Rugby fans heading to Twickenham Stadium last weekend to watch the Barbarians take on Australia were the first to experience the benefits of the new LED floodlights. The new system by Musco Lighting is the latest improvement as part of the Rugby Football Union’s (RFU) long-term strategy to ensure the home of England Rugby is a world-leading facility and at the forefront of new technology.
The LED floodlights will see Twickenham become one of the first stadiums in the world to have adopted this low energy and low maintenance solution. The floodlights can be centrally coordinated along with the in-bowl LED boards, the recently added huge video screens and the public address system which will improve spectator experience and match day atmosphere.
The instant on/off/dimming controls will enable the stadium to feature special effects lighting for games and other major events like concerts. It will also provide an enhanced HD broadcast quality for fans watching the games on TV. The system significantly reduces energy consumption from the prior metal halide floodlights. Players, spectators and the surrounding area benefit from the floodlight’s advanced optic controls that provide lighting with pinpoint precision, dramatically reducing spill light and glare.
Musco’s complete solution uses high-quality structural, electrical, and lighting components for performance and reliability. The new floodlights will be shown to their full potential at the QBE International between England and Samoa, a night-time fixture later this month.
Richard Knight, Stadium Director, RFU said: “Continuing our aim of being at the forefront of new technology, the Musco LED floodlights will see Twickenham become one of the first stadiums in the world to have them installed. They are a low energy and low maintenance solution that will improve spectator viewing and significantly enhance the quality of TV pictures.”
Jeff Rogers, President of Musco World said: “Musco is proud to have worked with the RFU and ME Engineers Inc. to provide a state-of-the-art lighting solution for this iconic centre of sports history. This sustainable solution will light a stage for some of the world’s greatest athletes with uncompromised light control, quality, and efficiency.”
Twickenham Stadium is fast becoming a popular venue for non-rugby events and has hosted a number of sell-out music events with artists including the Rolling Stones, U2, Lady Gaga and charity concerts for Help for Heroes and Chime for Change. This improvement in technology will bring significant benefits to all events held at the stadium.
