The stadium lights at IU Indianapolis’ Carroll Stadium were recently updated from HID (high intensity discharge) to LED (light emitting diode). Before the upgrade, the stadium lighting had 386 HID lamps, totaling 627.25 kilowatts of capacity. The new stadium lighting consists of 96 LED lamps, totaling 126.3 kilowatts of capacity. The significant reduction in lamp quantity was possible due to the increased brightness of LED lamps.
The LED system uses 80% less energy than the HID system, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 169.12 MTCDE (metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent) annually, the same as taking about 40 gasoline vehicles off the road each year.
Beyond energy savings, the new LED system has other benefits when compared to HID. The LED system features emergency lighting in case of a power outage that offers light for fans to navigate the stadium. Because HID lights have a slower ‘on-ramp’ for reaching maximum brightness, the lights had to remain on for longer periods; LED lamps can be powered to full brightness instantaneously, reducing the duration of light pollution. LED lights also require less maintenance and replacement, increase overall lighting levels, generate less heat, and produce crisper visuals for attendees and broadcast.
IU Bloomington’s Memorial Stadium also underwent an LED conversion from metal halide fixtures. Before the upgrade, the stadium lighting had 248 lamps, totaling 372 kilowatts of capacity. The new stadium lighting consists of 152 LED lamps, totaling 212.8 kilowatts of capacity, resulting in a 43% reduction in energy. This is a 67.75 MTCDE reduction in GHG emissions annually. Prior to the upgrade, additional lights powered by a diesel-fueled generator were required on gamedays to supplement stadium lighting to meet lighting levels required to televise the games; the new lighting eliminates the need for diesel generators.
The lighting updates at Carroll Stadium and Memorial Stadium make strides in energy and greenhouse gas emissions reductions, contributing to IU’s Climate Action Plan.