Work continues on the installation of a new LED lighting system at Modern Woodmen Park, the home of the Quad Cities River Bandits (Low A; Midwest League).
Prior to this season, the River Bandits announced their intention to outfit Modern Woodmen Park with Musco’s Total Light Control—TLC for LED technology. The project, which allows the team to be one of three in Minor League Baseball to play under energy efficient LED lighting, was approved by the Davenport City Council.
The installation of the lighting system is currently underway, and is slated to be complete by the time the team begins it next homestand on May 15. Once the new LED lighting system is in place, the River Bandits expect to see a few benefits. The new lights should reduce energy consumption, while also improving visibility, and will offer dimming and theatrical capabilities.
It will also give Modern Woodmen Park a new team-related amenity that the River Bandits and owner Dave Heller viewed as a priority. More from The Quad Cities Times:
In addition, it brings the facility’s lighting up to current professional baseball standards.
“The old system served us well over time, but it was an area of concern in our last inspection from Minor League Baseball. Not all areas of the field were being lighted as well as needed by the requirements,’’ River Bandits general manager Andrew Chesser said. “This project addresses that and should serve us well into the future.’’
The lighting project joins recent clubhouse and storage area improvements at the facility.
“Fans notice the Ferris wheel and the new kids roller coaster and that entertainment is an important part of what we do, but the baseball operation is equally important,’’ Heller said. “We have an obligation to make this a good place for our players and coaches to work and this is part of that commitment.’’
The River Bandits next homestand will begin with back-to-back day games, before the team plays a 6:35 game on May 17. Two Class AAA International League facilities–the Louisville Bats’ Louisville Slugger Field and the Rochester Red Wings’ Frontier Field–will also have LED lighting this season.
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