The Russell County Schools Auditorium/Natatorium Complex will soon be getting a new LED sign to help promote public events as well as school activities.

The decision to purchase the modern signage makes sense; "The main reason is just advertising of our events," said Susan Melton, Manager of the complex, "not just here at our school but for the whole school district."

Until this point banners have been made for individual entertainment events coming to the Auditorium complex.

"Banners are great," said Melton. "But they're money wasted."

With the new 11 ft tall by 8 ft wide sign, sporting a screen size of about 3 ft by 7 ft, not only will coming attractions for the complex be able to receive great promotion, but so will local sporting, academic, and other cultural events.

According to Kentucky Department of Transportation statistics, Hwy 127 which runs in front of the complex, as well as Russell County High and Middle School, is projected to have 14,400 vehicle passes on a daily basis. Even factoring in multiple passes by the same vehicle, the exposure is tremendous, with an estimated five million sets of eyes which could be drawn to the sign on a yearly basis.

Add to those impressive numbers the fact that a stop sign is located just at the location of the sign and you can see the advertising potential; Local businesses certainly did, as Melton had no problem selling eight spots on the new signage at $5,000 a spot. "Everyone knows the LED signs are outrageously expensive," said Melton. "There was no way the school system could afford to buy it."

Local businesses will have their advertising spot for five years, with name placement on the accompanying illustration. Additionally the business name will scroll 24 hours a day across the sign, an advertising option that will also be available to other local advertisers.

"Robin Rixon and the DECA club will be in charge of selling advertising that will be displayed on the LED part of the sign," said Melton, which is a project that fits well with the international association of marketing students

The sign will also be used to promote community events and provide notifications such as birthdays and anniversaries.

Local businesses that were able to secure a spot were; McDonald's bought two spots, one on either side of the LED sign, First National Bank, Franklin Motors, Bennett's Carpet, Bank of Jamestown, Premier Integrity and Duo County Telecom.

Stewart Signs, a company out of Florida who specializes in outdoor LED and Marquee style signs received the contract for the $43,000 project. With the eight approximately one ft. by four ft. advertising spots providing $40,000 of the cost, the school system will pick up the remaining cost.

After the five year contract ends, businesses will have the option to extend their advertising or the spaces will again be up for purchase.

The sign is expected to be up and running by the end of July, in time for the new school year.

"This new addition to the school system will really be a benefit to the entire community," Melson said.