Loftus Versfeld will unveil a world-class, locally produced LED lighting system for Saturday’s Nations Championship Test between the Springboks and Scotland.
The state-of-the-art, multi-million rand lighting system is designed to transform match-day entertainment.
The massive overhaul, which took just under two months to complete, saw South African lighting specialists Afrison completely replace all 272 of the stadium’s legacy floodlights. Every single light on the iconic corner pylons, canopies, and stands has been swapped out for cutting-edge, energy-efficient LED technology.
For the first time in Loftus history, custom-built colour showlights have also been installed on the East and West canopies, paving the way for immersive light shows.
The project became a showcase of local innovation. With traditional stadium bulbs facing global discontinuation and strict regulations surrounding the importation of fully assembled commercial LED systems, Afrison manufactured the hardware right here in South Africa. The new fixtures boast 70% local component composition, importing only the specialised silicon microchips and drivers where no local supplier exists.
The technical upgrade is immense.
The old lights struggled at 1,300 lux (a measure of light intensity) and took up to 30 minutes just to warm up. Afrison’s new system guarantees a uniform, shadow-free 2,000 lux across every blade of grass, instantly activating at the touch of a button from a central control room.
This level of brightness matches strict international and high-definition broadcast standards, ensuring television viewers at home get a crystal-clear picture while live fans enjoy unparalleled visibility.
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To completely remove the risk of power grid disruptions, Afrison has built a dedicated fibre-optic ring network to control the system via a secure local area network (LAN). Crucially, the entire system will run entirely off heavy-duty back-up generators from the opening whistle of major fixtures.
The upgrade comes via a unique 20-year lease agreement between the Blue Bulls Company and Afrison. Rather than a standard equipment purchase, Afrison remains a long-term partner, handling all ongoing maintenance and providing dedicated technical teams on-site during every game day.
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Edgar Rathbone, CEO of the Blue Bulls Company, expressed his pride in the project.
“Loftus Versfeld is steeped in history, but keeping a world-class stadium relevant means embracing the future. Our partnership with Afrison ensures that we are not only providing our fans and broadcasters with the absolute best visual experience possible, but we are doing it through a sustainable, locally engineered solution. Launching these lights at a Springbok Test match is the perfect celebration of South African innovation.”
The post New LED system lights up Loftus appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Loftus Versfeld will unveil a world-class, locally produced LED lighting system for Saturday’s Nations Championship Test between the Springboks and Scotland.
The post New LED system lights up Loftus appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
