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Families press Biloxi council for scoreboards at AJ Holloway Sportsplex as council weighs sponsorships and short‑term fixes
Summary
Parents and youth baseball families delivered more than 330 signatures urging operational scoreboards and PA at AJ Holloway Sportsplex; council members discussed a $100,000 estimate for permanent scoreboards, Coca‑Cola sponsorship talks and temporary mobile units as an interim solution.
Families with Biloxi Youth Baseball pressed the council for operational scoreboards and a working PA system at the AJ Holloway Sportsplex, presenting a petition and urging the city to finalize funding before the season opener.
Janet Kavanagh, speaking for families, said she has gathered more than 330 signatures from parents, grandparents, coaches and community supporters asking for functional scoreboards and improved public address capability. “I have gotten over 330 signatures,” Kavanagh told the council, and said families appreciate the new turf but want the facilities to support games and league operations.
Council members described two tracks for funding. Mr. Marshall told the council the estimated cost for permanent scoreboards at the complex is about $100,000; he and other members are pursuing sponsorship agreements with corporate partners, including Coca‑Cola. Council members said negotiations with an incumbent vendor complicated exclusive-sponsor discussions and that outreach to potential sponsors is ongoing.
As an interim measure, council members and staff discussed portable/mobile scoreboards. Staff reported that youth groups have tested mobile units and that one local organization has purchased a mobile scoreboard; portable boards can be moved across fields but may cost several thousand dollars to outfit for full-season use. Council members said mobile units could be a short-term way to support the opening weekend while sponsorship talks continue.
Council did not vote on the sport complex funding at the meeting; members asked staff to update them on sponsorship progress and potential short-term equipment rentals before the next council meeting.
