The Akron RubberDucks (Class AA; Eastern League) have made a notable change to Canal Park, installing LED lighting ahead of the 2019 season. According to the team, the new lighting will exceed Major League Baseball standards by 125 percent.
The 153 new LED fixtures were built by Musco Lighting and installed by Lake Erie Electric, Inc., located in Akron. The installation included the removal of the existing metal halide lighting fixtures with new LED sports lighting ones while using the existing poles and structures. New control panels, wiring harnesses, and power switches were also included.
“Over the last 23 seasons, the RubberDucks and the City of Akron have worked together to improve Canal Park and keep it one of the best stadiums in all of Minor League Baseball,” said RubberDucks General Manager Jim Pfander. “This year, we wanted to make sure the lighting met standards for both the players and our fans. I want to thank Mayor Dan Horrigan and the city for helping to get the new LED lighting completed in time for next Thursday’s Opening Night. Canal Park will look amazing!”
The emergency-lights project was necessitated by the stadium’s age and the availability of new, brighter LED technology. The new system not only exceeds standards by 125 percent, but the LED lights will reduce electric costs.
The lighting should improve playing conditions by not only making it brighter on the ground, but by offering ball-tracking, up-light technology that will help illuminate the underside of the ball so players don’t lose sight of the ball on high pop-ups. Additionally, the new LED lights’ movement and brightness can be individually controlled and programmed for special events such as fireworks and concerts, and customizable for the RubberDucks in-game entertainment.