Natalie Webber
Cronin Field is getting better and brighter. Jesuit has announced that the lights on Cronin Field will be getting replaced with new, improved stadium lights.
Jesuit has been working with Musco Lighting the past month to install the new lights, as they are already put in and will be ready for spring season sports.
Why make this change now? The current lights have been in place since 1998 and have slowly been losing their quality throughout the years. Additionally, the power needed for them to run is a significant amount.
These lights also use a lot different technology and programming than the previous ones, as they use LED lights now instead of the metal halide lights. Since they are LED lights, this allows them to be programmed with different colors and light patterns.
More than just new technology, there are many benefits that follow with the installation of the new lights.
The new lights will require 50% less energy and last around five to twenty times longer, Chief Financial Officer, Gina Chiotti mentioned.
“It will also reduce the “light pollution” that spills over the field: Jesuit will be a better neighbor to those around them,” Chiotti said.
With the new and improved lights, there will also be less required maintenance visits for the maintenance crew, saving them time and saving Jesuit money.
A fun feature: the new light installation will include lights positioned so that they shine upwards, making it easier for athletes and spectators to see the ball during the game.
Junior, Charlotte Lenarduzzi commented, “ I think it will bring more energy to the student section and encourage student involvement.”
Chiotti also stated that the new LED lights will allow them to make the lights have different strobes and patterns, programming them to fit with certain events.
“Having lights during the upcoming Twilight Relays will definitely up the adrenaline in the meet and bring more attention to Jesuit’s facilities,” said cross country runner, Ellie Welsh.
Students are excited for the new facility improvements and for all the benefits it will bring to the Jesuit community.
