The live events industry has faced significant hurdles in recent years. In the wake of Covid shutdowns, venues have struggled to draw in crowds as economic pressures and the cost-of-living crisis continue to bite. At the same time, high running costs and climbing energy bills have squeezed margins, making profitability more challenging than ever.
Successful sports and entertainment venues need to be versatile, evolving beyond their traditional functions to draw in a diverse range of audiences. To pull off this chameleon act, venue owners are increasingly making smart use of multi-purpose lighting technology that can transform spaces at the touch of a button, enhancing fan experience and maximizing their utility throughout the year.
A venue for all seasons
Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena is a great example of a venue that is both fully equipped for top-tier sport and well adapted to fill seats all year round. Built at the turn of the century as part of the UK’s National Ice Centre complex, the arena was designed with multi-purpose functionality in mind. Its skating rink is home to the successful Nottingham Panthers hockey team and doubles as a public space for leisure skating and lessons for children and adults. And in the evening, the arena transforms to play host to a wide range of events, from international touring rock concerts to family-friendly interactive shows.
In 2023, Motorpoint Arena had an opportunity to host one of the most prestigious events on the international ice hockey calendar: the 2023 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships – Division 1, Group A. In preparation, the team called in expert help from international sports lighting specialist Powerplus Group. They selected Signify’s Philips LED lighting and Interact Sports smart lighting control system to bring the arena’s lighting up to specification. As the official lighting partner of the NHL, Signify had the expertise to provide systems that would meet stringent international broadcast standards for flicker-free and super slow-motion replay, ensuring crystal-clear visibility for players on the ice and creating an electrifying atmosphere for fans in the arena, and at home.
Philips ArenaVision LED, engineered specifically for sports and multi-purpose venues, offers outstanding light quality, effective thermal management, and an extended lifespan. With this upgrade, the arena achieved over 1400lx vertical illuminance in the direction of the main television cameras, as well as over 2000lx in horizontal illuminance, ensuring every moment on the ice was captured in stunning detail. And with great visibility, players can train and perform at their best.
