Louis Crews Stadium at A&M University | Alabama

Client: A&M University, Alabama

Facility: Louis Crews Stadium

THE OUTCOME

*Estimated based on kWh reduction and average regional energy rates.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

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• Energy Waste: Outdated high-intensity discharge fixtures consuming excessive power.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’S END-TO-END APPROACH

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

MEASURABLE RESULTS

• 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

STRATEGIC IMPACT

• 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.

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

“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.