Leeds see the light

Fans will be able to enjoy watching Super League champions Leeds under new floodlights from this weekend.

Abacus Lighting has increased floodlighting levels at the Rhinos’ Headingley Carnegie home by 400% with the installation of new floodlights.

The original floodlights at the stadium which hosts top level Rugby League and Rugby Union, were installed back in 1968 and, although the original masts were replaced twenty years ago, the floodlights themselves have been lighting the ground for the past 42 years.

Abacus’s Sports Lighting Manager, Neil Johnson, said: “The previous lighting levels were presenting difficulties with broadcasting in HDTV and, in order not to limit the opportunity to stage televised matches Leeds Rugby bosses decided that it was time to upgrade the system.

“We replaced the existing 27 1kW floodlights with 24 of our Challenger® 3 2kW floodlights. This has actually increased the lighting levels from 300lux to 1200lux over the pitch, thereby giving much improved lighting levels with high energy efficiency.”

Designing the new head frames to ensure they fitted on the old masts was also a challenge for Abacus. Neil added: “There was a structural dilemma. Because of the floodlighting requirements, we were aware that the new lights would significantly increase the head load.

“Our design team carried out considerable structural analysis to ensure the old masts would be able support the new floodlights. During installation, additional strengthening bolts have also been set in place to ensure structural safety.”