According to board documents, the existing scoreboards — which include the video display and sound system — were installed in 1998, and the technology is outdated.

Maintenance on the system is difficult because the parts no longer are being manufactured. If the trustees vote to approve planning for the upgrades, officials not only will look into replacing the technology but find energy-efficient solutions, according to the documents.

Despite online speculation, the upgrade might be a response to the University of Michigan’s stadium scoreboards earlier this year, university spokesperson Kent Cassella said he does not believe that to be the case.

He also could not confirm the authenticity of a digitally rendered image of the “new” scoreboard that went around the web this past summer.

“(The system) is old, outdated (and) parts are hard to find,” he said. “There’s no discussion that I have heard of that we have to keep up with Michigan.”

Trustee Melanie Foster said the successes of the football team make approving to plan this project and associated costs coming from the athletics department “a wise decision.”

“It’s another step forward in elevating our program,” she said. “The entertainment factor is a big part of the venue.”

Breslin Center also saw an upgrade to its scoreboards during the summer.

Animal science senior Kristi Kocsis said if the new equipment and technology increases attendance to games and generates extra revenue, then the upgrade might not be a bad idea.

And if the football team continues winning, she said a new feature to the stadium is in order.

“(The team) deserves it,” Kocsis said. “They’ve done so well this year, and it’ll give the stadium a fresh, new look.”

In addition to possible upgrades to the stadium, board members also will be asked to authorize plans to replace a steam tunnel from the Main Library to IM Sports-Circle.

According to documents, the tunnels on the north side of the Red Cedar River are anywhere from 87 to 102 years old and have deteriorated.

The about $13.45 million proposed project is situated along Beal Street and West Circle Drive, running though the Main Library and the IM Sports facility. Some funding is slated to come from the university general fund.

“It’s like replacing the water heater in your house,” Foster said. “You don’t want to do it, but you have to do it. It’s part of facilities management.”

The steam project falls in line with the Campus Master Plan. The 2011 update to the plan also will be up for discussion and vote. A vote to plan for $1.4 million in renovations to the first and ground floors of the Administration Building also is on the board’s agenda.