AusLeisure

While superstars Bruce Springsteen, Justin Bieber and Adele have already lit up Mt Smart Stadium in 2017, the venue is now being showcased and spotlighted like never before with the recent completion of the installation of an LED floodlighting system.

With first tranche of Philips ArenaVision LED lighting installed prior to the start of the Vodafone Warriors’ NRL season, the second half of the installation took place during May and June with fans attending the Warriors’ home match against the Penrith Panthers on 14th July the first to see the new lighting system in full effect.

The new lighting system is the same as the ones now in use at several major European stadiums, including Stamford Bridge in London, home of the Chelsea Football Club, and Juventus Stadium in Turin, Italy where Juventus Football Club resides.

Paul Nisbet, Director Auckland Stadiums (a business unit of Regional Facilities Auckland), said the innovative LED pitch lighting solution will be a major fillip for players, spectators and TV broadcasters.

Nisbet explained “it’s a virtuous circle. The players will be able to see more clearly, the fans will be able to view a better product and the television broadcast will have a sharper picture.

“We’re committed to maximising the use of our venues and investing in innovative technology solutions helps us achieve that. We’ll be able to provide everyone involved in the game with the best possible experience and support the latest International Rugby League requirements for TV broadcasting.”

The new lights are already adding to the impact of rugby league during the remainder of the 2017 Vodafone Warriors’ NRL home games program, and will enhance the spectator experience for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup that will see Mt Smart host the opening New Zealand round and one of the semi-finals.

The new lighting system was selected after researching multiple manufacturers and designs. It enhances lighting standards for high definition super slow-motion replays, avoiding the flicker effect synonymous with conventional lamps. What’s more, unlike the previous metal halide system, the new LED solution can be dimmed to meet the criteria of other sports codes or switched on and off without the need for a warm-up period.

Nisbet adds “that makes a big difference to what can be presented as pre-match and half-time entertainment.

“In the past, we couldn’t dim or darken on-field areas without risking that the lights might not be back up to full power by the time the game was on.

“These LED floodlights will provide flawless lighting, casting good uniformity of light and illuminating the players and the game brilliantly. It’s another major milestone in the continuing development of Mt Smart Stadium.

“One of the best advantages is the ultra-long life of the system compared to the relatively short life of the older metal halide lamps. Given the difficulty of access to the lighting, this will greatly reduce maintenance costs going forward.”

The LED floodlights installation follows the addition of a massive new 212 metre² screen, the largest permanent stadium screen ever installed in New Zealand. The fan-pleaser is nearly five times the size of the temporary screens previously used at the ground for the Warriors’ NRL matches.

Nisbet concluded “we’re proud of the venue and the experience we can provide fans - Mt Smart Stadium just keeps getting smarter.” 

Images: Mt Smart Stadium (top) and a Philips LED Lighting installation at Chelsea FC (below).

2nd August 2017 - STADIUM LIVE APP IMPROVES FAN ENGAGEMENT WITH VODAFONE WARRIORS

13th March 2017 - NEW ZEALAND’S LARGEST BIG SCREEN GOES LIVE AT MT SMART STADIUM

1st February 2017 - PERTH STADIUM TO SHINE WITH 15,000 LED LIGHTS 

19th February 2016 - WARRIORS TO STAY AT MOUNT SMART UNTIL END OF 2028 

20th November 2014 - MAJOR OUTDOOR CONCERTS DELIVER ECONOMIC BOOST FOR AUCKLAND 

18th August 2014 - LATEST LIGHTING TECHNOLOGY TO ENHANCE NEW ZEALAND STADIUMS

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.