From goosebumps on a University of Michigan defensive lineman to kudos from the visiting team, the debut Saturday night of Michigan Stadium's state-of-the-art LED lighting system was a sparkling success.
As reported by MLive.com the system replaced HID system installed in 2010.
Across the top of the stadium along each sideline, lights turned white and then flashed maize and blue after Michigan scored en route to a 31-6 victory. "While the new lights are brighter than the previous lights, at times they deployed to make the Big House darker than normal," wrote MLive's Andrew Kahn.
“It was absolutely insane,” Michigan defensive tackle Kris Jenkins said of the light shows. “They got us hyped. Every time they turned the lights off, it was goosebumps. You could hear the crowd screaming every time they went off.”
Even Bowling Green players appreciated the atmosphere. “Oh, yeah, we noticed it,” Bowling Green linebacker Darren Anders said. “We heard about it, coming in, that they had new lights. We were excited. Playing in front of 110,000, it’s unbelievable. Being on that field, feeling that energy, it’s very hard to explain.”
According to a preseason Michigan athletics press release cited by MLive, the purpose installing new lights was to improve visibility for those inside the stadium and watching on television, with the “whiter and cleaner” LED lights creating a “stage-like” environment and “allowing colors to pop throughout the venue.”
Operators have the ability “to use special effects lighting in conjunction with video board content, key game moments, and special performances.” Additionally, the lights will reduce energy consumption by a projected 31 percent compared to the old system.
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Saturday's game, which kicked off at 7:40 p.m. eastern time, was the third of the season for the undefeated Wolverines, but the first chance to fully flaunt the lighting system's capabilities. “It added to the fan experience in a positive way,” said Allison Podnar, seated in section 37, as reported by MLive. “You could tell the players were enjoying it, too.”
"Michigan’s game next Saturday, at home against Rutgers, will start at noon, as will the regular-season finale at home against Ohio State," Kahn wrote. "Kickoff times for Michigan’s other two remaining home games — Oct. 14 against Indiana and Nov. 4 vs. Purdue — have not yet been announced. A source said there’s a good chance the Nov. 4 game will be at night."
