The Athletic Director’s 2026 Technology Planning Guide

For many athletic departments, the busiest days of the year happen under the brightest lights. However, the success of those game days is rarely determined in the moment. Instead, it is decided months earlier, during quiet planning windows when there is time to think clearly and act intentionally.

January and February are often overlooked, yet they are the most valuable months for evaluating game day technology. This is when athletic directors can step back, review what worked, identify what caused stress, and plan improvements before schedules and budgets lock into place.

The goal is not to add more equipment. The aim is smoother game days, fewer problems, and systems that work for every sport and every volunteer.

Multi-sport LED scoreboard in a stadium, ready for game day

Why Early Planning Saves More Than Money

Many technology issues are not budget problems; they are timing problems. Waiting until the season approaches often leads to rushed decisions, limited availability, and missed installation windows. Emergency replacements cost more, create unnecessary pressure, and rarely result in the best long-term solution.

Planning early allows athletic departments to:

• Secure better production and installation timelines.

• Phase upgrades instead of replacing everything at once.

• Make clearer budget requests with fewer surprises.

• Avoid mid-season failures that disrupt games.

  
  

When plans are made early, decisions are proactive instead of reactive. That alone reduces stress for staff, volunteers, and administrators alike.

Start With the Sports That Drive the Most Activity

Not every venue or sport requires the same level of investment. A smart planning process begins by identifying where the greatest impact can be made.

For most schools, this means focusing on:

• Multi-sport gyms and fields.

• Venues with the highest attendance and game volume.

• Spaces where volunteers rotate frequently.

  
  

Technology that works across basketball, volleyball, wrestling, and other indoor sports simplifies training and creates consistency. One reliable system is easier to manage than multiple disconnected solutions.

Standardization matters. When systems look and operate the same across venues, mistakes decrease and confidence increases.

Identify Your Current Game Day Pain Points

Before exploring new equipment, it helps to evaluate what slows you down right now.

Common pain points include:

• Volunteers struggling with complicated controls.

• Inconsistent displays between venues.

• Manual timing systems still in use as backups.

• Equipment that only works when one specific person is present.

  
  

Ask a few simple questions:

• Does setup take longer than it should?

• Are mistakes happening during high-pressure moments?

• Do different sports require completely different systems?

  
  

Clear answers reveal where improvements will deliver the greatest return, not just financially, but operationally.

Think Beyond the Main Scoreboard

While scoreboards are the centerpiece of game day, they are only part of the picture. Supporting tools often solve the most persistent operational challenges.

Well-planned additions can include:

• Practice segment timers that improve efficiency and structure.

• Shot clocks that ensure compliance and consistent game flow.

• Auxiliary displays that reduce confusion for players and officials.

  
  

These tools help coaches run better practices, assist officials in managing games more smoothly, and reduce the mental load on staff during events.

Often, small additions create noticeable improvements in daily operations.

Reliability Matters Most When the Season Is Live

When the season begins, reliability becomes more important than features. Game day equipment must perform in bright sunlight, changing weather, and high-pressure environments. When systems fail mid-season, the impact goes beyond inconvenience. It affects credibility with officials, visiting teams, and the community.

Reliable systems provide:

• Consistent visibility in all conditions.

• Simple operation for volunteers.

• Confidence that the display will work every night.

  
  

Long-term support matters just as much as the equipment itself. Knowing help is available when it is needed creates peace of mind throughout the season.

Build a Phased Upgrade Roadmap

Technology planning does not require replacing everything at once. A phased approach allows schools to:

• Start with high-impact or high-risk systems.

• Spread costs across multiple budget cycles.

• Gain buy-in from administration.

• Build toward long-term goals without disruption.

  
  

A simple roadmap might look like:

• Year one: Replace the main scoreboard or add shot clocks.

• Year two: Add sponsor panels or auxiliary displays.

• Year three: Expand controls or upgrade additional venues.

  
  

Phased planning creates momentum while keeping budgets manageable.

Align Technology Planning With Your Budget Cycle

Clear plans make approvals easier. Administrators value predictability and foresight. When technology needs are identified early, budget discussions are more productive and less reactive. Multi-sport solutions and phased upgrades strengthen the case for investment.

Early planning also supports:

• Grant applications.

• Sponsorship opportunities.

• Capital improvement discussions.

  
  

When technology serves multiple sports and improves daily operations, it becomes easier to justify and easier to approve.

Planning Now Creates Confidence All Season Long

The best seasons do not begin on opening night. They begin with preparation. Early planning turns technology into an asset instead of a stress point. It allows athletic departments to move forward with clarity, confidence, and a clear roadmap.

The right partner helps simplify decisions, align timing, and ensure that when the season arrives, everything works as expected.

Ready to Start Planning?

Schedule a 30-minute game day technology planning call to review your current setup and outline a clear path forward for 2026.

Or download the Game Day Technology Planning Checklist to begin evaluating your needs today.

Conclusion: The Importance of Strategic Planning

In conclusion, strategic planning for game day technology is essential. It not only saves money but also enhances the overall experience for everyone involved. By focusing on early evaluations and phased upgrades, we can ensure that our athletic programs run smoothly.

Let’s work together to create a successful game day environment that benefits athletes, volunteers, and the community alike. Remember, the right technology can transform your game day experience, making it more enjoyable and efficient for all.

As we look ahead, I encourage you to take the first step in this planning process. Your future game days will thank you!