Sharp beams, strong colour: Kardinia Park Towers lit by WE-EF projectors

• Completed2022
• ClientKardinia Park Stadium Trust (KPST)
• Sales PartnerBuckford Illumination Group VIC
• Lighting DesignerAurecon
• Electrical ContractorHarris HMC
• Photography and VideographyIP Media

In 2022, Kardinia Park Stadium Trust (KPST) partnered with Buckford Illumination Group VIC and WE-EF LIGHTING to transform the four 90-metre lighting towers at GMHBA Stadium in Geelong. Long-standing icons of elite night-time sport, the towers now also function as striking architectural features after dark.

Using WE-EF’s FLC200-CC series colour-changing projectors with precision very narrow, sharp cut-off beam optics, the lighting system delivers saturated, dynamic colour to the tower structures – maximising visual impact while minimising light spill into the surrounding environment.

Challenges

• Unusual geometry: Each Y-shaped tower rises 90 metres and tilts forward. The brief required consistent illumination across the pole and wireframe structure, without excessive glare or overspill.
• Tight beam control: The lighting had to terminate precisely at the tower edges, avoiding any unwanted uplight or intrusion into the stadium bowl or night sky.
• Performance validation: KPST required clear proof that compact, ground-mounted luminaires could deliver strong, even colour coverage along the full height of the structure.

Solution

Luminaires and layout

• 24 × FLC260-CC colour-changing projectors
• 24 × FLC230-CC colour-changing projectors
• Deployed as 12 luminaires per tower: 6 × FLC260-CC and 6 × FLC230-CC, mounted at the tower base

Optical control strategy

• FLC200-CC with very narrow beam, sharp cut-off [EES] optics lit the upper sections of each tower, casting crisp, high-intensity colour right to the top.
• FLC200-CC with medium beam [M] optics illuminated the lower sections, blending seamlessly into the upper beams for smooth vertical coverage.
• WE-EF Colour Boost technology ensured vibrant colour saturation across the full throw distance.
• All luminaires utilised WE-EF’s low-glare optical systems to protect visual comfort for both visitors and the surrounding precinct.

Mock-up and testing

To validate the concept, WE-EF’s Technical Team and Buckford Illumination Group VIC conducted an on-site mock-up in December 2022. The demonstration showcased how precise optics and beam aiming would achieve uniform coverage, clean cut-off, and vibrant colour, giving stakeholders confidence and streamlining final commissioning.