Improving matchday atmosphere with dynamic lighting control
Posted by: electime 25th March 2026
Stoke City Football Club – SCFC LIGHTS TEST 18OCT23 2023/24 – © phil greig 2023 – created by phil greig greigphoto.com for stokecityfc.com
At the home ground of Stoke City FC, the bet365 Stadium, a major lighting and controls upgrade has delivered a dramatic enhancement to both matchday presentation and operational efficiency. The project demonstrates how intelligent lighting control can elevate fan engagement while meeting the demanding technical standards of elite football.
Commissioned and installed by Elite Contract Services Ltd (ECS), with lighting design and manufacture by Midstream Lighting, the new solution replaces a previous floodlighting system with a fully integrated LED installation controlled by Pharos Architectural Controls. The brief was clear: achieve Premier League-standard illumination, reduce energy consumption, and introduce flexible RGBW lighting capable of transforming the stadium environment before, during and after matches.
At the heart of the system is a Pharos Designer control solution comprising a two-universe Designer LPC controller, a Designer RIO A remote device, and three BPS keypad wall stations. Together, these provide a powerful yet intuitive platform for managing complex lighting scenes across the stadium, from broadcast-critical pitch lighting to immersive architectural effects.
The LPC delivers the processing power and reliability required for large-scale venues, running multiple timelines and scenes simultaneously. This allows Stoke City FC to programme dynamic sequences for player walk-ons, pre-match build-up and post-match moments, while maintaining consistent, regulation-compliant lighting levels for live sport.
The BPS keypads have been strategically installed in the Match Control room, Media Suite and Groundsman’s Shed, giving staff simple, tactile access to pre-set scenes and manual overrides when needed. With clear button labelling and LED feedback, the BPS stations ensure confident operation even during high-pressure matchday scenarios.
Beyond performance, sustainability was a key driver for the project. The upgraded system now delivers 1650 lux across the pitch while achieving a reported 51% reduction in energy consumption, supporting the club’s long-term operational and environmental goals. RGBW under-bowl lighting, advertising boards and pitch-side screens further extend the visual impact, creating a cohesive and immersive experience for supporters inside and outside the stadium.
Adam Hardy, Director at Elite Contract Services (ECS), shared: “Working with Pharos was a key factor in the success of this project. Their technology gave us the flexibility and reliability we needed to deliver a complex stadium-wide lighting control system with confidence. The support from the Pharos team throughout design, commissioning and handover was excellent, making them a longstanding trusted partner at ECS – achieving a solution that truly enhances the matchday experience at the bet365 Stadium.”
From a Pharos perspective, the project highlights the flexibility and robustness of its technology in demanding sporting environments.
Ryan Sainsbury, Regional Sales Manager for the UK, Ireland, N. Europe and Benelux at Pharos Architectural Controls, added: “Stadiums demand absolute reliability alongside creative freedom. At the bet365 Stadium, our Designer products are enabling Stoke City FC to deliver broadcast-ready illumination and memorable fan moments, all from a system that is intuitive to operate and built to run day in, day out for many football seasons to come.”
The result is a future-ready lighting control system that enhances the spectacle of football, improves efficiency behind the scenes, and reinforces the bet365 Stadium as a modern venue capable of delivering unforgettable matchday experiences.
