06/22/2006
Giant Texas scoreboard lights up for bid
AUSTIN (AP) - They're big, bright and burnt orange. And they're also for sale.
The University of Texas has put out for bid on the online auction site eBay a large set of Longhorn lights that sat atop the north endzone scoreboard for nearly 20 years.
The lights, in the shape of the Longhorn logo, came down when the Royal-Memorial Stadium scoreboard was recently dismantled for stadium renovations and expansion.
Texas officials call it a ``once in a lifetime gift'' for the avid Longhorn collector.
The initial bid was set at $2,000 with an immediate purchase price of at $30,000. Proceeds will be put toward the stadium expansion fund.
But buyer beware: these lights are large.
They stand more than eight feet tall, 13 feet wide and six feet deep and weigh about 400 pounds. And the buyer must arrange for pickup or shipping by July 31.
``It's not a night light,'' said Texas athletic department spokesman John Bianco. ``It's intended for a special fan with a lot of space.''
