Location: Utica, NY
Venue
The Utica Memorial Auditorium, or “Aud,” is a 4,000 seat multi-purpose arena and home to the Utica Comets, the AHL affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks hockey team. The facility is also home to the Utica College Pioneers and hosts concerts, ice skating and other events. The Aud is a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in recognition of its cable suspended roof, one of only 200 buildings in the world with this designation. The Aud was voted #8 in “The 10 Coolest Hockey Rinks in the World” by Complex magazine. The venue will host the 2015 AHL All-Star Game.
Challenge
Upon announcing the return of AHL hockey in 2013, the Aud underwent a significant renovation. The locker room was refurbished and new HD video boards were installed. The electrical and sound systems were upgraded. However, the poor lighting quality was noted and operators wished to improve upon it for the level of play taking place and to be able to hold a wider variety of events.
Scope
Ephesus Lighting was chosen to replace the metal halide lighting. The project also included installation of a wireless control system to increase operational efficiency and flexibility.
Solution
76 Ephesus fixtures were installed, as well as 26 Prism lights for effects and color. The Ephesus solution included wireless controls and an Ephesus control system. This provides instant, one-touch control to switch between different light settings as well as the ability to create unique fan experience effects. Custom lighting scenes were developed to the customer’s specifications.
Results
An impressive average of 135 foot candles was generated on the playing surface, while max/min uniformity improved to 1.6:1.0. Fans in the Aud now see games in a whole new light.
We are thrilled with the new Ephesus Lighting system that was recently installed at The Aud. The improvement and enhancement of our lighting system brings not only Comets games but all special events here to another level.Robert Esche, President of Mohawk Valley Garden & Utica Comets
