The Panthers scoreboard became one of the most distinctive features of Penrith Stadium — or any rugby league ground at the time. Its origins can be traced to the club’s early think-tank culture.
In the early days of Penrith Rugby League Club, Roger Cowan used think-tanks to encourage participation and generate ideas for the club’s development.
According to Kevin McGrath, the unique scoreboard installed at Penrith Park in 1979-80 had its origins in one of those sessions.
An idea for creating a Luna Park style feature for the club entry was eventually re-imagined as a football scoreboard. The concept was developed further by the architects Dick-Smith Leffler & Gill, who drafted the concept.
Finally, that original idea was brought to life at the southern end of Penrith Park as an innovative scoreboard.
The scoreboard displayed the score of the Panthers game, as well as progress scores from other matches being played on the day. A score by the home team triggered a response from the structure — flashing eyes and a Panther’s roar marking the moment.
Over time, modifications were made as the structure aged and operational demands changed.
The later version on the right showed only 1 game and the clock — this photo (circa 2012) from the blog: James Smith Reckons
The iconic scoreboard had its operational flaws, as it aged there were many breakdowns and failures and eventually could not deliver what was required at a modern sporting stadium … but still it was loved by Panthers fans and visitors alike.
In 2013 it met a fate unbefitting of a trusted, if unreliable, friend:
In 2013, the scoreboard was removed.
At the time, it was suggested that the structure had been carefully dismantled and placed into storage, with the possibility of future restoration. Other accounts indicated that it had instead been destroyed during the removal process.
Regardless of the circumstances, its disappearance marked the end of one of the most recognisable symbols of the Panthers experience.
Related Topics
Related Themes
Culture · Growth · Innovation
To receive new Parts and occasional project updates by email, you may subscribe below.
Readers who hold recollections, documents, or material relevant to this history are welcome to contribute via the Commentary & Contributions page.
Project Updates
Receive updates when new parts are published.
Panthers, Passion & Politics - The Roger Cowan Years 