The arena services the Western Hockey League Vancouver Giants and other professional sports such as NLL lacrosse and basketball, as well as CIS (university), high school and recreational sports leagues, concerts, trade shows, etc. The arena bowl has approximately 5,300 seats including corporate suites and a concourse area with concessions. The facility was constructed in 2009 so it is relatively new. Upon our initial assessment the existing lighting system failed to meet requirements for sporting events with issues being low lighting levels and poor uniformity for hockey and, to a greater extent for lacrosse due to the low reflectance of the playing surface. The existing lighting also had a negative affect on TV broadcast quality.
After considering all options, it was determined that the best solution was to replace the existing 108 fixture metal halide system with an LED lighting system. DMD undertook lighting design, defined the required lighting criteria, developed performance specifications, developed budgets, reviewed bids, provided technical support and assisted with system testing.
Challenges overcome included re-use of existing wiring and infrastructure to reduce cost and the very tight time frame of just over one week to remove existing lighting and install new LED lighting. Special features of the new LED lighting included:
- Full DMX system control with touch screen lighting controller
- Fully dimmable system
- Colour temperature changing capability from 3500K to 5800K
- Colour changing event lighting system to create various theatrical lighting effects
- 10 year supplier warranty
The end result was lighting to near NHL standards with an estimated annual power savings of 400,000 kWhr per year.
