MOSCOW, Idaho – The University of Idaho has replaced the lights in the iconic ASUI Kibbie-Activity Center with a new state-of-the-art Musco Lighting LED system.
 
Musco, the leader in sports lighting systems, created and installed a custom lighting system to meet the Kibbie Dome's unique stadium architecture. The new system will be significantly brighter, whiter, eliminates the buzz from the old metal halide lights and most importantly will be significantly more energy-efficient to operate.
 
The new LED lighting system, using just 92 fixtures and 163,116 watts of power, is replacing 264 light fixtures that consumed around 264,000 watts of power.
 
"Finding new energy efficiencies is a key part of the university's focus on a sustainable future." said Cami McClure, assistant vice president for Auxiliary Services. "This upgrade saves us money and brings a huge visual improvement inside the Kibbie while lowering our overall carbon footprint."
 
Another factor in the upgrade is the growth of TV in sports, including the Big Sky's contract with ESPN. The new system will exceed ESPN's lighting requirements for linear TV. With the old lighting system, any linear ESPN games, including FCS playoff games would have required supplemental lighting to be rented.
 
Fan and student-athlete experience will also improve. Gone will be the yellow color and loud buzz that comes with the decades-old lighting system. The new lights will also be able to blackout and turn on immediately for an improved run of show. The lighting system can also be synced with music as part of the Show-Light entertainment package.
 
"An important part of our mission is to provide our student-athletes a first-rate experience," Deputy Athletic Director Tim Mooney said. "The opportunity to host playoff games is key to reaching that goal. This new system will remove any barriers that might have held us back from hosting an FCS playoff game in the future. It will significantly improve our fan experience and game atmosphere with blackout ability and the Show Light features."
 
Installation of the new system was completed earlier this summer and is already in use. The project is part of ongoing improvements to the Kibbie Dome, which also included the installation of the new Lauren McCluskey Track and tennis surface which was completed last week.