Spotlight shines on Japan as the Rugby World Cup nears kick-off

The Philips ArenaVision LEDs that have been installed are controlled by Signify’s Interact Sports connected lighting system, creating spectacular light shows and allowing for the programming of multiple light scenes to adjust lighting standards to the different sports that are played in the stadium. The new LED lighting system in the 30,132 seater stadium was commissioned via an innovative method using robotic measurement and includes video aiming and laser scan. 

A total of 404 Philips ArenaVision LEDs were installed. The multiple light scenes in the Interact Sports system can be played back to meet different lighting standards that are required by rugby as well as football associations (which is also hosted in the stadium). The new energy efficient LED lighting also uses less electricity compared to conventional lighting, saving 45% in electricity costs.

“We’re very proud to light up Kobe Misaki stadium for the world’s biggest rugby tournament held in Japan,” said Thierry Jean Baptiste Chapiteau, Global Sub Segment Manager Sports and Arenas at Signify. “The players get perfect lighting on the field and the legion of rugby fans around the world, watching a match on TV, can see every detail in the highest definition. Fans in the stadium can enjoy light shows adding to the incredible atmosphere.”

In time for kick-off

By introducing Signify’s robotic measurement method, laser scanning and a video aiming system, the installation time was drastically shortened, and accuracy and quality were improved. The whole process from dismantling the HID luminaires to the installation of the upgraded LED system was completed in only 65 days. In addition, higher protection to the grass pitch was guaranteed during installation due to the robotic measurement. 

“We were impressed with Signify’s commissioning and engineering methods, which were very new to us. The new technologies were very useful and necessary to complete our project smoothly. We’re very happy to work together in this project and would like to thank the project members within Signify,” said Mr. Nakamoto, Kinden Corporation, one of the largest M&E Contractors in Japan and appointed by Kobe City for this project.

Besides Kobe Misaki stadium, Signify is also responsible for the lighting of Aichi’s Toyota stadium where another four matches of the tournament will be played. Toyota stadium and Kobe stadium are the first two outdoor stadiums in Japan using robotics to install the connected lighting system, Interact Sports, in combination with high performance Philips ArenaVision LEDs.