For the first time in the history of the National Hockey League, a U.S. arena will feature LED lighting, when PNC Arena—home to the Carolina Hurricanes—unveils the new, cutting-edge system for the preseason opener this fall. Dave Olsen, Executive Vice President and General Manager of PNC Arena, announced today that the Centennial Authority has partnered with Musco, which will install its innovative Show-Light Green™ LED system in the coming weeks.

“In partnership with the Centennial Authority, we continue to explore opportunities to improve PNC Arena,” said Olsen. “In working with Musco Lighting to install their state-of-the-art LED lighting system, we are able to showcase Carolina Hurricanes hockey and NC State men’s basketball games in a cleaner light while also reducing our energy and maintenance costs.”

The advanced lighting system will feature optically enhanced fixtures, which will drastically reduce glare and improve playability for the athletes. At the same time, spectators throughout the arena and fans watching HD broadcasts will enjoy a noticeably enhanced, brighter light.

The increase in lighting performance at PNC Arena will be matched by a significant reduction in energy consumption and operating costs. Musco has retrofitted several major college indoor arenas with LED systems in the past year alone, reducing energy consumption at those venues by an average of 70 percent.

Additionally, Musco’s complete system approach to lighting and industry-leading warranty will provide reliable performance and further reduce the annual operating costs at PNC Arena. Efficient lighting controls and instant on/off and dimming capabilities will allow for enhanced special effects during player introductions.

"We are proud to once again partner with the PNC Arena, and provide an innovative, sustainable LED solution," said Musco Lighting's Vice President of Developmental Sales, Jeff Rogers. "Our unique system design offers superior light control to put light where it's needed to create a theater effect on the playing surface and reduce glare for players and spectators."

Musco is the recognized leader in providing solutions for sports and large area lighting with thousands of installations around the world. The team has utilized LED for iconic structures – such as the White House in 2008 and the East Span of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge – and for indoor arenas and outdoor sports fields like those at the world’s largest sports vacation destination, LakePoint Sporting Community.

Visitors to PNC Arena will enjoy their first in-game experience under the new LED lights on Sunday, September 21, when the Carolina Hurricanes host their preseason opener. Fans of the North Carolina State Wolfpack men’s basketball team—which also calls PNC Arena home—will enjoy their first LED lighting experience when the team kicks off its season in November.

For information on upcoming PNC Arena events, please visit www.ThePNCArena.com