Abacus Sports Lighting have been awarded the contract to install floodlights at the Kensington Oval in Barbados after catching the eye with six iconic masts at Trent Bridge.
The Sutton-In-Ashfield based company played a major role in the £8.2 million Trent Bridge redevelopment programme last winter and have also installed floodlights at the Stanford Stadium in Antigua.
The new lights will be used for the first time when Notts Outlaws face Durham Dynamos in a NatWest Pro40 fixture on Tuesday (play starts at 4.10pm) and will provide the highest lux-levels in English cricket.
Abacus UK Sales Director Paul Wilson admits that he wasn’t convinced when Huw Evans from architects Maber Associates presented him with his unique circular design but he was won over when the project was completed.
“A lot of floodlight installations look industrial as a result of the angular head frames and the circular design that Huw presented us with was a completely new concept,” said Paul.
“There was a bit of scepticism at first but the end result is truly iconic and in keeping with the character of Trent Bridge.
“An independent consultant from the ECB has told us the lights provide the most uniform coverage he has ever seen from sporting floodlights and we’re proud of the end result.”
The circular head frames have a nine metre diameter and 360 floodlights have been installed around the ground.
The 2 kilowatt bulbs are expected to last for up to eight seasons and there is scope to increase light-levels by a further 10% if required.
“There is complete flexibility in terms of the aim of the lights and two lower settings suitable for training sessions and de-rigging after major matches,” said Paul.
“We have been commissioned to maintain the lights for an initial ten-year term which will include an annual clean and any work that’s required.
“The project has been very challenging but ultimately very rewarding.”
Abacus have enjoyed a long association with the club as corporate box holders and increased their commitment to the club by sponsoring the Notts Outlaws shirt for the Friends Provident Trophy and NatWest Pro40.
“We’re always keen to give back to clubs that have worked with us and shirt branding gives us tremendous exposure during televised matches,” said Paul.
“It would be tremendous to be part of the celebrations of Notts go on to win NatWest Pro40 and we’re hoping that they can maintain their challenge.
“This project has helped to raise our profile and we’re really looking forward to the Outlaws’ floodlit fixtures and the NatWest Series One Day International between England and South Africa.”
Notts Outlaws NatWest Pro40 Ticket Information
Discounts of up to £3 per ticket are available on advanced tickets for Notts Outlaws NatWest Pro40 floodlit fixtures at Trent Bridge when purchased before 4pm the day before each game.
Notts face Durham Dynamos on Tuesday 19 August and Lancashire Lightning on Wednesday 10 September. Both games start at 4.10pm. Buy advance tickets for both matches and we’ll give you the second ticket at half price.
Advance tickets cost £13 for adults, £7 for juniors and senior citizens and £33 for families (two adults and two children).
Tickets are available on the day from the ticket point on Bridgford Road priced £16 for adults, £8 for senior citizens, £8 for juniors and £40 for families (two adults and two children).
To book, call 0870 168 8888 or buy online from the ticket section of the website.