A MAJOR revamp of Sixways has kicked off, with Warriors chiefs vowing their ‘significant’ investment will set the standards for clubs in the Gallagher Premiership.
The first stage of the development is the installation of a state-of-the-art LED floodlighting system which will be the best in English rugby’s top flight, according to Warriors owners.
The existing floodlight pylons are being dismantled and will be replaced by new lights along the length of the roof of the East Stand. Two new lighting towers, with the lights configured in a distinctive ‘W’ shape, will be placed in the north-west and south-west corners of the stadium.
“As a club we want to be industry leading on and off the field, these new controllable LED lights will set the standards for clubs in the Gallagher Premiership,” said co-owner Colin Goldring.
“We are making a significant investment into the infrastructure of the stadium to ensure that everyone who visits Sixways, whether it is to watch Warriors or to attend one of the many events that we stage here, has an experience to remember and be excited about returning to the stadium.
“Historically we have had issues with the floodlights which have been too dim and there has also been a lot of light spillage which has not been good for the environment around Sixways.
“The new lights will be much brighter but they will be focused entirely on the stadium bowl which will make it easier for players, spectators and TV cameras to follow play.
“As each of the lights can be fully-controlled it will allow us to use them creatively and really build an atmosphere in the stadium – perhaps as a spotlight as the players run out or as a heartbeat or pulse for TMO decisions.”
Each of the new lighting towers on the west side of Sixways will contain 12 lights. There will be an additional 36 lights along the length of the East Stand which will be fitted with the use of a giant cherry-picker that can extend to 45 metres in height.
The new floodlights are scheduled to ready in time for the start of the new season which kicks off with the visit of Leicester Tigers to Sixways for a Premiership Rugby Cup match on September 21 (kick-off 3pm).