Golden Tiger football fans are in for a treat, as the 2020 football season will bring big things for Russellville, beginning with a new Jumbotron scoreboard.

The new board will be 22-by-30 foot, 10 mm, replacing the current 10-by-20 foot, 20 mm, scoreboard. It will be the largest of its kind in north Alabama and the only 10mm resolution board at a high school stadium in the state.

RHS head football coach John Ritter said even though it will be beneficial for the football program, the new scoreboard will also benefit the system as a whole, as well as the community.

“My goal and vision for Russellville athletics is to provide our student-athletes with the best high school experience they can possibly have,” Ritter said. “That includes creating a great atmosphere, not just for our athletes but for our amazing fans as well. Russellville has some of the best and most loyal fans around, and this is going to enhance everyone’s experience under the Friday night lights.

“Russellville City Schools has been a trendsetter in all areas for decades,” he added. “This new Jumbotron allows an already great stadium to get a state-of-the-art upgrade and will provide arguably the best atmosphere of any high school stadium in Alabama.”

RCS Superintendent Heath Grimes said in addition to its use at football games, the Jumbotron will be able to be used for other sporting events, for graduation and for community events.

“This board will be a major asset to our school district as a whole, and we appreciate the booster club, Coach Ritter and the football program’s efforts in making this investment and making it available for other uses,” he said. “We are hoping we can have it in place for the upcoming graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020 in May, and we already have plans in place to use it for a community movie night on the field in August. Used in these ways, and others, this can really be something that encourages community pride.”

Grimes said in addition to the new Jumbotron, there will be an 8-by-20-foot static scoreboard placed on the hill next to the field house for extra convenience for fans.

“The Russellville City Schools Board understands what it takes to be excellent, which has been proven time and time again by the decisions they make that have our students, our teachers and our district’s future in mind,” Grimes said. “They support doing things at a high level and not cutting corners. That is why RCS is known around the state as a leader in education, arts, athletics and facilities.

“Others around the state follow the trail Russellville tends to blaze and want to emulate our district,” Grimes added. “That is in large part because of the leadership and vision of a school board who understands what it takes to be a leader in all these areas, which is our district’s collective goal.

“When the school board was approached about the new Jumbotron, they saw the possibilities it offers and were glad to support it.”

The purchase of the Jumbotron was approved at the most recent Russellville City Schools board meeting. The Jumbotron will be purchased entirely through Football Boosters for the lowest bid price of $195,570.

Grimes said this new addition is another step toward progress, growth and continued excellence at RCS.

“RCS is a special place,” Grimes said. “We say ‘It’s great to be a Golden Tiger,’ and it truly is. No one should doubt what is happening at RCS. We are positioning ourselves to continue the well-regarded tradition of excellence that RCS is known for. We want everyone to know that this tradition hasn’t changed and will not change. The tradition of excellence only changes when we stop leading with excellence.

“We look forward to showcasing the biggest and best Jumbotron in Alabama in our already impressive Golden Tiger Stadium, and we know we can count on our community’s continued support of our progress, since the support of the community is definitely a vital component to our success as well. Our excellence is something shared by the community and something the community can and should take pride in, and this is just one more example of that.”