By Jonathan Carroll
Athletes, performers, and spectators alike will soon find a transformed arena experience at The University of Texas at Arlington’s (UTA) College Park Center, after the installation of a new LED lighting system with cutting-edge special effects capabilities.
The 7,000-seat College Park Center is the home venue for the WNBA’s Dallas Wings, as well as UTA’s 
intercollegiate basketball and volleyball programs. Additionally, the arena hosts a wide range of concerts, conferences, and other major events throughout the year. When University leaders decided to replace the venue’s original lights, they needed a state-of-the-art LED system that would elevate light levels to meet WNBA broadcast standards, while also enhancing the overall entertainment experience.
“As we began looking at opportunities to invest back into College Park Center, enhanced sports lighting topped the list,” CPC Executive Director Jeff Davis said. “We were looking for a lighting system that would target four main goals: 1) provide a more uniform distribution of light for a better broadcast experience, 2) reduce light spill in the arena to create a more theatrical experience centered on the playing court, 3) provide enhancements to the overall environment and fan experience, and 4) further our efforts in energy conservation and environmental stewardship. Musco’s solution checked every box while providing a system that can easily be serviced and maintained for years to come.”
The new lighting system is custom-designed by Musco, whose Total Light Control—TLC for LED® technology is featured at some of the biggest stadiums and arenas around the world. The system includes Musco’s Show-Light+™ entertainment package with color-changing red-green-blue (RGB) fixtures, which will create exciting new light shows.
“UTA wanted to create the best possible arena experience for athletes, performers, and fans,” Musco Vice President Jeff Rogers said. “Show-Light+ and the RGB fixtures are going to create custom, color-changing light shows that will result in a really amazing atmosphere.”
The efficiency of the advanced LED light source technology will reduce energy consumption at College Park Center by 79 percent compared to the previous lighting, while also improving light levels and uniformity on the court. The system is backed by a long-term warranty covering every part and all labor, eliminating UTA’s maintenance costs at the arena through the year 2030.
“From the moment a fan, visitor, or athlete enters the arena, our focus is on their experience. The enhancements completed this summer create the same look and feel you have at other top level professional sports arenas, and we are excited to bring that same experience to central Arlington for our home teams and fans. It’s definitely a gamechanger for the CPC,” Davis said.
Jonathan Carroll is Assistant Director, Event and Venue Marketing, Special Event Facilities, for College Park Center – Texas Hall -UTATickets at the University of Texas at Arlington.
