The lighting rigs were placed above the grass to provide light and heat, which stimulates turf growth.
In winter the sun sits a lot lower in the sky, casting a shadow over about 60% of the MCG. This leads to poorer recovery of turf, loss of density, smaller roots, and would actually lead to us doing multiple turf replacements every AFL season.
LED grow lights
The MCC uses pink LED grow lights to replicate the sun in the shaded areas of the MCG. The LED lights have a second option for infrared heat which is only turned on if the temperature drops below nine degrees, thus being more sustainable.
The use of grow lights enable bigger growth, stronger roots and recovery in the grass. This leads to a safer, practical and more presentable surface.
This program ensures that the MCG can achieve year-round quality turf in all weather conditions and remain at the forefront of stadium management.
Agriculturalists have done years of research and have found that the pink light spectrum is more effective. So for us it’s a win in terms of grass growth, recovery and density. It’s also more sustainable and uses less energy.
