League concedes LED lights too bright at MCG openerTravis King
afl.com.au
April 8, 2015 THE AFL will tweak its new match-day experience initiatives to suit supporters, after admitting LED lighting at the MCG was too bright during last Thursday's season-opening blockbuster between Carlton and Richmond.
A huge crowd of 83,493 saw the Blues kick-off their pre-game entertainment with a bang, highlighted by fireworks exploding as the team ran onto the ground and the return of Captain Carlton in a hovercraft.
Speaking to AFL.com.au, the League's general manager of clubs and AFL operations, Travis Auld said he was impressed with Carlton's efforts and stated fans' feedback across the opening round was "really positive".
However, he admitted there were some teething problems.
Some fans complained about loud audio during the breaks in play, while Auld revealed the LED signage had to be dimmed during the Carlton-Richmond match.
"There's no doubt on Thursday night some of the creative was a bit bright and we actually dialed it back there and then," Auld said.
"Thursday night was always going to be a bit of a test for us, and we probably need two or three rounds to settle it in.
"I think fans understand it will take a little bit to get used to."
Auld said not distracting supporters from the match was the AFL's priority after the installation of the LED lights at the MCG and Etihad Stadium.
The redeveloped Adelaide Oval used similar lighting for Crows and Power home games last year.
"We want to make sure that we're not interrupting the game," Auld said.
"We're really clear about that and that will mean that throughout the early parts of the season we keep adjusting and listening to our supporters.
"But we've already seen that it can improve the atmosphere significantly on match-day.
"We did some other things around the audio we're going to play around with a bit more as the season progresses.
"This is part of introducing new ideas; there's always teething problems. But significantly the most overwhelming feedback has been really positive."
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-04-08/led-lights