NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Nashville Sounds announced today that a new, high-definition video version of its famous guitar-shaped scoreboard will be one of the signature pieces at First Tennessee Park when the new ballpark opens next April in North Nashville.

Sounds owner Frank Ward said today that it became very clear to the team that a version of baseball's most famous scoreboard was something that needed to be included at the new facility.

"We listen to our fans. Keeping the beloved guitar-shaped scoreboard is just part of our commitment to our supporters and to the city of Nashville," Ward said. "This new, full-video version helps in our commitment to give fans at First Tennessee Park the very best experience possible. And, we will continue to have the most talked-about scoreboard in baseball. "

The new scoreboard -- which will be located beyond the outfield wall in right-center field -- will show a variety of vivid graphics, colorful animations, up-to-the-minute statistics, player profiles, scoring information, and sponsor advertisements.

Nashville Mayor Karl Dean added that having a modern version of the renowned scoreboard was one important way to recognize the city's baseball history in the new ballpark.

"While building a new ballpark downtown is exciting for our city's future, honoring baseball's past in Nashville is important to me too," said Dean. "The guitar shape is iconic to who we are as Music City, and continuing the tradition of a guitar scoreboard -- but new and modernized -- is a great way to honor the many years of minor-league baseball in Nashville."

The scoreboard features an HD LED screen that will measure 4,200 square feet, making it one of the largest in minor league baseball. It would take approximately 860 32" flat panel televisions to fill the area of the new video display.

Ward indicated that the scoreboard will be paid for by the Sounds and is currently in the final bid process.