Marion Family Donates New Scoreboard for Gardner-Webb’s Spangler Stadium

The Dr. Randy Marion Scoreboard Reflects Family’s Longtime Support of the University

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—A gift from Randy Marion, longtime trustee of Gardner-Webb University, and his daughter, Jennifer Marion Mills, current chair of the Board of Trustees, will provide a new video scoreboard and sound system for Earnest W. Spangler Stadium. The new technology will improve the gameday experience for Runnin’ Bulldog fans, as well as enhance other events held in the venue.

“The Dr. Randy Marion Scoreboard reflects the strong ties of the Marion family to Gardner-Webb, highlighted by Randy Marion’s 2012 Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from the University,” noted Aaron Hinton, GWU interim vice president for Advancement. “The Marion family has faithfully served Gardner-Webb for many years on the Board of Trustees. This naming opportunity honors their love and devotion to GWU and its students and is a testament to their passion for excellence.”

Residents of Mooresville, N.C., Marion is owner of Randy Marion Automotive, and Mills serves as the company’s Vice President. The organization is one of the largest volume GM dealers in the Southeast with six locations in North Carolina. In addition to their dedicated service to Gardner-Webb, the Marion family also serve on several boards for community organizations. Marion serves as the chairman of the board for the Lake Norman Regional Medical Center and was also a founding member of the Board of Directors of the Mooresville Soup Kitchen. In recognition of his contributions, Marion was awarded “The Order of the Long Leaf Pine” in 2001 by the Governor of North Carolina.

The Dr. Randy Marion Scoreboard from Nevco is nearly 41-feet wide and 18-feet tall with full color LED video display for a vivid image. The board also includes a video ribbon display below the main section. The accompanying sound system was designed specifically for the stadium. Demolition of the old board and construction and installation of the new board is set to begin this month.

“This new videoboard really helps Gardner-Webb catch up with its peers in the Big South Conference and beyond,” affirmed GWU President Dr. William Downs. “It’ll be huge for recruitment, will take the Saturday experience in Spangler to a whole new level, and will open up opportunities for community businesses to advertise. This is a big win for Gardner-Webb, and we know the Marion Scoreboard will witness a lot of Runnin’ Bulldog W’s in the years to come!”

In a typical football season, the GWU home schedule includes five games spanning the fall months. With a seating capacity of 9,000, Spangler Stadium will have lots of eyes on the new scoreboard when new head coach Tre Lamb and the Runnin’ Bulldogs finally take the field. While COVID-19 has affected the 2020 football season in unprecedented ways, the University plans to safely use Spangler Stadium and the new scoreboard throughout the year for student-life events and future athletic contests. The GWU Women’s Lacrosse team, which also calls Spangler Stadium home, typically plays 8-10 home games each spring season.

Further, the University intends to use Spangler Stadium as the venue for the May Commencement each year, bringing together hundreds of graduates, their families and the GWU faculty and staff. The ceremony will be live streamed on the video board.

Located in the North Carolina foothills, Gardner-Webb University is a private, Christian, liberal arts university. Gardner-Webb emphasizes a strong student-centered experience and rigorous academics to prepare students to become effective leaders within the global community. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.