Industry News

Minnesota Twins set to install Eaton lighting system 

Major League Baseball franchise Minnesota Twins is set to install power-management company Eaton’s advanced LED lighting and controls system at Target Field for the 2017 season.

The system features Eaton’s Ephesus Stadium Pro fixtures to illuminate the playing field, along with several colour accent lighting features on the outskirts of the seating area canopy. It provides 100 per cent dimming capabilities, tuneable light temperature and advanced control capabilities within each fixture.

The Ephesus sports lighting will reduce energy use by almost 75 per cent, while enhancing the viewing experience.

“We look to continue providing our players with the best stage on which to play and enhancing the experience of seeing a game at Target Field for our guests,” said Gary Glawe, senior director of ballpark systems for the Minnesota Twins.

“We compared three of the leading LED lighting options and the Ephesus solution proved to be the best fit for our needs.”

Eaton is set to install significantly fewer fixtures than previous systems, however, the lighting is structured more uniformly on the playing surface. It will also improve viewing for fans watching on high-definition television, as well as at the ground live.

The updated lighting fixtures will also offer the lowest total operating costs compared to other traditional sports lighting systems.

“Since we installed the first solid-state sports lighting system, facility operators and team executives have come to understand that our digital lighting solutions offer a distinct advantage when compared to conventional LED lights in creating an enhanced stage for fans and performers,” said Mike Lorenz, president, Eaton’s Ephesus Lighting business.

“Professional baseball teams have been especially drawn to the ability of our system to better minimise glare zones and keep lighting levels consistent for players and fans as the sun sets and it turns from dusk to the night sky.”

Ephesus is installed at several other sports and entertainment venues across North America, including the Arizona Cardinals’ University of Phoenix Stadium, the Miami Dolphins’ Hard Rock Stadium and the Minnesota Vikings’ U.S. Bank Stadium.