We recently visited the Aldershot Garrison M.O.D Rugby Stadium in order to produce a case study which highlighted the fantastic results which were provided by our Skyline Powertron Asymmetric LED Floodlights.
Whilst visiting the site, we interviewed two of the key figures behidn the success of the project, Richard from Aspire and Kim from Sports Lighting.
Richard (Aspire)
Can you tell us a little bit about the history of the site?
The area which we are photographing today is the original Rugby site for Aldershot Garrison. The site dates back to the 1800s and the site is prestigious and well respected.
There is weekly play at various levels, with some of the play including serious competitions between various clubs along with the army, navy, and other groups. The stadium is one of the most important assets at Aldershot Garrison.
The stadium does attract spectators, from army spectators, to wives, partners, friends and family, but the stadium also attracts television to an extent. Televised matches for the army channel take place at the site.
What was previously installed at the site?
Previously the site housed Metal Halide products which were approaching the end of their life cycle. BELL Lighting, along with Sports Lighting, were chosen as the organisations which were tasked with updating the products onsite to LED. The old fittings have been maintained where possible, with certain products used in different areas at Aldershot Garrison, which has helped the site greatly.
BELL Lighting's Skyline Powertron has provided a large energy saving, with a reduction in wattage whilst also providing a significant increase in the lighting levels which are present on the pitch, with greater uniformity also benefitting both players and spectators during matches.
The columns involved, the improved wiring and exceptional installation on behalf of Sports Lighting and JST, and the fantastic reduction in maintenance needed were the key factors of note for this project. The lead times for parts and the cost involved with maintenance for the previous installation were both issues, the new installation has resolved these problems.
The new installation provides a crisp white light, where the previous products had begun to offer a bright orange finish; you can see the difference in the playing conditions, which has also ensured that players onsite look happier and more comfortable with the conditions.
Why BELL Lighting?
BELL Lighting visited Aldershot Garrison to originally look at the Olympic sized swimming pool. BELL Lighting did a great job when visiting the site to assist with this area; this then provided everyone involved with the level of trust needed to consider further opportunities. At all stages BELL Lighting were transparent and ready to help, with a great team coming to fruition, with BELL Lighting and Sports Lighting working closely together to provide the best possible results. BELL Lighting and Sports Lighting have the experience to bring the right level of lighting into play, with supply and install being another key factor through a turn-key solution. Sports Lighting have been excellent in bringing their experience to the fore and partnering with BELL Lighting in order to make the project possible.
The weather conditions during the installation process were extremely difficult, but the issues were overcome and everyone did a great job to ensure that the end result was what everyone wanted.
There are several other areas which are set to be updated on the site, and BELL Lighting, along with Sports Lighting, are being considered for those projects on the back of the great work which has been carried out at the Rugby Stadium.
Another thing that was key for us, was the 10 year warranty which BELL Lighting offer, along with the 2 year onsite warranty. This gave us peace of mind and was superior in comparison to the other options which we looked at.
Kim (Sports Lighting)
What is your impression of the Skyline Powertron?
The fitting of it is fantastic; it's easy to fit alongside the columns which were used on this project. The control of spillage is really good with the product - it's one of the best on the market and there won't be many fittings which could outdo what the product has done on that pitch.
I'm pleased to use it and I will use it a lot more in the future.
If there are ever any issues, we know that BELL Lighting are just a phone call away and things are always put right quickly with the support from the team. Working with BELL, we make a great team.