Staples Field Lights Tested, Ready to Go

After first being and will illuminate a night game Friday for the first time.

The Staples Lighting to witness a test of the new lighting and sound systems.

“It’s been a long haul, that’s for sure,” said Board of Education member Mark Mathias, who was in attendance for the light test and sound check.

The lights, which are mounted on four poles measuring 70 to 80 feet, are actually turned on in Iowa by a company called Musco Lighting, according to DeVito. The company warranties the lights for 25 years and if any of the 48 bulbs go out, Musco guarantees it will be replaced within 24 hours.

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“We control the lights through a website, or we give them a call,” DeVito said, adding that the company was very precise with its timing during Wednesday’s light test, which occurred at 8 p.m.

The lights are set to go on at 5:45 p.m. Friday for the Wreckers’ game against St. Joseph High School of Trumbull, which begins at 7 p.m.

The lights are programmed to go off a half hour after the game ends, which is predicted to be between 9:45 and 10 p.m. If the game were to go on for longer, Westport Athletic Director Marty Lisevick said he’d give Musco a call and have them extend the time. After the lights go off a set of security lights will go on. These lights cannot be seen on High Point Drive located behind the field, something that was a concern of the neighbors on that road.

Hedi Mandel, a High Point Drive resident, was on the phone with Maury Wind, a Staples Lighting Review Committee member, during the light test. Mandel said she could not see the security lights, but could hear music being played from the sound system, which was also tested.

Wind, who also resides High Point Drive, said when the lights were in “game mode” they still do not produce a lot of glare on High Point Drive as the leaves are still on the trees.

After a third attempt to get permanent field lights at Staples in almost two decades, this successful public/private partnership is complete.