University of Phoenix Stadium installs LED lighting

The University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ, has installed LED stadium lights from Ephesus Lighting. The facility is the first NFL venue to illuminate the playing surface exclusively with LED lighting, according to Amy Casper, CEO of the Syracuse-based company.

The University of Phoenix Stadium installed just 312 Ephesus Stadium fixtures to replace more than 780 metal halide fixtures. The new lights use just 310,000 watts of energy compared to the 1.24 million watts needed to power the previous system.

Each Ephesus LED light provides a significant increase in illumination compared to traditional metal halide lights like the ones that were installed at University of Phoenix Stadium when the venue opened in 2006. LED lighting also provides brighter and more uniform light that eliminates shadows on the playing surface, creating a better stage for players as well as for both fans in the stadium and those watching on high-definition television.

“The capabilities of LED technology have changed the way we view sports lighting,” said Joe Casper, founder and CTO of Ephesus Lighting. “This was a great opportunity to showcase our innovative lighting technology in a venue known as a leader in introducing new ideas to the sports marketplace.”

On average most venues experience a 75% reduction in overall sports lighting energy consumption in addition to reduced load on the air-conditioning system to offset the heat generated by metal halide lights.

Additionally, LED lights can be turned on and off with the flick of a switch, whereas metal halide fixtures require a 20-minute warm-up period. This on/off feature also allows facility operators to create light shows for fan entertainment. “We are excited that so many sports and entertainment venues have seen the light and made the switch to LED lighting over the past two years,” said Mike Lorenz, president of Ephesus Lighting. “The feedback from fans, players and broadcasters at venues all across North America who are using our LED sports lighting reinforces that LED is the premier lighting solution for sports and entertainment venues.”

“We selected Ephesus after careful consideration of all the other available options. We are confident that their solution will improve lighting for the athletes, fans and broadcasters, all while reducing energy consumption and eliminating conventional sports lighting maintenance expense,” said Peter Sullivan, general manager and regional vice president for Global Spectrum at University of Phoenix Stadium.

Ephesus is claimed to be the only stadium-designed lighting listed under Design Light Consortium’s (DLC) quality, performance and energy-efficiency requirements. The DLC certification enables facilities to receive energy incentives from utility providers.