Date: 201403
Local time of day: 1801-2400
Location: SJC.Airport, CA
Flight conditions: VMC
Light: Night
Aircraft: Commercial Fixed Wing
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Flight plan: IFR
Flight phase: Takeoff / Launch
Airspace: Class C SJC
ATC / advisory: Tower SJC
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: First Officer
Human factors: Physiological - Other; Distraction
Second reporter function: Captain
Anomaly: Other Unwanted Situation
Detector: Person Flight Crew
When detected: In-flight; Taxi
Contributing factors: Airport; Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors
Primary problem: Environment - Non Weather Related

Narrative: While descending into SJC about 50 NM out; we noticed a bright illumination just north of the airport. We figured out as we got closer that it was the new scoreboard/jumbotron on the new Stadium approximately 3 NM north of the airport. (It was twilight/dusk not fully dark yet.) We mentioned to each other how bright it was and how distracting it was becoming as we got closer to the airport to land on [Runway] 30L.When we landed; taxied clear of the runways; and headed into our gate; we asked what exactly the bright light was and Ground confirmed it was the new scoreboard on the new stadium. We told Ground that it is very bright and it is a big distraction as it washes out the lights of the runway environment. Another aircraft on frequency said; 'We concur.'When we departed 35 minutes later it was fully night time conditions. We were cleared to line up and wait on Runway 30R. As we lined up we noticed how much brighter the scoreboard was in the full night time conditions. The illumination from the scoreboard was so bright that it washed out part of the runway lighting as the scoreboard sits just right of the centerline lights. It is a very distracting condition especially in that phase of flight where it is critical to have your full concentration on your scan and maintain centerline. The scoreboard illumination at this time was in a solid color. If it was active; with the screen changing and blinking; it would definitely increase the distraction.As we climbed out we could still see the effects to about 1;000 AGL. As we turned on the departure and headed south; we mentioned it to Departure Control and let him know it was a very bright distraction. We both discussed it and feel it is without a doubt a safety concern as it is right in the view of the runway lighting and visual picture and that is so bright it distracts you in the most critical phase of flight and could compound an emergency situation.


Second narrative: We asked the Controller what it was and he informed us that it was the new scoreboard. We mentioned that it was a distraction and another airplane came on and said they concurred.It won't; understandably; be an easy task; but that brightly lit device [needs to be] pointed [away from] the runway; especially at night; or removed altogether.


Synopsis: An air carrier flight crew addressed their concerns regarding the location and intensity of illumination of the jumbo sized scoreboard installed in the soon to be completed new stadium. The stadium is located about 2.5 statute miles from the departure end of the 30L and R runway complex at SJC and the scoreboard is situated almost directly in the flight crew's line of sight on final approach; the takeoff roll and initial departure.