Full-Throttle Giving: Local Entrepreneur Revs Up Wolves Gameday Experience Share this page
When he first stepped onto then-West Georgia College’s campus in the 1970s, Scott Evans already had his foot on the gas toward building a thriving automotive business. Decades later, the successful entrepreneur and University of West Georgia donor is giving back in high gear, fueling the installation of a state-of-the-art video board at University Stadium that promises to transform the game-day experience for Wolves fans.
Evans, who owns Scott Evans Nissan and Scott Evans Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, said his gift was inspired by UWG’s elevation to Division I athletics and is a great investment in the community.
“UWG is at a pivotal moment in how it attracts the next generation of students,” he said. “This is a meaningful investment that supports our students, the experience our community has at UWG and helps showcase everything Carrollton has to offer. For me, this marks an exciting new chapter in our elevation to Division I.”
The board – a whopping 1,200 square feet – will make its sports debut at the Wolves’ football home opener vs. East Tennessee State University on Saturday, Sept. 13, at 6 p.m.
“Wolves Athletics is built on energy, connection and tradition, and this new video board will take all of that to the next level,” said Jason Carmichael, director of athletics. “We’re incredibly grateful to Scott for investing in our student-athletes, our fans and the unforgettable moments that make game days at University Stadium so special.”
But the megascreen, like the stadium itself, isn’t just for athletic events. This fall, UWG will celebrate the jumbotron’s installation on campus by hosting a movie night, which will be open to the entire community. More details will be shared in the coming weeks.
“A lot of people aren’t aware that a beautiful stadium is right there, maybe because they aren't football fans,” Evans said. “A fantastic video board will help spread via word of mouth and become a focal point. It’s a drawing card for UWG and the community to visit University Stadium and start utilizing it for events other than sports. It’s also about selling Carrollton – we have a good thing going on here.”
And when the board lights up for the first time, it will shine as a beacon of support for Evans, his family, and the UWG team who helped bring the vision to life – including Skyler Evans, Scott’s son and executive manager of Scott Evans Automotive Group, who also serves on the UWG Athletic Foundation Board of Directors; Carmichael; and Michael Cooney, associate athletic director of development.
“Skyler and I see this as an amazing opportunity to move the university forward,” Evans said. “We feel strongly that there has never been a better time to invest in UWG.”
Allyson Bretch ’14, CEO of UWG’s foundations and vice president for university advancement said the gift reflects a commitment to enhancing what it means to be a member of the UWG community.
“This gift is a testament to the passion our alumni and friends feel for UWG,” she concluded. “Thanks to Scott’s generosity, University Stadium will offer an experience that unites our community, energizes our fans and showcases the Wolves spirit in a way we’ve never seen before. We are so excited to see it shine.”
photograph by Miranda Daniel and Valeyna Renteria-Silva