University of Illinois getting ready to unveil new, massive video board at Gies Memorial Stadium

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — The University of Illinois is adding a new video board to Gies Memorial Stadium, with finishing touches being added ahead of the upcoming football season.

The board measures 69 feet tall by 250 feet wide, 17,315 square feet, and is funded by a donation from Larry Gies made last September, the same gift that added the Gies name to Memorial Stadium.

Illinois Deputy Director of Athletics Tom Michael said the installation reflects the program's investment in the game-day experience.

"It's a commitment that we're making to our football program," Michael said.

Michael said the board is designed to keep fans engaged throughout the game.

"I think it's a blank canvas for our creative team to really do amazing things to help engage the fans because when there's a stoppage in play, what are fans going to do? Are they going to get their phones out and look down, or are we going to keep them engaged in what's taking place today?" Michael said.

The video board is one of several upgrades. New video ribbon boards were installed above each lower bowl, along with one above the student section in the north end zone. A new sound system was also added.

Michael hopes the upgrades will help foster an even more raucous environment for Big Ten opponents.

"This is what we're doing to continue to create that environment that's really special, so that when Big Ten teams come in here, they're like, 'Holy smokes, this isn't what we signed up for,'" Michael said.

Michael lauded the commitment Gies has to the University of Illinois.

"Gies College of Business and now Gies Memorial Stadium. If there's not somebody that bleeds more orange and blue than that, it's pretty remarkable what he and his family have done," Michael said.

The stadium is also adding new and improved WiFi ahead of the football season.

Illinois' season opener is Sept. 3 against UAB.