American Airlines Center, the Dallas area's premier sports and entertainment arena, selected Cree, Inc. lighting to provide a better lighting experience for fans as they enter and exit the world-class arena. Cree IG Series LED luminaires were chosen to replace the high-pressure sodium and metal halide light fixtures in its parking garages, establishing a welcome first impression with improved light quality that enhances visitors' sense of security, safety and comfort. The arena's switch to Cree LED parking garage lighting will generate an anticipated 66 percent reduction in energy consumption and $1.26 million in energy savings annually.

Located in the Victory Park neighborhood near downtown Dallas, American Airlines Center features a façade of brick, granite and limestone to fit the aesthetic of the area. In aligning with the arena's mission, American Airlines Center sought a parking structure lighting solution that would create an inviting atmosphere and enhance visitor's feelings of security while reducing energy consumption and maintenance costs.

"American Airlines Center has set the precedent for superior sporting and live entertainment events in the area since 2001," said Leroy Juel, American Airlines Center master electrician. "The fan experience begins and ends in a parking garage for us, so the lighting has to look fantastic, perform exceptionally and enhance the feeling of safety and security in the space."

The space's original system contained 150-watt high pressure sodium and 175-watt metal halide fixtures that cast inconsistent colors and uneven illumination, causing deep shadows in corners and between cars throughout the deck. Cree replaced these products with 66-watt IG Series luminaires for a test installation, which demonstrated a significantly improved lighting experience right away.

Today, American Airlines Center's parking facilities are illuminated by 782 Cree IG Series LED luminaires with WaveMax Technology. The IG Series addresses challenges particular to parking garages. WaveMax Technology offers an unparalleled lighting experience by distributing visually comfortable light with exceptional uniformity, high efficiency, precise control and design appeal. The breakthrough waveguide technology banishes shadows by distributing light below the fixture and around the perimeter to create well-lit, welcoming space.

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