When you’re in a small town with a big vision, every dollar matters.
For Coldwater High School—a community of just 4,000 people in rural America—the dream of upgrading to LED scoreboards could have felt out of reach. But thanks to this school’s advertising strategy, they didn’t just pay for their new boards—they built a revenue stream that will keep giving back for years to come.
Here’s how they did it, and how you can, too.
The Challenge: A Limited Budget—Most Schools Face
Whether you’re managing a high school gym or a district stadium, the reality is the same: budgets are tight, facility upgrades are expensive, and fundraising can feel like a full-time job.
Building a Sponsorship Model That Works
Working with ScoreVision, Coldwater built an advertising plan designed for sustainability, not just quick, unpredictable revenue. The strategy included:
- Tiered sponsorship packages – Three levels of sponsorship were offered, based on placement and visibility on the LED scoreboard and Fan App.
- Long-term commitments – 17 sponsors signed 10-year contracts, locking in consistent revenue.
- Flexible short-term options – Four additional sponsors committed to year-to-year contracts, allowing room for new advertisers in the future.
The results?
Coldwater covered the full cost of their LED boards and had $60,000 left over for future facility needs, like repairs and upgrades. “The money we generate from sponsorships will be used in an improvement account for facility projects,” said Eric Goodwin, Athletic Director at Coldwater High School. “For example, one project we have is a new track out at the stadium, so the money will likely get used for that.”
A Community-First Approach
Coldwater’s sponsorship program didn’t rely on big corporate money. Most advertisers were small, family-owned businesses from within the community—businesses that wanted to invest in local students and families.
About 75% of sponsors created their own ads, but for those who needed help, Coldwater stepped in to design ads on their behalf. ScoreVision’s Advertising Platform made it easy for Eric and his team to upload and update ads before and after games.
Turning Game Day Into a Revenue Opportunity
Coldwater’s first game with their new LED scoreboard will be on August 16th during a volleyball tournament. With multiple schools and fans from across the region in attendance, it’s the perfect launchpad for showcasing sponsor ads and building brand recognition.
Using ScoreVision’s Sequence Builder feature, Coldwater can:
- Organize the rotation of sponsor ads during pregame, timeouts, and halftime.
- Pair ads with school branding for a polished, professional look.
- Report ad impressions and number of serves to sponsors using built-in reporting tools.
This not only keeps sponsors happy but also builds a case for renewing and expanding sponsorships in future seasons.
Why LED Scoreboards Make Financial Sense
Coldwater’s story isn’t unique—it’s a model that can work for other schools, too. Here’s why school fundraising through LED advertising is such a powerful approach:
- Self-funding upgrades – The scoreboard pays for itself through advertising revenue.
- Long-term revenue – Multi-year contracts create predictable funding for years to come.
- Community engagement – Local businesses get high-visibility advertising while supporting school programs.
- Scalable content – Easily update ads for seasonal events, special promotions, or new sponsors.
A Realistic Path Forward for Any School
Not every school will secure 10-year contracts with all its sponsors, and building an advertiser base takes work. But with the right strategy and a partner who understands the LED scoreboard market, it’s possible to create a sustainable revenue stream that supports your athletic program year after year.
“I absolutely love what ScoreVision can do to score a game,” said Eric Goodwin, Athletic Director at Coldwater. “And the ads; I love how when there's a timeout, you just hit a timeout button, and the ads pop up. It is incredible.”
Ready to See How Your School Can Do the Same?
If budget concerns have been holding you back from upgrading your scoreboard, take a page from Coldwater’s playbook. With the right school advertising plan and the right tools, your LED scoreboard can become one of your school’s most valuable fundraising assets.
Contact our sales team to learn how ScoreVision can help your scoreboard pay for itself—and the future of your athletic program.
