BB Print Stadium Mackay lighting upgrades exceed expectations

The upgrades have been finalised in time for the QRL season and the upcoming Freestyle Kings Live Stadium Tour on April 6.

Executive Manager MECC and Events Andrew Bobeldyk said infrared testing showed the upgrades had exceeded expectations.

“The field lighting hit a greater lumen level than was initially anticipated,” Mr Bobeldyk said.

“The lighting has reached 1500 lumens, which is considered optimal for nighttime television broadcast,” he said.

“Feedback we have received so far from broadcasters has been extremely positive.”

The field lights were upgraded to LED lights, which use a quarter of the power of the original field lighting.

“This means power costs for the full four towers will now be the same as the costs for just one of the original towers,” Mr Bobeldyk said.

“And the new lighting setup has also delivered us a far greater level of customisation.

“Our tech teams can now create various theatrical lighting displays using different coloured secondary field lighting, brightnesses and patterns.

“This will take home game atmosphere to another level, as teams will be able to run onto the field to the accompaniment of lighting displays using their home colours choreographed to music.”

Council CEO Scott Owen said council had allocated $3.1 million, which includes $1.782 million of State government funding, as part of its current budget for the Stadium Mackay refurbishment and master planning for future development.

The next part of the refurbishment will see the stadium’s seating receive an upgrade, with new seats expected to arrive and be installed mid-year.

The project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program and Mackay Regional Council.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said it was part of the Miles Government’s investment in Mackay alongside major investments in health, housing, transport and cost-of-living support.

“Investing in our community facilities means we can attract major events to our region and support good jobs,” she said.

“These lighting upgrades for Mackay’s BB Print Stadium is just one of the projects we’re supporting.

“More than $1.782 million has been provided to the Mackay Regional Council through the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program to support the $3.1 million project

The stadium lighting upgrades will allow for theatrical lighting displays using different
coloured lighting, brightnesses and patterns.