The Alamodome, a cornerstone of San Antonio’s sports and entertainment scene, is set for a significant upgrade. The city plans to replace the venue’s center-hung scoreboardwhich was installed just six years ago in. The decision comes as the current scoreboard has experienced excessive wear and tear from frequent dismantling and repositioning within the dome.
The replacement is not just about addressing current issues but also about preparing for future events. The Alamodome is scheduled to host the NCAA Women’s Final Four Volleyball Championship in December, and the new scoreboard is expected to be ready in time for this event.
The Need for a New Scoreboard
The current scoreboard, measuring 18 feet by 33 feet, has reached the end of its functional life due to the demands of being moved between different setups within the Alamodome. According to city officials, the scoreboard has worn out faster than expected because it has been taken apart and moved over the years to accommodate various events.
The city’s proposal involves installing two new LED video scoreboards and a display control system from OES-USA, Inc. The new scoreboards will be larger and more advanced, with one measuring 18 feet by 39 feet for the stadium setup and another measuring 15 feet by 33 feet for the arena setup. These new installations are expected to last at least a decade, providing a long-term solution for the venue.
Funding and Future Plans
The $2.3 million project will be funded through the Alamodome Improvement and Contingency Fund. This fund has been a critical resource for maintaining and upgrading the venue, which has undergone significant renovations in recent years. In 2018, the Alamodome received a $60 million renovation in preparation for the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four. Another $29 million facelift was completed before hosting the event again in 2026, including the addition of new box suites.
While wholesale renovations to the Alamodome were once a high priority, the city has since reallocated some funds to support the new downtown Spurs arena. This has led to a pushback in the timeline for potentially scaled-back Alamodome improvements. According to Ben Gorzell, the city’s chief of financial and administrative services, major renovations are now planned for the 2035-ish range.
In the meantime, the city is focusing on smaller-scale investments that either have a financial return or enhance the attendee experience. An economic impact analysis commissioned in 2026 suggested that the venue needs infrastructure upgrades, additional digital signage, enhanced food and beverage options, and upgrades to entry plazas.
Looking Ahead
The city is currently reviewing the costs of operating and maintaining the Alamodome over the next 10 years. Staff will bring recommendations to the City Council this fall. In the interim, the city has identified the need to replace the center-hung scoreboard to fully support major events planned for this year, including UTSA football and the NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship.
As the Alamodome continues to evolve, this scoreboard replacement is a step towards ensuring the venue remains a top-tier destination for sports and entertainment in San Antonio. The city’s commitment to maintaining and upgrading the Alamodome reflects its dedication to providing world-class facilities for both local and national events.