Illinois unveils $20.9M jumbotron, largest in college football history

The University of Illinois unveiled a $20.9 million jumbotron at Gies Memorial Stadium, making it the largest in college football history at over 17,300 square feet. The screen debuted during the Illini's season opener against UAB on Sept. 3. Manufactured by Daktronics, the video board measures 69 feet high and 250 feet wide, featuring 30 million pixels for live video, replays, and graphics. It surpasses Auburn's previous record of 10,690 square feet by nearly 7,000 square feet. The project was funded largely by a $100 million donation from Larry Gies, after whom the stadium was renamed. NFL venues like SoFi Stadium remain larger, with Illinois leading college football ahead of Auburn, Purdue, Oregon, and Michigan.