U2 will pay $2 million to raise Jumbotron

[Boyzmamacita]

U2 Comes to Rescue of the Cowboys About Scoreboard

Video: http://www.news8austin.com/content/sports/?ArID=250613&SecID=5

Updated: 8/24/2009 8:56:37 PM
By: News 8 Austin Staff

The Dallas Cowboys were back at their practice facility in Valley
Ranch for the first time since the storm blew down the indoor practice facility this summer.

Perhaps the bigger story now is whether or not they are going to
raise the jumbo tron higher at the new Cowboys stadium to avoid being hit on the field by the punters.

Titans punter A.J. Trapasso kicked the football into the lower
part of the jumbo tron scoreboard on this punt in the third quarter. Apparently AJ kicked the ball into the jumbotron at least four times during warm ups. The NFL signed off on the 160-foot long, 90-foot high video board, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said, and he does not plan to alter it.

The challenge flag had to be thrown by Titans head coach Jeff
Fisher to get the referees attention about the ball hitting the bottom of the scoreboard.

"They might have to do something about that," former Longhorn Ahmard Hall says. The Titans fullback adds, "You have got some good punters in this league that will continue to hit that jumbo tron. I think the Cowboys can get it done. If they built a $1.2 billion stadium, I think they can raise that scoreboard so it can't get hit."

Titans head coach Jeff Fisher adds, "I'm sure that the Cowboys and the league realize that I should not have to throw the (red) flag out there because they (referees) did not see the football hit the scoreboard. It's not the refs responsibility once the fair catch signal is given then there are no eyes on the ball so they (refs)don't see it. So something has to get worked out because It could become a problem.

No matter what happens, the height of the scoreboard will not
be adjusted until after the first two regular-season games in late
September.

The reason well apparently the band U2 is going to pay $2 million to raise the jumbotron to allow their concert stage to fit under it. We'll keep you posted.

 

[jimmy40]

So I guess the reports that it doesn't cost anything to move it were wrong?



What the heck does U2 have going on that they need 100' to fit under?

 

[jchap]

Thier stage is 95 ft. tall

 

[Hypnotoad]

Why would U2 pay this cost?

 

[jimmy40]

Thier stage is 95 ft. tall

I guess floor seats suck for that concert.

 

[dogberry]

And of course what about the folks in the back of second section?

Expensive seats with obstructed views of the screen are not going to be happy.

 

[Boyzmamacita]

Why would U2 pay this cost?

I thought it was odd too when I read it. But News 8 Austin has apparently been informed of this. I guess $2 million is a drop in the bucket for U2, but if they do raise it, the Cowboys might as well keep it at the higher position. It looks great where it is, but it would still be visible 25 feet up. And all these idiots would shut up about it.

 

[skinsscalper]

I guess floor seats suck for that concert.

Actually, it's more for rigged lighting than anything. The U2 stage has a rigging system that consists of two arches that intersect in the center (the apex of the 95 foot heighth). It's quite a spectacle actually. Cool looking setup.

 

[Gooch]

I think its crap. U2 has nothing to do with the placement of the scoreboard. the NFL competition comittee agreed on the height and as long as the scoreboard is at the agreed height, should be prepared to go with that ruling.
If they want to agree to change the height, then the NFL should be prepared to eat the costs, not Jerry, not U2. If the NFL thought that the board was too low before, then they should not have given approval for its placement. Since they did, it's now the NFL's financial responsibility should they choose to do so.

 

[Yeagermeister]

Actually, it's more for rigged lighting than anything. The U2 stage has a rigging system that consists of two arches that intersect in the center (the apex of the 95 foot heighth). It's quite a spectacle actually. Cool looking setup.

Too bad it won't help their music :laugh2:

 

[skinsscalper]

I think its crap. U2 has nothing to do with the placement of the scoreboard. the NFL competition comittee agreed on the height and as long as the scoreboard is at the agreed height, should be prepared to go with that ruling.
If they want to agree to change the height, then the NFL should be prepared to eat the costs, not Jerry, not U2. If the NFL thought that the board was too low before, then they should not have given approval for its placement. Since they did, it's now the NFL's financial responsibility should they choose to do so.

Can't say I disagree with these sentiments. Many posters have said the same thing over the past couple of days and I can't find a valid argument against it.

 

[Yeagermeister]

I think its crap. U2 has nothing to do with the placement of the scoreboard. the NFL competition comittee agreed on the height and as long as the scoreboard is at the agreed height, should be prepared to go with that ruling.
If they want to agree to change the height, then the NFL should be prepared to eat the costs, not Jerry, not U2. If the NFL thought that the board was too low before, then they should not have given approval for its placement. Since they did, it's now the NFL's financial responsibility should they choose to do so.

:signmast: What he said

 

[TD-33]

I thought it was odd too when I read it. But News 8 Austin has apparently been informed of this. I guess $2 million is a drop in the bucket for U2, but if they do raise it, the Cowboys might as well keep it at the higher position. It looks great where it is, but it would still be visible 25 feet up. And all these idiots would shut up about it.

I've read that it is disconnected and does not operate at the raised height.

 

[DFWJC]

I think its crap. U2 has nothing to do with the placement of the scoreboard. the NFL competition comittee agreed on the height and as long as the scoreboard is at the agreed height, should be prepared to go with that ruling.
If they want to agree to change the height, then the NFL should be prepared to eat the costs, not Jerry, not U2. If the NFL thought that the board was too low before, then they should not have given approval for its placement. Since they did, it's now the NFL's financial responsibility should they choose to do so.

They HAVE to raise that scoreboard--regardless of what the official specs were. Having said that, I agree that the NFL for sure would have to chip in on the costs. The Cowboys did nothing wrong here.

Hey, if U2 will pay for it...great. It makes sense if their stage maxes out above the 85 ft.

They are installing a pulley system to raise and lower the screen.

 

[big dog cowboy]

The regular season can't get here soon enough.

 

[StanleySpadowski]

Talk about taking things out of context.


U2 is paying the money to raise and lower the screen. This was contracted long ago.

The day after the concert the screen will be back at 90' and the next event that wants it moved will pay the same premium.

 

[YosemiteSam]

I seriously doubt it cost $2M to raise it. Jerry is having jacks installed on it so that it can be raised and lowered at will.

From what I hear, if it is raised with these jacks, it has to be disconnected though. (ie no power)

So, if it is built so that it can be raised easily with jacks that are in place. I SERIOUSLY doubt it cost $2M to raise it.

 

[DallasEast]

The regular season can't get here soon enough.

For real.

Talk about taking things out of context.


U2 is paying the money to raise and lower the screen. This was contracted long ago.

The day after the concert the screen will be back at 90' and the next event that wants it moved will pay the same premium.

Now that makes sense.

 

[Boyzmamacita]

So the videoboards won't be functioning at the U2 concert because the power will be disconnected? Or can they reconnect the power once it is raised? I hope it doesn't impact use of the videoboard at Cowboys games if they are indeed forced to leave it up there.

 

[davey999]

Too bad it won't help their music :laugh2:

I know they are really struggling with the music they have.