Scoreboard Buying Guide

Everything you need to know to choose the right scoreboard for your club or venue

Electronic Scoreboard or Digital?

If you're looking at scoreboards for the first time, the range of options can be overwhelming. This guide breaks down the key decisions to help you choose the right scoreboard for your sport, venue, and budget.

Types of Scoreboards

Understanding the difference between digit-only and full LED scoreboards

Digit-only LED scoreboard showing basic numeric scores

Digit-Only Scoreboards

Traditional scoreboards using LED segments shaped like the number "8". They display basic numeric information — typically home score, away score, and sometimes a clock.

Simple and affordable
Easy to read from a distance
Limited to numbers only
No team names, logos, or graphics

Best for: Basic scoring where budget is the priority

Full LED scoreboard displaying rugby scores at Ballymore, Brisbane

Full LED Scoreboards

Pixel-based displays capable of showing text, graphics, team names, logos, sponsor images, and even video content. Controlled from any phone, tablet, or laptop via Wi-Fi.

Team names and colours
Game clock and period tracking
Sponsor logos and messages
Full-colour graphics and video

Best for: Clubs wanting a professional, versatile display

All Brisbane LED Signs scoreboards are full LED displays — view our range.

What to Consider

Four key factors when choosing a scoreboard

🏠

Location

Will it be used indoors or outdoors? Outdoor scoreboards need higher brightness to be readable in sunlight, and weather-resistant construction. Indoor models can be lower brightness and lighter weight.

📏

Size & Visibility

How far away do spectators need to read it? A small courtside scoreboard might only need 50m visibility, while a main ground could need 150m or more. Larger pixel pitch (P5, P10) is better for long-range viewing.

🏆

Features

Do you need basic scoring, or a full game clock with team names, period tracking, and sponsor displays? Cricket clubs may want PlayHQ integration for automatic scoring.

🔋

Power

Will mains power be available, or do you need battery operation? Smaller scoreboards run on 12V batteries for hours. Larger displays typically need 240V mains or solar.

Portable vs Fixed

Each has its advantages depending on your situation

Portable LED scoreboard in use at an outdoor sports ground

Portable Scoreboards

Can be moved between fields, stored securely between games, and shared across multiple sports. No permanent installation needed.

Advantages

Move between fields and venues
Store away for security
Lower cost entry point
No installation required
Battery or mains powered

Considerations

Size limited by portability
Battery life limits run time
Requires setup each game day

Fixed LED scoreboard installation at a sports venue

Fixed Installations

Permanently mounted at your venue for maximum size and visibility. Custom built to suit your ground and spectator positions.

Advantages

Unlimited size options
Best spectator visibility
Reliable mains power
No setup required on game day
Dual-use for advertising

Considerations

Higher upfront cost
Fixed to one location
Professional installation required

Not sure which is right for you? We also offer trolley-mounted scoreboards that split the difference — large and visible, but still moveable. See our options.