Historic Churchill Downs Includes $1 Million Daktronics ProStar Video Display System in $121...

Sports Editors/Business Editors

BROOKINGS, S.D.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 3, 2004

Daktronics (Nasdaq:DAKT) announced that it will provide an integrated video system, consisting of two large-screen video displays at Churchill Downs, Louisville, Ky., the home of the world famous

The value of the Daktronics contract, booked in the Company's third quarter, is approximately $1 million for equipment and installation. Churchill Downs is currently undergoing a sweeping $121 million renovation. The $26 million first phase of the project was completed in September 2003. Construction on the $95 million second phase of renovation is scheduled for completion in April 2005, with Daktronics video displays installation scheduled to be complete by mid April 2004, in time for Churchill Downs' Spring Meet, 130th Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks events.

Daktronics integrated system will provide entertaining video images and statistics for the racetrack's patrons on two large-screen displays in the infield. Both displays have the ability to show text, odds, live video and instant replays on split-screen mode to highlight races that come in by a nose. Each display will use Daktronics ProStar(R) full-color light emitting diode (LED) technology with pixels on 23 mm (.90") center-to-center spacing. Each displays measures approximately 19 feet high by 37 feet wide. The contract also includes a control system that incorporates Daktronics' Venus(R) 7000 VE controller and V-Link(R) video processor.

"Churchill Downs has relied on Daktronics for years to help us deliver essential information to our fans on Kentucky Derby Day and each day of our spring and fall racing meets and we have been impressed by the quality and reliability of the company's products," said Steve Sexton, president of Churchill Downs. "We are working hard to ensure that our patrons have a wonderful experience when they visit Churchill Downs, and the pair of large Daktronics video display screens that will be permanently installed in our Infield will significantly boost our efforts to enhance the experience of a day of racing at the historic home of the Kentucky Derby."

The new video displays will be incorporated into existing displays in the infield winner's circle. This area currently features a pagoda-style structure flanked with two incandescent message/animation displays, measuring 10 feet high and 36 feet wide, which were also designed and manufactured by Daktronics and installed in 1997. Just a few feet from each of the incandescent displays, on both sides, are the electronic tote board digits, which were also designed and manufactured by Daktronics and installed in 1993. The new large-screen video displays will be installed above the infield odds boards to increase viewing area and compliment the existing structures. Daktronics also designed and manufactured Churchill Downs' odds board digits, which overlook the Paddock area and show odds and betting information, in 1993. All of the Daktronics displays will work in conjunction with each other and will be run by Churchill Downs' in-house control room.

Daktronics has strong leadership position as one of the world's largest suppliers of electronic scoreboards, computer-programmable displays and large-screen video displays and control systems. The Company excels in the control of large display systems, including those that require integration of complex multiple displays showing real-time information, graphics, animation and video. Daktronics designs, manufactures, markets and services display systems for customers around the world in sport, business and transportation applications, and celebrated its 35th year in business in 2003. For more information, visit the Company's worldwide web site at http://www.daktronics.com, e-mail the Company at commercial@daktronics.com, call toll-free at 1-800-DAKSIGN (800-325-7446) in the U.S., or write to Daktronics at 331 32nd Avenue, P.O. Box 5128, Brookings, SD 57006-5128.

Churchill Downs, the world's most legendary racetrack, has conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented America's greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875. Located in Louisville, Churchill Downs will conduct the 130th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 1, 2004. The track will conduct its 2004 Spring Meet from April 24-July 5. Information about Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at www.churchilldowns.com.

Cautionary Notice: In addition to statements of historical fact, this news release contains forward-looking statements reflecting the Company's expectations or beliefs concerning future events which could materially affect Company performance in the future. The Company cautions that these and similar statements involve risk and uncertainties including changes in economic and market conditions, management of growth, timing and magnitude of future contracts, and other risks noted in the Company's SEC filings which may cause actual results to differ materially. Forward-looking statements are made in the context of information available as of the date stated. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise such statements to reflect new circumstances or unanticipated events as they occur.