F E AT U R E
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ith the focus on reducing our reliance on natural resources, accompanied by a demand for improved lighting for high definition television cameras and enhanced spectator experiences, sports field lighting has evolved significantly over the past decade. Maritz Electrical is at the forefront of a sports field lighting revolution having installed a number of industry firsts. With St. George’s Cricket Ground, Coetzenburg Athletics field and the Western Province Cricket Club’s main hockey field being three of the first fields of their kind to boast new Musco LED lighting systems, South Africa’s sport is firmly in the spotlight. St. George’s Park cricket ground The arrival of international Super League T20 Cricket in South Africa saw St. George’s Park Cricket revamping its stadium lighting, becoming the first LED-lit cricket stadium in the world using the Musco system, which included a theatrical lighting component. Maritz Electrical’s new CEO, Franco Botha adds that one of the stand-out features of the St. George’s Park lighting installation is the DMX controls solution that allows for individual light control and remote monitoring of the
entire system to ensure its operational integrity. The DMX system creates fan engagement opportunities that were not possible with metal halide technology, with the ability to link multiple media platforms such as audio, scoreboards and LED ribbon displays. DMX allows for the creation of bespoke choreographed light and music shows as well as special effects that are triggered when a boundary is hit or a wicket falls, thus adding to the overall atmosphere and excitement of the event. Musco TLC for LED solutions are currently used at stadiums across the globe, including Wembley Stadium, The San Siro, Twickenham, Somerset Cricket Ground and 14 Premier League Stadiums including Arsenal and Tottenham. The system offers significantly reduced maintenance and energy costs and an industry leading lighting performance guarantee of up to 10 years. The new system meets the ICC and CSA specified lighting level of 2500 lux (vertical) on the wicket and 1800 lux (vertical) in the outfield. Vertical lighting levels needed are specified for televised matches and especially for high definition television cameras. These levels are higher due to the small ball travelling at high speeds and super slow-motion television cameras used to show run-outs
and close-ups requiring higher lighting levels that also complements theatrics associated with super league cricket. Coetzenburg athletics stadium When it comes to athletics in South Africa, few of us dispute that Coetzenburg is a preferred stadium for athletes around the world, for off-season training and to compete as well. Maritz Electrical installed an LED Musco lighting system, as part of the stadiums upgrade, bringing a new dimension to stadium lighting at Coetzenburg, Stellenbosch University, and the first of its kind at an athletics stadium in South Africa. Installation of the masts takes precise planning from an advanced Musco computerised set-up to ensure that, once installed, all areas of the track and field are sufficiently lit to the required lux levels. The demand from athletes and broadcasters for cutting-edge tracks has resulted in stadium upgrades that include lighting at lux levels for high definition broadcasting, and to enhance spectator experience and athlete performance. The installation comprises five masts, with a predetermined number of lights, and lighting prolandscaper.co.za
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