Is Upgrading Stadium Lights from Metal Halides to LEDs a Good Idea: A Comprehensive Analysis

Introduction

Is it a bad idea for the owners of stadiums to upgrade the good old metal halide lights to LEDs? Kinda miss older lights... Some argue that the transition might not be worth it, while others believe it is a logical step forward. This article delves into the pros and cons of the change, looking at efficiency, cost, and environmental benefits.

Metal Halide vs LED Lighting: A Direct Comparison

No, it's not a bad idea. All in all, an upgrade is better: cheaper to run, better lighting, and more energy-efficient. For most stadiums, the switch from metal halide to LED is justified.

Cost and Efficiency

Depends on how frequently the lights are used. For most stadiums, upgrading to LED isn't economically worthwhile unless used frequently. Metal halide bulbs are efficient enough that for regular use, it doesn't make sense to switch.

Comparative Analysis

Axample: A Sylvania 64473 metal halide lamp produces 14400 lumens at 175 watts (82 lumens per watt). A 100 ACTUAL watt, 750 W equivalent LED bulb produces the same 14000 lumens, saving about 75 watts and costing around 40 on Amazon. You can buy them less expensive in bulk. Changing over requires modifying or replacing the fixture, which can cost 50-75 dollars. If you buy high-wattage LED bulbs with the same base as halide bulbs, the transition becomes more feasible.

At an average 17 cents per KWH for electricity in the US, you save less than a penny per hour. To break even, you need to run lights 2200-3300 hours, which most stadiums use for less than an hour a day (3-5 hours, 50 times a year, or once a week). This puts the break-even time at 7-10 years or more, making it a poor financial investment unless replacing a bad bulb.

Replacing the entire fixture requires 200-500 dollars for an equivalent luminosity, so just replacing the halide bulb is a more practical approach.

Disadvantages of Metal Halide Lamps

Despite their efficiency, metal halide lamps have a couple of disadvantages:

Longer but Limited Lifespan

Metal halide lamps have a relatively long life but require manual replacement at regular intervals. LEDs, on the other hand, likely have at least twice the lifespan between replacements.

Slow Turn-On

Metal halides take several minutes to reach full brightness, while LEDs are instant turn-on.

Other than that, if the power is interrupted to metal halides, they won’t turn on again until they have cooled down, which can take several minutes. LEDs will start up instantly, eliminating this issue.

Furthermore, LED fittings are lighter and smaller than the equivalent metal halides, making them more appealing when your lighting needs upgrading. I have replaced all my metal halides with LED in my portable floodlighting rigs.

The Future of Stadium Lighting: A Brighter Outlook

While some may miss the old metal halide lights, it is clear that the transition to LED lighting offers numerous advantages. Better performance, energy efficiency, and ultimately reduced costs make this upgrade a sound investment for stadium owners.

Ultimately, the decision to upgrade should weigh the specific circumstances of each stadium. However, for those looking to future-proof their facilities, investing in LED lighting is a wise choice.

Conclusion

The choice to upgrade from metal halide to LED lighting is not just a matter of personal nostalgia but a practical decision for modern stadiums. By understanding the benefits and drawbacks, stadium owners can make informed decisions that enhance their facilities and align with sustainable practices.