Magazine - AAMI Park lights up Melbourne Skyline

By Press Release in General Sports on 2nd Sep 2010 11:15

Premier John Brumby today officially switched on the spectacular coloured LED lighting on the roof of AAMI Park, which he said would be a permanent feature of Melbourne’s night skyline.

Mr Brumby marked the milestone at the state-of-the-art $267.5 million stadium today with Major Projects Minister Tim Pallas and Sports Minister James Merlino. “This fantastic lighting strengthens AAMI Park’s standing as an iconic Melbourne venue, combining the best elements of sport and art, bringing them together to enhance our city skyline,” Mr Brumby said.

“The roof will light up in colours and patterns specially designed for the stadium, with a variety of dynamic lighting displays to unfold on the roof over the weeks and months to come – a visual landmark to match the Victorian Arts Centre spire.” About 1,500 LED low energy lights can shine in every colour and are individually programmed to create a multitude of artistic visual effects.

Mr Brumby said the lights would operate each night with sequences including Indigenous themes and those designed for home clubs the Melbourne Victory, Melbourne Heart, Melbourne Storm and Melbourne Rebels.

“This great stadium, with its unique bio-frame roof design is already causing enormous excitement in Melbourne, and this feature lighting will take it to a whole new level,” he said.

Mr Pallas said the unique lighting system was designed by Electrolight, an award winning lighting design consultancy and would be visible from dusk each night.

“The lights are environmentally friendly and they also create no light spill into the surrounding area,” Mr Pallas said.

“This is a key element of the sustainable design of the stadium with the LED lights using around one tenth of the power required to floodlight the stadium.

“The lights will inspire excitement and pride in the venue as well as tangibly connecting the project with Melbourne’s sporting and cultural heritage.”

Mr Merlino said AAMI Park was Melbourne’s first purpose-built home for soccer and rugby and was already celebrated among local sporting fans.

“This final spectacular element to the stadium will provide these sporting codes with a truly world-class stage,” Mr Merlino said.

“We have a unique stadium, with a high-tech turf system, an unparalleled viewing experience, and now a light show as well – Melbourne is truly the sporting capital of the world.”

Read more articles in General Sports, by Press Release or from September 2010.