When people think of what elements make a strong fan experience, most probably don’t have “lighting” at the top of the list.
Ephesus Lightning by Eaton, a company headquartered in Syracuse, was the first to bring LED lights into sports arenas in the United States and does indeed help add critical elements to the fan experience. Their system has been used for the lighting at the Super Bowl XLIV and has already been installed at Minnesota’s U.S. Bank Stadium. Their next project will be with Syracuse University in the Carrier Dome.
Syracuse University has started their estimated $205 million renovation of the Carrier Dome and hope that Ephesus’ LED lightning system will be the next amenity involved.
The new lighting system is slated to bring an extra component to create an over-the-top fan experience for the Syracuse Orange. “You can create flashes for player introductions, you can have something special for the Star-Spangled Banner, you can have a program for touchdowns. At the War Memorial we have a paparazzi affect, a lightning flash. You can set the lights to music,” said Mike Lorenz, the president of Ephesus Lighting.
In addition to the added experience for the fans, the Ephesus lighting system is known to help create a brighter environment (which helps television cameras) and reduce energy usage for the venue. Lorenz foresees that the system can reduce Syracuse’s energy consumption up to a whopping 85 percent, as well as reduce the amount of heat that being released by the venue’s current system.
We’ve already been able to see these perks in action at Globe Life Park, home field of the Texas Rangers. The Ephesus system was able to save the Rangers more then 60 percent of what the team was paying before in electricity bills. The stadium light also emits a different color temperature throughout the park, which make it easier for broadcasters to create a clear picture for television viewers.
While on the topic of new and unique changes at Syracuse University, they have also recently announced the creation of the first ever U.S. undergraduate degree in Sports Analytics. Since the Oakland A’s 2002 “Moneyball” season with general manager Billy Beane, the ability to use analytics in the sports world has become the new talent being searched for by numerous organizations. Professor Rodney Paul, one of the leaders in the development of the new degree, said, “Our program prepares students for a variety of different possible analytics career paths on the player evaluation side, business side, or both.”
From upgrading the 527,320 square foot Carrier Dome to creating new undergraduate programs, Syracuse University is making strides to give its students, teams and fans the best possible experience and opportunities.