A Brighter, Smarter Field

Exciting improvements are coming to Griswold Stadium this summer.

Beginning July 15, the stadium’s aging lighting system will be replaced with modern, energy-efficient LED fixtures and smart controls that provide brighter, more consistent illumination while significantly reducing light pollution. This investment will enhance safety and visibility for athletes, spectators, and campus events, while demonstrating the college’s commitment to environmental stewardship and being a thoughtful neighbor to the surrounding community.

Griswold Field will remain in use throughout construction, and every effort will be made to minimize disruptions. Visitors can expect some construction activity, noise, and temporary staging areas around the stadium while work is underway. We appreciate your patience and flexibility as you navigate around the project while these important upgrades are completed.

Focus Areas: Griswold Stadium

Construction Starts: 7/15/2026

Anticipated Completion: 7/31/2026

Upgrading stadium lighting for safety, performance, and neighborhood care

Game nights and practices are getting a major visibility upgrade at Griswold Stadium.

The existing lighting system has reached the end of its life. Fixtures can no longer be replaced, and currently 18 of the 92 lights are out—creating uneven lighting conditions that can impact safety for athletes and event participants.

This project replaces the entire system with modern LED fixtures and a smart control system designed to improve field visibility while reducing light spill into the surrounding neighborhood.

New lighting will follow strict DarkSky compliance and be certified by DarkSky International, eliminating light pollution and glare for the neighbors as well as the planet. 

What’s Changing?

• Replacement of all existing stadium lights with high-efficiency LED fixtures
• New lighting control system for better performance and adjustability
• Improved light direction and reduced spill beyond the field

Why This Matters

Proper lighting is essential for safe athletic participation, evening events, and spectator experience. At the same time, modern technology allows the college to be a better neighbor by minimizing unnecessary light pollution.

These upgrades will:

• Create consistent, safe lighting across the entire field
• Improve reliability with fixtures that can be maintained and supported
• Reduce energy use with efficient LED technology
• Limit light pollution through better aiming and controls

What You’ll Notice

The Pamplin west parking lot will be used as a contractor material staging area. Thank you for your patience and finding other lots to park in while this project is in progress. 

The difference will be clear the moment the lights come on:

Even, dependable illumination across the field
Less stray light beyond the stadium
A modern system that performs better and uses less energy

By upgrading to LED lighting and smart controls, Griswold Stadium becomes safer for play and more considerate of its surroundings.