes the new board will be worth the wait.

“There’s been some unavoidable delays to replace the old scoreboard, but the upside is that during that time the new LED screen technology has become much more affordable and the image-quality of what can be put on the screen has taken a quantum leap,” Hamling said. 

“Up to now we’ve been limited to a clock and a numbers-only scoreboard. Now we’re looking at being able to play video-clips, add team logos and give much better promotional value to sponsors.” 

The new screen is capable of playing video, with audio played through the ground’s PA system, playing television or DVD for special sporting events, public movie nights or coaching and handling scoring-requirements for a broad range of sports including cricket, Australian Rules and assorted football codes through specialised software. 

As part of the installation, LED Screens Australia will supply full training on the operation of all the equipment to local sporting clubs which regularly use Wade Park.