This Saturday, Loftus Versfeld will reveal its new, locally manufactured LED lighting system during the Nations Championship Test featuring the Springboks against Scotland. This advanced, multi-million rand system aims to revolutionize the match-day experience with its state-of-the-art design. The upgrade, completed in just under two months, was executed by South African lighting specialists Afrison, replacing all 272 traditional floodlights with high-efficiency LED lights.
The comprehensive update includes the replacement of lights on the iconic corner pylons, canopies, and stands with these new LED fixtures. Notably, custom-built colour showlights now adorn the East and West canopies, introducing immersive light shows to Loftus for the first time. The initiative underscores local innovation, with Afrison manufacturing the hardware in South Africa due to global phasing out of traditional bulbs and strict import regulations on commercial LED systems. The new lights incorporate 70% locally sourced components, only importing specialized parts like silicon microchips and drivers.
The technical improvements are significant. The previous lighting setup provided 1,300 lux and required up to 30 minutes to fully activate. The new system delivers a consistent 2,000 lux across the pitch, achieving instant illumination at the touch of a button from a central control room. This brightness level meets international broadcasting standards, ensuring both spectators in the stadium and viewers at home enjoy a clear, shadow-free view.
"Loftus Versfeld is steeped in history, but embracing the future keeps us world-class. Our partnership with Afrison not only enhances the visual experience for fans and broadcasters but does so through a sustainable, locally engineered solution,"
said Edgar Rathbone, CEO of the Blue Bulls Company.To safeguard against power disruptions, Afrison has installed a dedicated fibre-optic ring network for system control via a secure LAN, with heavy-duty generators ready to support the system from the start of major events. This upgrade has been facilitated through a unique 20-year lease agreement with the Blue Bulls Company, with Afrison committed to ongoing maintenance and providing technical support on game days.
The unveiling of this lighting system at a Springbok Test match celebrates South African innovation and promises a brighter future for events at Loftus Versfeld.