Introduction

Stadium 100% LED lighting upgrade is no longer aspirational; it's a strategic investment in performance, sustainability and fan engagement.

In this article we explore how the Orange Vélodrome in Marseille, France, became the largest fully LED-illuminated stadium in the country, leveraging the connected lighting platform Interact Sports and Philips ArenaVision LED luminaires to deliver high-definition broadcast standards, immersive fan experiences and operational savings.

Our thesis: A fully LED stadium lighting upgrade can transform venue performance, audience experience and long-term operational efficiency.

Why a Stadium 100% LED Lighting Upgrade Matters

Upgrading a stadium lighting system to 100% LED is a major undertaking, but one with multiple compelling benefits. First, LED technology has matured to meet the high lux levels, uniformity and flicker-free performance required for professional broadcast and international sports-federation standards.

For example, in the Orange Vélodrome project, the luminaires had to satisfy both pitch lighting for the game and stands lighting for spectators and broadcasts.

Second, converting to LED enables flexibility in lighting scenes and animations; something conventional flood lighting simply cannot deliver. Third, operational advantages such as lower energy consumption, reduced lamp changeouts and more reliable service all support stadiums' long-term cost model.

As stadiums diversify their event types - sports, concerts, entertainment- the investment in a full LED system positions the venue for future-proofing.

Connected Lighting Systems for Sports Stadiums - The Interact Sports Approach

An LED upgrade alone is valuable, but when paired with a connected lighting system, the gains multiply. In the case of the Orange Vélodrome, the upgrades included the Interact Sports platform from Signify, which integrates light, sound and animation, managed via a central dashboard.

The system allows stadium operators to switch effortlessly between event modes (e.g., football match, concert, entertainment show), change lighting scenes dynamically, manage stands and pitch lighting in harmony, and create immersive graphics and effects during game-play. According to the case study, the installation consisted of 316 Philips ArenaVision LED projectors for the pitch and 60 for the stands, all under software control.

This level of control means that a venue is not only lit; it is choreographed. And that's essential in modern stadiums where broadcast quality, fan experience, and revenue streams demand flexibility.

Case Study – Philips ArenaVision LED Implementation at Orange Vélodrome

In Marseille's iconic Orange Vélodrome stadium, home of Olympique de Marseille, the full LED lighting upgrade was executed with Philips ArenaVision LED luminaires for both pitch and stands. The project output: the largest 100% LED stadium in France. The installation had to meet the demanding standards of sports federations and broadcasters; no flicker, full color-rendering, high uniformity, and support for super-slow motion replays.

Beyond technical performance, the system supports immersive lighting experiences: animations, sound-synced effects, wave-motions in stands, etc. This was achieved via DMX-enabled luminaires in the stands replicating the "Mexican wave" effect.

The operational contract extends 15 years, showing the stadium's commitment to long-term service and performance. Through this case study we see how project specification, product selection, system integration and service planning all combine in a best-practice LED stadium upgrade.

Sustainability, Reduced Maintenance & Lifecycle Benefits of LED Stadium Lighting

One of the headline advantages of a full LED stadium upgrade is sustainability and maintenance-cost reduction. In the Orange Vélodrome project, the system contributes to the stadium's sustainability policy through longer-lifespan luminaires, reduced lamp changes, lower energy consumption and less downtime.

Because traditional high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting systems require frequent lamp replacement and maintenance, moving to LED offers operational savings on both service and energy.

Additionally, the connected system enables precise control - dimming, scheduling, scene changes - further reducing needless power use. For stadium owners and operators, these factors support lifecycle cost models and can significantly offset upfront investment over time. Engaging a 15-year service contract also signals predictable performance and cost management.

Enhancing the Fan Experience: Light, Sound & Animation in Modern Stadiums

In the age of live broadcasting, digital fan engagement and experiential shows, stadium lighting is no longer just functional; it's part of the spectacle. At Orange Vélodrome, the lighting upgrade allows for synchronized light-and-sound sequences, animations across stands and ribbon boards, and immersive effects that engage both the live audience and TV viewers.

The ability to craft dynamic scenes ("kick-off", "goal celebration", music-synced wave) turns lighting into a storytelling medium. For operators, this opens new revenue streams (pre-show light-shows, halftime entertainment, branding opportunities) and enhances brand value of the venue.

As sports venues compete for events beyond football (concerts, esports, multipurpose), the lighting system becomes a key enabler of versatility and wow-factor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a stadium 100% LED lighting upgrade, exemplified by the Orange Vélodrome case, shows how modern LED and connected lighting technologies deliver technical excellence, operational savings, sustainability and audience experience enhancements.

By choosing Philips ArenaVision LEDs, integrating the Interact Sports system, and committing to long-term service, the venue has positioned itself as a world‐class facility. If you are considering a stadium or large-venue lighting upgrade, focus not just on fixture replacement; but on system thinking: product, connectivity, service, audience experience and lifecycle cost.