Nestled in the inner-west suburb of Hindmarsh, just minutes from the Adelaide CBD, Coopers Stadium stands as a cornerstone of South Australian sporting culture. Since opening its gates in 1960, it has built a proud legacy as one of Australia’s most iconic football venues. With its strong community following and reputation for providing a premium spectator experience, the stadium first stepped onto the world stage when it underwent significant upgrades to host several matches during the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.

Lighting Solution & Delivery

In 2022, Coopers Stadium was the focus of a $53 million redevelopment project in preparation for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, an event that would once again place it on the global map. A major component of this transformation involved state-of-the-art lighting upgrades to meet international broadcast standards and enhance both player visibility and audience engagement. A central feature of the lighting solution was the installation of 292 high-performance LED luminaires, supplied by HI Lighting. These were expertly integrated across the four existing light towers and the rooftops of the eastern and western grandstands. This lighting network is controlled by a fully automated, DMX-based control system, allowing dynamic lighting sequences and precise control that adapts to a variety of match-day scenarios, media broadcasts, and entertainment requirements. The upgrade ensures the venue not only meets but exceeds FIFA’s stringent lighting standards for elite-level play and international broadcast.

A key challenge in the delivery of this project was the requirement to work within the constraints of the existing refurbished tower infrastructure. Achieving the necessary horizontal and vertical light levels across the pitch, while avoiding light spill and glare, required a highly coordinated design approach. The solution involved leveraging both tower mounted and grandstand-based lighting, with carefully calculated aiming angles and beam distributions to ensure uniform, flicker-free illumination throughout the playing surface.

Project Outcome

Coopers Stadium has long been celebrated for its intimate atmosphere and up-close viewing experience, bringing fans closer to the action than many larger venues. This significant redevelopment not only preserves that unique character but enhances it with modern technology and improved amenities, ensuring the stadium remains a premier destination for domestic and international events.

Project Credits

Department for Infrastructure and Transport 
NDY
Woods Bagot
CME Group
Hansen Yunken
Norwich Group
LDP
Automated
Signify
JKTP Photography