Whether viewing from home, or being fortunate enough to attend the game in person, you may have noticed a difference while viewing this year’s Super Bowl than in years past. And no – we’re not talking about that crazy ending! As the most-watched show in U.S. television history, Super Bowl XLIX displayed an energy technology which was a first for the big game!
Although LED lights have been gaining popularity in residential and commercial spaces, it wasn’t until recently that sports stadiums have begun to implement this lighting alternative as well. LEDs provide many advantages to stadium owners, as well as to both viewers at the game and at home viewing on the television. LED lights burn brighter, whiter, and last longer than old metal halide lighting. This leads to a reduction in the number of lights needed and less maintenance costs. In addition, due to the increased light output, the quality of light is better making for an improved picture seen by viewers at home.
For the Arizona Cardinals University of Phoenix Stadium specifically, the LEDs replaced metal halide lights accounting for a 75% reduction in energy use. Most importantly, LED lighting will ensure we don’t have another repeat of the game in 2013 where the whole stadium went dark! Conventional metal halides need a 15-20 minute warm-up period, where LEDs would come back on as soon as the power does.