Client: A&M University, Alabama
Facility: Louis Crews Stadium
| Annual Energy Savings | Annual Cost Savings* | Fixtures Commissioned | Improved Lighting Levels |
| 4,93,257.6+ kWh/Yr | $54,554.29+ | 154 | 50.9% |
*Estimated based on kWh reduction and average regional energy rates.
Alabama A&M University sought to upgrade the lighting at its Louis Crews Stadium, one of the largest football venues in Alabama. The existing HID and legacy floodlighting system presented major challenges:
Energy Waste: Outdated high-intensity discharge fixtures consuming excessive power.
Visual Limitations: Inconsistent brightness and poor uniformity across the playing field, affecting both athletes and spectators.
Event Experience Risks: Frequent lamp failures disrupted night games and limited media broadcast quality.
Maintenance Burden: High re-lamping costs and significant downtime for stadium operations.
The university required a state-of-the-art lighting solution capable of meeting NCAA-level sporting standards, improving visibility, and supporting both athletic performance and fan experience.
IKIO managed the project as a comprehensive stadium retrofit, combining advanced product engineering with turnkey service delivery. The approach featured:
1. Quality Coverage
Advanced OLM™ technology directs light precisely where it’s needed, creating uniform, true-color illumination that meets HD/4K broadcast standards so every play looks flawless on screen.
2. Dynamic Atmosphere for Fans
DMX-compatible controls allow staff to create vibrant, programmable lighting scenes that energise crowds, enhance halftime shows, and brand special events, turning each game into a memorable spectacle.
3. Simpler, Smarter Operations for Staff
Integrated smart controls enable remote scheduling, instant scene changes, and zoned operation from any device, making it easy for facility teams to manage lighting before, during, and after events.
4. Big Savings and Sustainability
The upgrade has cut energy use by more than 50 percent and reduced maintenance cycles, lowering operating costs and shrinking the stadium’s environmental footprint.
TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS DELIVERED
| Zone | Legacy Issue | IKIO Solution | Performance Impact |
| Playing Field & End Zones | Poor visibility, glare, uneven brightness | OLM™ technology delivers uniform, true-color illumination , eliminating glare and dark spots for HD/4K broadcast quality | Broadcast-ready illumination, improved player visibility |
| Stadium Events & Ceremonial Lighting | Limited versatility of static HID lights | DMX-enabled lighting with dynamic color capability creates programmable scenes for games enhancing the fan experience | Dynamic lighting for shows, ceremonies, and halftime events |
| Exterior & Architectural Surrounds | Inadequate, inefficient lighting | Precision-aimed lighting reduces light spill on adjacent areas | Enhanced ambience and uniform exterior visibility |
| Control & Management | Manual operation, no real-time flexibility | Wireless modules, antennas, and cloud-based controls | Automated scheduling, event-based adaptability, remote monitoring |
1,45,000+ kWh in verified annual energy savings
72% improvement in lighting quality across the stadium field and seating areas
$15,500+ annual cost reduction (via energy + maintenance)
Enhanced fan and athlete experience through glare-free, high-CRI lighting
Event versatility with RGBW & DMX-controlled color effects
Athletic Performance & Safety: High-visibility conditions improved player safety and gameplay precision.
Broadcast Standards: Lighting quality met NCAA and media guidelines, enabling HD-ready coverage.
Operational Efficiency: Reduced maintenance cycles and improved system reliability.
Sustainability: Significant reduction in carbon footprint in alignment with campus sustainability goals.
Brand Enhancement: Stadium lighting became a showcase feature for university events and recruitment.
“Upgraded lighting has improved everything from player visibility to audience experience. The brighter, more consistent lighting and added color features have taken our events to the next level.”
— Facilities Director, Alabama A&M University
CONCLUSION
Through precision engineering, advanced OLM™ technology, and smart commissioning technology, IKIO transformed Alabama A&M University’s Louis Crews Stadium into a future-ready sports venue. The project not only optimized energy and maintenance performance but also enhanced the athletic, fan, and broadcast experience, showcasing IKIO’s role as a comprehensive lighting partner for large-scale sports infrastructure.
