The Quad Cities River Bandits (Low A; Midwest League) are planning an upgrade for Modern Woodmen Park, as the team will install LED lighting. The new fixtures will be installed prior to the 2017 season.
The City of Davenport approved the plan during a City Council meeting Wednesday night. With the approval, the River Bandits will be among the first three teams in all of Minor League Baseball to play under the energy efficient LED lights in 2017. Class Triple-A Louisville and Rochester will also have LED fixtures this season.
The new lights will provide better visibility for players, coaches and fans alike while also minimizing light pollution and glare at the Modern Woodmen Park, improving on what is already the best fan experience in Minor League Baseball. The new lights will be a longstanding feature at the Friendliest Ballpark in America, coming with a 25-year parts and labor warranty.
“This is a win-win-win for everyone. The players will play under the most optimal playing conditions possible in America’s most beautiful ballpark. The team reduces energy consumption, conserves the electricity and helps the environment, and our wonderful fans are less burdened by excess glare and unnecessary light pollution,” said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. “It’s good for the Astros’ players, good for the community and our fans, good for the team and good for the environment. Plus, with a 25-year warranty, we won’t need even to think about lights again until at least 2043.”
The approved plan includes the installation of Musco’s Total Light Control—TLC for LED™ technology. The new system will reduce energy consumption by 40 percent, cut spill light and glare in the surrounding area, and provide dimming and theatrical capabilities.
“The River Bandits pride themselves on offering a one-of-a-kind experience at Modern Woodmen Park, and we’re looking forward to helping them take that experience to the next level,” said Jeff Rogers, vice president of Musco. “We’ve been a longstanding partner of Minor League Baseball and have worked with a number of minor league organizations over the years. This LED technology creates a special atmosphere in the ballpark, while also being responsible to the environment around it. We think the players and fans throughout the Quad Cities will be very impressed.”