Daktronics Collection

Identity elements

Reference code

SDSU-Archives MA 081

Level of description

Collection

Title

Daktronics Collection

Date(s)

  • 1976-2007 (Creation)

Extent

0.84 linear feet (2 document cases)

Name of creator

Administrative history

Daktronics, Inc. was founded on December 9, 1968, in Brookings, South Dakota, by South Dakota State University electrical engineering professors Dr. Aelred Kurtenbach and Dr. Duane Sander. Initially focused on biomedical instrumentation, the company shifted direction in 1970 after developing an electronic voting system for the Utah Legislature. In 1971 Daktronics produced its first scoreboard, the three-sided “Matside” wrestling scoreboard, which led to the development of the widely used “All Sport” line and the company’s expansion into electronic display systems for sports venues, commercial spaces, and public events.

The Daktronics Records document the company’s growth from a regional startup to an international leader in electronic scoreboards and digital display technology. Materials include newsletters, reports, and promotional publications that reflect product development, corporate culture, and public relations activities. The collection also documents Daktronics’ involvement in major international events, including the 1980 Winter Olympics and the Holmenkollen Ski Festival.

The collection illustrates the technological and economic impact of a South Dakota–based company closely connected to South Dakota State University and provides research value for the study of regional entrepreneurship, corporate communications, and the development of electronic display systems used in sports and public venues.

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Scope and content

This collection offers valuable insight into the development and global expansion of a prominent South Dakota-based technology company. Daktronics, Inc. played a key role in advancing electronic display technology, particularly in the sports and public event industries. The materials reflect the company’s transition from a regional enterprise to an internationally recognized leader in digital scoreboards and timing systems.

The collection docouments Daktronics’ involvement in high-profile events such as the 1980 Winter Olympics and the Holmenkollen Ski Festival, providing context on the company’s early international contracts and technical innovation. It also captures internal corporate culture, shareholder engagement, and public relations efforts through its newsletters, reports, and promotional materials.

Additionally, the collection has local and institutional value, illustrating the economic and technological contributions of South Dakota businesses and highlighting the involvement of South Dakota State University alumni in the company's growth. It serves as a useful resource for researchers studying regional entrepreneurship, corporate communications, and the evolution of sports technology.

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Conditions of access and use elements

Conditions governing access

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In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use. .sdstate.edu/sdsu-archives-and-special-collections/researcher-registration-form)

The collection is open for research, but please note that the materials in the Archives do not circulate and can only be used In the SDSU Archives and Special Collections Reading Room.

Please contact us in advance so we can prepare for your visit.

If you cannot visit the Archives in person, please reach out to us. We will do our best to help you find the information you need.

In most cases, the materials in this collection have not been digitized and are not available online.

South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections supports access to the materials in its collections. However, access to some items may be restricted due to their fragile condition, donor agreements, or other considerations.

If you would like to know more about the contents of the collection, please contact the SDSU Archives at: Telephone: 605-688-5094 Email: arcrefs@sdstate.edu

Physical access

Technical access

Conditions governing reproduction

Reproduction of materials from the collection is subject to the following conditions:

  • Permission: Written permission must be obtained from the SDSU Archives for any reproduction, publication, or quotation of materials.
  • Copyright: Users are responsible for complying with copyright laws and securing any necessary permissions from copyright holders.
  • Fragile Materials: Some items may not be reproduced due to their fragile condition.
  • Charges: Reproduction charges may apply, and users will be informed of any costs in advance.
  • Acknowledgment: Any reproduced material must include proper acknowledgment of the South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections as the source.

    For more information or to request permission, please contact the SDSU Archives.

Languages of the material

  • English

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    Copyright and Use Statement

    In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

    Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use.

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