PNC Arena, home to the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes, will usher in a new era for professional sports this season as the first NHL venue in the U.S. to feature LED lighting. The Centennial Authority has invested US $650,000 in the innovative new system. This system represents the continuation of a relationship between the Centennial Authority, which owns PNC Arena, and Musco, which installed the facility’s original lights when it opened in 1999.

“The LED installation was on time and within budget, but most importantly has provided a product that will undeniably provide an improved viewing experience during Carolina Hurricanes hockey and NC State men’s basketball games.”

The Centennial Authority and Gale Force Sports & Entertainment are dedicated to enriching the arena experience for guests. Replacing the Arena’s formerly state-of-the-art lighting system with today’s top-end product further demonstrates its focus on innovation and sustainability. Musco’slighting solution uses an LED light source manufactured by local North Carolina-based Cree, Inc.

“Musco has delivered,” said Dave Olsen, executive vice president and general manager of PNC Arena. “The LED installation was on time and within budget, but most importantly has provided a product that will undeniably provide an improved viewing experience during Carolina Hurricanes hockey and NC State men’s basketball games.”

The new system will deliver a variety of benefits at PNC Arena—to the athletes competing, the spectators throughout the arena, and fans watching on television.

·         The more than 200 optically-enhanced fixtures fitted with over 20,000 LEDs effectively manage glare to improve playability for athletes and the experience for fans, while meeting NHL and NCAA requirements for TV broadcasts.

·         The control system has instant on/off and dimming capabilities, which will help conserve energy and allow for enhanced lighting special effects.

·         Musco has installed this system on several major indoor arenas and achieved significant reductions in energy consumption.

·         Musco’s solution is engineered as a complete system to provide reliable performance.

Additionally, the LED system will align PNC Arena with the recently released 2014 NHL Sustainability Report, as well as the Centennial Authority’s own sustainability goals for the Arena. The new system also will help Gale Force Sports & Entertainment realize significant utility cost savings. Musco’s comprehensive 10-year warranty eliminates maintenance and maintenance-related costs, and its dedicated team of technicians provide expert maintenance and support.

“The Centennial Authority and Gale Force Sports & Entertainment are committed to providing an experience like no other at PNC Arena, and our solution will help them take a big step in that direction,” said Jeff Rogers, vice president of developmental sales for Musco Lighting. “The system’s cleaner, brighter, vastly superior light will enhance everyone’s in-game experience, and at the same time provide a more sustainable and energy efficient solution.”

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 tips-off its season November 14.

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