The Gabba training nets
Design team hits a six - The Gabba, QLD
ANSWERING THE DEMAND FOR WORLD-CLASS LIGHTING
There are few instances where installing LED lighting makes a more powerful difference than in the sporting arena. The GABBA in Brisbane has become the first stadium to install LED lights for its external cricket practice nets, which is a breakthrough as it allows players to prepare for the big games under the same intense lighting conditions as a night time test match.
In finding a solution for lighting up the GABBA practice nets, Norman Disney & Young (NDY) Engineering Consultants considered multiple options and arrangements and ultimately an LED light solution was chosen for its use of optical technology. The Sylvania Briteline LED Raptor floodlights were their definitive choice. Developed by Sylvania to distribute light exactly where it’s needed, the Raptor provides better control, lower glare and less spill light. These floodlights also use less than 40% of the energy used in traditional 2KW Metal Halide floodlights and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
KEEPING AN EYE ON THE BALL
The site size and its location within the Gabba precinct, placed some significant constraints on pole location and heights, being critical for the optimal delivery of vertical illumination essential for batsmen in following the flight of the ball.
To ensure the vertical illumination requirements in the design of the lighting scheme – the biggest challenge, computer modelling of the floodlight aiming was completed, with real life results ultimately superseding that of the computer modelling predictions in all aspects.
DELIVERY WITH A ‘TESTING’ DEADLINE
All parties involved were under very tight procurement and construction schedules, with the construction only starting in early November and installation completed and operational by the first week of December in time for the first Brisbane test match of summer 2016/17.
A flexible lighting scheme, dimmable for general illumination for promotional events out of cricket season periods was achieved, while complementing the main oval lighting augmentation recently completed, also a collaboration between Sylvania and NDY.