Art Crate Field is now the “first lighted LED large athletic field in the Pacific Northwest,” according to Chris Fote, an electrical engineering consultant for the field improvement project.
The new lights mean big changes this fall at Art Crate and promise to improve lighting and reduce the negative impacts of spill and glare into the neighborhoods. "It's going to be dramatic reduction,” said Fote.
Athletes will notice a big change as well. “It is about quality and consistency of lighting for the athletes and spectators,” said Bryan Streleski, Bethel’s director of athletics. “The LED lights provide the most consistent light levels across the playing field for athlete performance and spectator appreciation.”
On top of all that there are monetary savings as well. According to Fote the old floodlights had a total lighting load of 79.2 kilowatts. The new LED lights will have a lighting load of 46.0 kilowatts, promising over a 40% reduction.
With Art Crate leading the way, other schools and recreational fields in Seattle and Tacoma will also make the switch to LED lighting this fall.
