In an ongoing effort to find new revenue to meet the financial needs of providing a quality education, the Parkland School District is offering opportunities for businesses to advertise at football, basketball, and soccer venues.

Although the board previously approved advertising in buses, this is the first time it will be allowed on athletic fields and in the gym.

At the Oct. 16 meeting, the board voted 7-1 to approve a fee schedule for the ads.

Board member Robert Cohen voted no, and Jef Reyburn was absent.

The A-frame shaped signs, which will measure 32 inches by 96 inches have the potential to bring in $32,000 annually, if all 22 spaces are sold.

Prices vary depending on the sport.

Because football games are televised on two cable channels and have greater exposure, the advertising costs are highest for that sport.

Businesses will be charged $2,000 per sign, which will be printed digitally on two sides and placed on the grass at both ends of the field.

Twelve advertising spaces will be available.

In addition to the television audience, 25,000 people generally attend the five Parkland home games during the season.

Also broadcast by two cable providers, the 18 Parkland home boys and girls basketball games generally are attended by 12,000 spectators.

The advertising fee for the basketball court will be $1,000 per sign with six spaces available in front of the visitor bleachers.

The 20 home soccer games, which are not televised, attract 6,000 spectators. The fees for four available spaces will be $500 per A-frame sign. Production costs are estimated to be $330 per sign and are the responsibility of the advertiser.

Parkland will receive 100 percent of the revenue.

Sign messages will be governed by the district facilities advertising policy adopted in May.

The policy designates no advertising will be associated in any way with the sale of tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs or weapons.

Ads cannot contain vulgar, obscene or offensive language.

The advertising must not advance any religious or political organization and must not promote or oppose any candidate or ballot measure.

Signage cannot invade anyone's privacy and cannot interfere with the district's education programs.

Any businesses or individuals desiring to advertise at district facilities must file a written application, which must be approved by the superintendent or designee.

Advertisements in district facilities do not represent Parkland's endorsement or approval of the matters presented in the ads.

The district may require the advertiser to include a statement to that effect on the sign.