AAA-LUX, a leader in advanced sports lighting solutions, is proud to announce its successful partnership with Heracles Almelo, a prominent Dutch Eredivisie football club, to upgrade the lighting at their iconic stadium, Erve Asito, in compliance with UEFA Level B standards. The project was aimed at not only improving lighting performance but also enhancing sustainability and addressing local community concerns regarding light spill.
Meeting UEFA Level B Standards
The stadium's previous lighting system, installed several years ago, met the standards set by the 2010 UEFA stadium guide. While the system provided acceptable lighting levels, it did not fulfill UEFA's updated requirement for 360-degree vertical uniformity, which is essential for broadcasting and photography, particularly near the sidelines, end lines, and corners. With these challenges in mind, AAA-LUX developed and implemented a customized solution that resulted in uniform, high-quality lighting across the entire pitch while reducing power consumption by 44%.
AAA-LUX's solution included the strategic installation of 120 advanced luminaires, with two-thirds mounted on masts and the remainder placed under the roof. This innovative approach allowed the team to meet UEFA's stringent standards while reducing the total installed power from 320 kW to 180 kW.
Entertainment Lighting Enhancements
In addition to meeting the required lighting standards, AAA-LUX provided a cost-effective solution for entertainment lighting, which has become an integral part of modern fan experiences. Recognizing the prohibitive costs of expensive DMX controllers and wired connections, AAA-LUX introduced a more affordable option using the InControl system, already in use at the stadium for switching and dimming. This system allows for synchronized player introductions and show lighting at a fraction of the cost of traditional DMX setups, providing a seamless entertainment experience without exceeding the club's budget.
According to AAA-LUX's R&D Manager, “We offer both DMX and InControl equipment, so we are familiar with the strengths of both technologies. InControl Showtime offers significant cost savings while still delivering an impressive experience, especially in stadium environments where sound delays are common.”
Reducing Light Spill for Local Communities
One of the critical goals of this project was to address the issue of light spill, particularly towards nearby residential areas. With the Netherlands implementing stricter regulations regarding intrusive light emissions in 2020, AAA-LUX was tasked with reducing light spill while ensuring optimal lighting conditions inside the stadium. Thanks to the innovative RS (Reduced Spill) technology, AAA-LUX was able to reduce light spill by more than 75%, surpassing local regulatory requirements and mitigating the impact on surrounding neighborhoods.
This technology has now been extended to three training fields adjacent to the stadium, all of which have been upgraded with AAA-LUX LED lighting featuring RS technology, ensuring that the entire facility adheres to the highest standards of light control and sustainability.
Sustainability at the Forefront
The collaboration between AAA-LUX and Heracles Almelo demonstrates the company's commitment to providing sustainable, high-performance lighting solutions that not only improve sports experiences but also align with environmental and regulatory goals. By reducing power consumption, minimizing light spill, and enhancing the fan experience with advanced lighting features, this project is a testament to how innovative lighting technology can transform stadiums while being mindful of sustainability and community impact.
