The Grand Rapids Griffins’ fans and players are benefiting from a dramatic improvement this season to Van Andel Arena.

During the offseason, Van Andel Arena replaced its original metal-halide lighting system, which was installed when the arena opened in 1996, with the state-of-the-art LED lighting system from Eaton’s Ephesus Lighting -- the same company whose fixtures illuminated Super Bowl XLIX and the 2016 NHL All-Star Game.

“We’ve seen firsthand how Eaton’s Ephesus sports LED lighting system can improve visibility for both players and fans,” said Tim Gortsema, president of the Griffins. “The implementation of this industry-leading system by Van Andel Arena is consistent with our goal to provide a world-class experience for our players and fans.”

The Syracuse-based company was the first to install LED Lighting in a professional sports venue when the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch played under the lights at the War Memorial Arena in 2012. Since then, six other AHL teams’ arenas, including Binghamton, Bridgeport, Rockford, Springfield, Toronto and Utica, have also installed similar systems.

“The new lighting truly captures the action on the ice and brings a vibrant environment to the arena,” Griffins head coach Todd Nelson said.

The new solid-state lighting system features Ephesus Arena Pro luminaires with color temperature tuning capabilities, a wired DMX control system, and offers 100 percent dimming capabilities. In addition to offering entertaining light shows and the highest quality light possible, the new system is expected to reduce energy usage at the arena by 75%. And because the system features instant on/off capabilities, it allows the arena to be instantly blacked out and the lights brought up again, enabling the creation of entertaining fan experience effects and light shows.

“The new lighting system has greatly enhanced our in-game presentation by giving us the ability to change in and out of different lighting presets and bring a different feel to particular game elements,” said Phil Cronin, director of game operations for the Griffins.

Eaton’s Ephesus sports lighting, which is made in the United States, provides optimal lighting that illuminates more uniformly on the playing surface, creating an improved stage for players and fans watching live and on high-definition television. The Ephesus LED system is easy to install, virtually maintenance-free for years and offers the lowest total operating cost compared to other traditional sports lighting systems.

“Since we installed the first solid-state lighting system in a North American sports arena, facility operators have come to understand that Eaton’s digital lighting solutions create an enhanced stage for fans and performers,” said Mike Lorenz, president, Eaton’s Ephesus Lighting business. “We know that win, lose or tie, Griffins fans will see a better game at Van Andel Arena this season.”

This Ephesus solution continues the rapid acceptance of LED lighting at sports and entertainment venues of all sizes across North America. In addition to numerous AHL arenas and hundreds of college and municipal fields, Ephesus LED lights are also installed at such prominent venues as Bridgestone Arena (Nashville Predators), KeyBank Center (Buffalo Sabres), Canadian Tire Centre (Ottawa Senators), University of Phoenix Stadium (Arizona Cardinals), U.S. Bank Stadium (Minnesota Vikings), Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Dolphins), Globe Life Park (Texas Rangers) and many more.

For more information, visit www.eaton.com/ephesus.