An Iconic Landmark in the Heart of Germany
The Red Bull Arena, situated in the vibrant city of Leipzig, Germany, is a true marvel of modern stadium design. As the home ground of the Bundesliga football club RB Leipzig, this impressive venue has become a source of immense pride for the local community and a destination for passionate fans from around the world.
Constructed in 2004 and later renovated in 2006, the Red Bull Arena has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, emerging as a true “Stadium of the Future.” Led by a forward-thinking partnership between RB Leipzig and the global lighting leader Signify, the arena has undergone a comprehensive overhaul, incorporating state-of-the-art technology and innovative lighting solutions that have elevated the stadium experience to unprecedented levels.
Illuminating the Future: Signify’s Lighting Masterplan
At the heart of the Red Bull Arena’s transformation is the groundbreaking lighting project spearheaded by Signify. This collaboration has resulted in a comprehensive lighting concept that encompasses everything from architectural and field lighting to entertainment and safety features, all seamlessly integrated to create a truly remarkable experience for players, fans, and spectators alike.
Signify, an Official Partner of RB Leipzig since 2020, has implemented a cutting-edge lighting system that sets new standards in the Bundesliga. The project, which includes over 22 sub-projects, will see the installation of approximately 5,000 lights by the end of 2022, transforming the stadium into a true architectural and technological marvel.
“The concept phase started at the beginning of 2020 with ambitious plans for the implementation of the first installations by September 2021,” explains Christian Goebel, Sales Director for the Public DACH region at Signify. “The lighting alone comprises 22 sub-projects that will be realised jointly by the project partners.”
Exterior Lighting: Illuminating the Iconic Architecture
The exterior of the Red Bull Arena has been transformed, with the stadium’s distinctive bow-shaped trusses that hold the roof becoming a canvas for dynamic, colorful LED lighting from Color Kinetics. These architectural elements, visible from beyond the city limits, now come alive at night, creating a stunning visual spectacle that serves as a beacon for the surrounding area.
“With its breathtaking construction, the stadium offered unique design possibilities,” says Goebel. “The two bow-shaped trusses that hold the roof of the stadium are visible from beyond the city limits. They were incorporated into the lighting design along with the stadium façade and roof to create a significant long-distance effect with dynamic colorful LED lighting.”
The exterior façade of the stadium has also been outfitted with over 800 Vaya Tube RGB fixtures from Color Kinetics, arranged in vertical lines to provide a dynamic, direct-view lighting display that can be programmed to showcase the club’s signature red and white colors or to celebrate special occasions and events.
Interior Lighting: Enhancing the Game-Day Experience
The interior of the Red Bull Arena has also undergone a remarkable transformation, with the installation of innovative lighting solutions that heighten the game-day experience for both players and fans.
In the Mixed Zone, a room where players and officials gather before a match, the ceiling features arrow-shaped lights in the RB Leipzig colors, a design element that extends throughout the stadium and into the VIP rooms, skyboxes, and even the fan shop. This dynamic lighting setup, complemented by two video walls, creates a captivating and immersive atmosphere as players make their way to the pitch.
The stands and seating areas have also been treated to a new entertainment lighting experience, with a red and white light show that pulsates through the stadium every time the home team scores a goal, further amplifying the excitement and emotions of the game.
“Visitors sitting in the stands are immersed in a completely new and emotional entertainment experience that makes the entire stadium pulsate with a red and white light show each time the home team scores a goal,” Goebel explains.
Innovative Lighting for Player and Fan Safety
The Red Bull Arena’s lighting upgrade extends beyond just aesthetics and entertainment. Signify has also integrated Philips UV-C solutions to help disinfect the air in the changing rooms and surfaces at the beer stations, adding an extra layer of safety and hygiene for players, staff, and fans.
“Philips UV-C solutions disinfect the air in the changing room and in the future the surfaces at the beer stations, adding an extra layer to the club’s hygiene measures,” Goebel notes.
Furthermore, the Philips Hue entertainment lighting system has been installed in the gaming room of the RB Leipzig eSports team, RBLZ Gaming, providing an immersive lighting experience for both the players and fans watching from home.
Cutting-Edge Lighting Control and Future Expansions
The comprehensive lighting solution at the Red Bull Arena is powered by Signify’s Interact Sports IoT-supported light management system, which enables the entire stadium lighting to be easily controlled through a centralized dashboard. This cutting-edge system not only allows for precise control and programming of the various lighting elements but also lays the groundwork for future expansions and enhancements.
“Interact Sports IoT-supported light management system enables the lighting across the entire stadium to be easily controlled through one dashboard,” Goebel explains. “The spectacular end-to-end lighting solution provides an engaging experience for fans throughout their stadium journey – from approaching the stadium to cheering on their team in the stands.”
Looking ahead, the Red Bull Arena’s lighting concept is set to expand even further. Plans are in place for 2022 and 2023 to include modern route guidance in the stadium, extending the illuminated highlights to the surrounding outdoor areas such as access roads, footpaths, and cycle paths. This will ensure that fans can enjoy a seamless and visually striking experience from the moment they arrive at the stadium until they depart.
A New Era of Stadium Experiences
The transformation of the Red Bull Arena, spearheaded by the partnership between RB Leipzig and Signify, has ushered in a new era of stadium experiences. This innovative and technologically advanced venue has not only captivated the hearts of local fans but has also set a new benchmark for stadium design and fan engagement in the Bundesliga and beyond.
As the “Stadium of the Future,” the Red Bull Arena stands as a testament to the power of bold vision, cutting-edge technology, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. It is a shining example of how modern stadiums can seamlessly blend state-of-the-art infrastructure, immersive entertainment, and a unwavering commitment to player and fan safety, creating an unparalleled experience for all who step foot inside its doors.
For those seeking to explore the stadiums of the world and discover the latest innovations in the industry, be sure to visit Old Stadium Journey, where you can embark on a captivating journey through the heart of the world’s most remarkable sporting venues.
