The Home Teams are Winning

UB Alumni Arena SUNY at Buffalo, New York

The University “hit a three pointer” with a new lighting system at Alumni Arena that balanced the needs of the NCAA, Athletics, and Events Departments. 

The University at Buffalo’s Alumni Arena required a lighting upgrade; the lighting was insufficient and lacked the controllability for the multiple user groups using the facility 18 hours a day.  LDI designers were challenged to customize lighting solutions for multiple users, to save energy and maintenance costs, and to improve the spectator experience in this Division I venue.

Photo by: Paul Hokanson

Spectator experience is enhanced with LED RGB color-changing luminaires in the structure. White LED downlights replace existing high-wattage incandescents and are connected to the emergency system creating a “star-field” effect while illuminating the aisles and consuming less energy.

Dimmable, high-wattage, dual-lamp fixtures render the school’s royal blue theme better than ever before.  These general intramural fixtures are programmed for multiple light levels, at the ease of push button operation by the coaches, and consume 35% less energy than the system it replaced.

NCAA metrics are met by sportslighters with designed aiming and switching for each of the NCAA sports utilizing the gymnasium.  The wrestling competition area is more compact than the Basketball/Volleyball area. Sportslighters are controlled to create a Wrestling scene that utilizes 40% fewer luminiares than Basketball/Volleyball. Controlling light to play areas and maintaining a darker surround improves visual clarity and intimacy in the large venue.

Distinguished speakers experience architainment lighting provided by RGB LEDs and ellipsoidal projectors.  Hoist-mounted theatrical lighting provides key-lighting from CCTV to ESPN broadcasts eliminating the need for rental lighting.

Theatrical queuing over distributed Ethernet/DMX control was added to the lighting control system saving operating expenses by creating an integrated, easy to use interface.  The owner said, “You did an absolutely great job with this… it is easier to use for daily use, we have better light for all applications and the special lighting needs of the state events were taken into account so they don’t have to jump through hoops to make it work!”

The project was completed without change order.  Fewer luminaires, longer life technologies, and controls for customized user settings result in a system that is free of Owner maintenance for 10 years.

Alumni Arena is the first known application of this high-wattage CMH lamp and control technology.  The proof of success may be what is said by people who are not lighting professionals; national radio and television commentators have broadcasted their opinions that Alumni Arena now has the best venue lighting in the NCAA conference.  The lighting is more than the uniformity achieved – great lighting is experiential; the new enthusiasm is contagious and the result is that the home teams are winning.

In 2012, this project was nominated for an International Award of Excellence in two (2) separate categories; Lighting Design and Lighting Controls.