Wrigley Field Project Chooses Lighting Controls Provider

In Chicago, those heading up the Wrigley Field restoration and expansion (The 1060 Project) have chosen Audacy, a wireless energy management system built by IDEAL Industries, as the lighting controls backbone of the Chicago Cubs’ enhanced Wrigley Field.

The news was shared by Jim James, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of family-owned IDEAL Industries, and he announced the system passed intensive technical and engineering review to be selected for installation first in the new 30,000 square foot clubhouse and fitness facility for the Cubs. The clubhouse is being constructed behind the third base grandstand and is scheduled to open by April 11, 2016 for the team’s home opener.

lighting controls
Chicago Cubs’ Wrigley Field, July 2015 (Photo by Joel Kowsky/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

The Audacy wireless system can reduce energy use from lighting by up to 50% for almost any space type — including office, retail, multi-use and institutional buildings according to James. The same technology has been integrated in large-scale HVAC applications at Universal Studios in Orlando, the Stanford University technology hub, and for lighting controls by the UCLA Athletics Department.

Audacy provides wireless control via an iOS or Android mobile phone or tablet app over multi-building lighting systems, while automatically sensing and adjusting to ambient light, movement and room occupancy to maintain desired settings.

Carl Rice, vice president of The 1060 Project, described Audacy as a “significant leap forward in wireless energy management control technology. We’re impressed by both the system and IDEAL Industries’ engineering and customer service team, which has met every deadline and challenge thrown their way. Their product support consistently exceeded every other system we reviewed.”

Over the next several years, the 1060 Project team will install Audacy sensors, control units, gateways, and reporting components into team facilities, retail spaces, entertainment clubs, and suites throughout the ballpark, as well as the team’s new five story office building.

The system will connect virtually any new or legacy lighting fixture to a secure cloud-based operating platform. “We’ll be able to easily set lighting parameters for optimal impact and energy conservation in almost every venue across Wrigley Field,” said Rice. “What’s more, we can easily make adjustments based on event type, game delays and energy usage patterns from a tablet or mobile phone.” The Cubs also will have the ability to automatically monitor and report on energy usage to city, state and federal agencies, according to Rice.

The 1060 Project is a four year plan that includes: structural upgrades, improved player facilities, new fan amenities, outfield signage, expanded concessions, and new/improved restroom facilities. The project began with the conclusion of the 2014 baseball season.