Print this pageIn February 2007, the South Australian Government announced that the South Australian National Football League’s proposed lighting upgrade project had been granted Major Development status.
Since this time, the League’s consultant team has conducted an extensive review of interstate and overseas lighting systems and has now proposed a lighting upgrade that combines the latest lighting technology with more contemporary designed headframes.
The new masts and headframes will be 76 metres high. The height of the towers, supporting headframes that will be tilted at an angle of 15 degrees, will provide improved light intensity to the playing surface, whilst at the same time minimising light spill into surrounding roads and residential areas. Each headframe, supported by cylindrical towers that will taper to the top, will carry up to 135 lights.
With the project accorded Major Development status, the SANFL is now following a stringent assessment of the project including a process of public consultation to ensure that people living in the surrounding areas of AAMI Stadium are aware of the benefits of the upgrade and have an opportunity to express their thoughts. The public will have access to Assessment Guidelines to be released by the Development Assessment Commission. These guidelines will detail the social, environmental and economic issues to be examined.
“The current AAMI Stadium light towers were commissioned 23 years ago, and whilst they have been effective, it is a simple fact that the standard of lighting provided is now less than ideal for the playing and broadcasting of elite sport. Over time the light levels provided by the existing towers have inevitably deteriorated. New lighting technology will allow us to not only meet international standards in sports lighting levels, but will also improve the aesthetics of the towers and significantly reduce the level of light spill into the homes of our neighbours. It is hoped that the new lighting system, with benefits for players, spectators and local residents alike will be fully operational in time for the 2009 AFL season” - SANFL Executive Commissioner, Leigh Whicker.
Click here to view image proposed light towers.