Wednesday 2 July 2014

Southampton FC to score with LED lights

Southampton FC plans to kick off the next football season with a new LED floodlighting system.

By ditching conventional metal halide floodlights, the St Mary’s stadium will reportedly be able to claim the status as Europe’s first LED-lit stadium.

The Saints will run out onto the pitch under full beams which the installer claims not only save energy but also make for better TV viewing.

That’s because the steady light emitted reduces the ‘flicker’ which can cause broadcast issues during slow motion replays.

Premier League requirements state pitches should have a maximum flicker rate of 6%, the new St Mary’s system will be just 0.2%.

Steven Ellwood, Managing Director of lighting firm BLT Direct said: “Stadiums such as St Mary’s are constantly in the public eye and are setting a great example for other football clubs as well as the everyday British businesses and domestic households.”