How to Customize a Scoreboard Message

Most sports teams offer fans the chance to put personalized messages on stadium scoreboards. The message can take the form of a welcome, a birthday or anniversary greeting, a group acknowledgement, or even a marriage proposal. In some cases you can create a custom message. Although team policies and methods vary, most make it easy for you to put a name up in lights.

Instructions

    • 1

      Watch the scoreboard for fan messages during breaks in play; most teams will include contact information before or after these messages. Look on the team's website for scoreboard message policy. Or call the team's business office and ask for the staff member in charge of scoreboard messages.

    • 2

      Contact the team well in advance of the game to determine availability and guidelines. Depending on the type of message, there may be a cost involved. For example, the University of Michigan Wolverines charge for custom messages during football games but offer complimentary birthday or anniversary greetings.

    • 3

      Write your message according to team policies. Most do not allow profane or even suggestive language, political statements or messages that disparage the team or its opponents. In addition, space is often at a premium. The Cincinnati Reds, for example, allow only up to 40 characters, and the Chicago Bulls specify 10 words or fewer. If you're in doubt, ask your team contact if the message is acceptable.

    • 4

      Send your message in the format specified by the team, accompanied by payment if necessary. Clubs will normally send acknowledgement via email with confirmation that your message will appear. If you do not receive confirmation within a week or two of your submission, contact the team to make sure it received your submission.