Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Title
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, with an initial investment of $200,000 by South Dakota State University electrical engineering professors Dr. Aelred Kurtenbach and Dr. Duane Sander. The company was established to provide employment opportunities for SDSU graduates, reducing the need for outmigration in search of permanent work. Originally focused on biomedical instrumentation, Daktronics pivoted in 1970 after securing a contract to build an electronic voting system for the Utah Legislature—technology later adopted by over 40 state legislatures and the United Nations.
This early success led to the development of Daktronics’ first scoreboard product in 1971: the three-sided “Matside” wrestling scoreboard. The innovation evolved into the company’s “All Sport” line, now used widely across the United States and internationally. Leveraging solid-state circuitry, Daktronics expanded into time-temperature and animated message displays for banks, schools, civic centers, and commercial venues. These systems ultimately merged into custom scoring and information systems for arenas and stadiums.
Daktronics pioneered several technological advancements, including the “Glow Cube” reflective light system and the “Starburst” incandescent color technology capable of displaying up to 16.7 million colors. The company also integrated LED display systems to enhance visual performance.
By 2006, Daktronics employed 1,400 full-time and 700 part-time staff, posted $329 million in revenue, and netted $21 million in earnings. It had grown into a global leader in electronic scoreboards, display systems, marketing services, and digital signage for sports, commercial, and transportation applications. High-profile projects included installations for multiple Olympic Games (1980–2002), Times Square, and major retail clients such as Walgreens and CVS.
Daktronics went public in 1994 and by 2006 was one of only four South Dakota-based public companies with over $300 million in annual sales. That year, the company expanded operations by opening a 100,000-square-foot plant in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. More than half of its workforce were SDSU students or alumni, underscoring the company's continued connection to its academic origins.
Founder Al Kurtenbach reflected, “We established our culture in those early days. We became very customer-oriented… We have a lot of great war stories about what our people do to make sure things work well for our customer when the big moment comes.
Content and structure elements
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.
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use elements
Conditions governing access
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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)
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Reproduction of materials from the collection is subject to the following conditions:
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Languages of the material
English
Scripts of the material
Language and script notes
Finding aids
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Accruals
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Existence and location of copies
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Notes element
General note
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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- Daktronics (Subject)