Seattle Mariners first team to use LED lights, last 97,000 more hours

Date:2015-04-02

SEATTLE, April 1 (UPI) -- The Seattle Mariners are the first MLB team to fully illuminate its playing field with LED lights after completing construction at Safeco Field.

Construction for the lights was completed in January. The Mariners said the lights will reduce glare and shadows on the field and will create a better atmosphere for fans and players.

For fans watching at home on high definition televisions, color will be improved and TV flickering will be reduced in slow-motion replays, according to the baseball team. LED lights have a longer lifespan than the previously used metal halide lamps.

The LED lamps can last for more than 100,000 hours instead of the 3,000 hour span of metal halide lamps.

The LEDs are also more efficient, reducing Safeco's Field energy consumption for field lighting by up to 70 percent, according to the team. LEDs also turn on instantly while halide lamps need 20 minutes to fully light.

"Thus far, our experience has indicated that the Mariners new LED technology at Safeco Field will be better for our players, fans in the ballpark and viewers watching at home," Joe Garagiola, Jr., senior vice president of standards and on-field operations for Major League Baseball, said. "We applaud the Mariners for an innovative step that promises to improve efficiency and the fan experience in numerous ways, all while serving as a welcome addition to our overall greening efforts."