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Musco Lighting
Musco Lighting
Musco Lighting
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Musco Lighting, often referred to as Musco, is a privately-held company that specializes designs and manufactures sports lighting, transportation and infrastructure lighting, automated sports broadcasting, and modular sports venue products. The company's headquarters are in Oskaloosa, Iowa, with manufacturing plants in Muscatine, Iowa; Incheon, South Korea; and Shanghai, China. Musco also has offices throughout North America, Europe, Central America, the Middle East, and Australia.

Key Information

History

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1980s

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Entering the 1980s, Musco worked to improve its SportsCluster system, while developing a mobile sports lighting product. In 1980, the team tested its original mobile lighting system at the University of Iowa's Kinnick Stadium. Two years later, executives from ABC Sports, who had been at the system's test in Iowa City, contacted Musco about utilizing the company's mobile lighting at Notre Dame Stadium for a game the following season between the University of Notre Dame and the University of Michigan.[1][2][3]

Throughout the 1980s, Musco's mobile lighting system, which was named the Musco Light, was used at other venues, events, and on the production sets of motion pictures, including All the Right Moves.[4]

Later in the decade, Musco introduced the SportsCluster2 system, along with new technologies designed to reduce glare including its Level-8 and Total Light Control products.[citation needed] The company began work on a complete-system approach, in which it would oversee the manufacturing of its own poles and pre-cast concrete base. Other events that featured Musco's lighting that decade included the 1983 Super Bowl, the 1984 Olympic Games,[5] and the rededication ceremony for the Statue of Liberty.[6]

1990s

[edit]

The company's Light-Structure System was installed at Howard J. Lamade Stadium in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, for the 1992 Little League World Series.[7] This led to a partnership between Musco and Little League Baseball and Softball focused on player safety initiatives.[8]

Also in 1991, Musco was contacted by NASCAR to develop a lighting system for a race the following year at Charlotte Motor Speedway.[9] It would be the first night race in NASCAR history.[10][11] To help development of the system, Musco built a 50:1 scale model of the track at its manufacturing plant in Iowa, and company co-founder Myron Gordin enrolled in the Richard Petty NASCAR driving school to witness the demands of sight lines at high speeds. The project led to the creation of Musco's Mirtran system, which featured lights that were aimed away from the track onto secondary, ground-level mirrors that bounced the light back onto the racing surface. The project earned Musco an IES Illumination Award for Outdoor Lighting Design by the Illuminating Engineering Society.[12]

Throughout the 1990s, Musco's Mirtran technology was installed at other NASCAR tracks, including Richmond Raceway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and Daytona International Speedway.[13][14] The decade also brought about the company's first global expansion, with a lighting system installed at Dunstall Park Wolverhampton Racecourse in England. Queen Elizabeth II attended the unveiling event and dedicated the new lighting at the track.[15]

In 1995 when the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was bombed in a domestic terror attack, members of Musco's mobile lighting team were dispatched to the site.[16]

2000s

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On September 11, 2001, after the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, several of Musco's mobile lighting trucks assisted with rescue and recovery efforts at both sites.[17]

In 2006, Musco started the development of a lighting system to be donated for use at the Washington Monument, adapting its Mirtan technology to be applied vertically to illuminate the monument's façade.[18]

In 2008 Musco started research and development on the utilization of light emitting diodes (LED) as a light source for sports fields and other large outdoor applications. Later that year, Musco donated a custom LED system for use in lighting the façade of the White House.[19]

At the close of the decade, Musco installed Mirtran systems at Losail International Circuit[20] in Qatar and Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.[21]

2010s

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In 2010, Musco partnered with the National Park Service in the construction of a Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, donating lighting systems for the Memorial Plaza, public areas, and paneled wall inscribed with the names of the passengers and crew of United Flight 93.[22]

Also in 2010, Musco engineered a lighting system using LED light source technology to be installed at the East Span of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.[23]

In 2013, Musco installed an LED sports lighting system at Arizona State University's Wells Fargo Arena.[24] Over the next few years the company would install LED systems at LakePoint Sporting Community in Emerson, Georgia; NRG Stadium[25] in Houston, Texas; Petco Park[26] in San Diego, California; Daikin Park[27] in Houston, Texas; and at Twickenham Stadium.[28] and Emirates Stadium[29]

In 2017, TLC for LED systems were installed at three Major League Baseball stadiums, four National Football League stadiums, and four National Basketball Association/National Hockey League arenas. That same year, in partnership with the U.S. Soccer Foundation's It's Everyone's Game movement, Musco engineered the Mini-Pitch System, a modular mini soccer pitch used to expand recreational opportunities for youth in underserved communities.[30][31]

Musco also installed systems at Notre Dame Stadium,[32] L.A. Memorial Coliseum,[33] Wimbledon Centre Court,[34][35] AO Arena Manchester, and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.[36] The TLC for LED system was also installed at several collegiate stadiums, high school stadiums, Little League fields, parks and recreation fields, and at major airports and port terminals including Vancouver International Airport,[37] Los Angeles International Airport, McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas,[38] and DP World Jebel Ali Port Terminals 1 and 2.[39]

2020s

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In 2021, Musco installed its TLC for LED and ShowLight systems at a newly-build stadium in Dyersville, Iowa, adjacent to the field featured in the motion picture Field of Dreams. On August 12, 2021 Major League Baseball staged the MLB at Field of Dreams[40] event at the newly built stadium.

Projects for the company in 2022 included the installation of a custom TLC for LED system at Manchester United FC's home ground Old Trafford.[41]

In 2024, Musco installed a TLC for LED system at Red Bull Arena, home of the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer.[42]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Musco Lighting

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from Grokipedia
Musco Lighting is a privately held American company founded in 1976 and headquartered in , that specializes in the design, manufacture, and installation of high-performance lighting systems for sports venues, large-area facilities, transportation infrastructure, and commercial applications worldwide. With a focus on LED technology, the company provides energy-efficient solutions emphasizing light quality, glare reduction, and environmental sustainability, serving clients from community fields to professional stadiums and entertainment sites. Over nearly five decades, Musco has pioneered innovations in sports and large-area lighting, including the development of portable systems and advanced LED fixtures that minimize light spill and energy use while enhancing visibility and safety. Notable projects include illuminating National Memorial with a that reduces night sky pollution, outfitting the with award-winning track lighting, and providing systems for major leagues such as the , MLB, and international soccer venues like . The company's contributions to lighting technology have earned it prestigious recognitions, including an Academy Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for scientific and engineering achievements in film , an Emmy Award from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for floodlighting NCAA football telecasts, and the 1993 Paul Waterbury Award of Excellence for Outdoor for its innovative work at the . In 2025, Musco announced a 74,000 square-foot expansion of its Oskaloosa facilities and formed new partnerships with athletic associations in New York and to enhance high school sports experiences. Musco also maintains global operations with offices across , , , , , and the , supporting its mission to expand recreational opportunities and protect through responsible practices.

Overview

Founding

Musco Lighting was established in 1976 with headquarters in , by Joe Crookham and Myron Gordin, who acquired the defunct Muscatine Lighting Manufacturing Company in , and relaunched it as a provider of lighting solutions for sports events. Crookham, with a background in law and business from the and , handled sales and marketing, while Gordin, an engineer, focused on design and innovation. Their partnership had begun earlier in 1968 through a small venture called G&L Industries, but the 1976 acquisition marked the formal start of Musco as a dedicated entity. From its inception, the company emphasized benefiting community teams by offering affordable, high-quality lighting solutions, beginning with installations for local fields and neighborhood sports facilities. This community-oriented approach stemmed from the founders' vision to enhance recreational access, targeting small-scale projects like Little League fields to support youth and . The early years presented significant challenges, including operations from a small facility after taking over the struggling predecessor company, which required innovative adaptations to revive production and secure initial contracts. Despite these hurdles, Musco maintained a private ownership structure from the outset, with Crookham and Gordin as principal owners, allowing for agile decision-making without external investors. This foundation of self-reliance and local focus laid the groundwork for the company's growth into a specialized provider.

Corporate Structure

Musco Lighting is a , allowing it to prioritize long-term innovation over short-term shareholder demands. Its headquarters are located in , to support expanded operations and community ties. The company maintains additional key facilities in Muscatine for manufacturing, such as a dedicated pole fabrication plant, and offices in Urbandale and , emphasizing domestic production capabilities. With over 1,400 employees in the United States as of the mid-2020s, Musco Lighting operates on a significant operational scale, supporting in-house and initiatives. Recent expansions include a 74,000-square-foot office renovation in Oskaloosa and a new 30,000-square-foot facility for product development and testing, underscoring its commitment to internal innovation. Leadership at Musco Lighting has been shaped by long-term figures like Joe Crookham, who served as CEO during key growth periods and now holds the role of Chairperson and of Development, guiding the company's strategic direction. The organizational culture draws from sports principles, with a foundational emphasis on and collective benefit, fostering a team-oriented environment where employees collaborate to solve complex challenges.

History

Early Development (1970s-1980s)

In the early 1980s, Musco Lighting underwent a significant strategic shift toward mobile lighting systems under the leadership of Joe Crookham, who assumed the role of CEO in 1980 after previously balancing his legal practice with the company's operations. This pivot allowed Crookham and co-founder Myron Gordin to concentrate on innovating portable, truck-mounted lighting solutions designed for temporary installations at sports events and broadcasts, moving beyond permanent fixtures. The company's breakthrough came in 1982 with the introduction of the Musco Light mobile system, a self-contained unit that provided precise, uniform illumination without the need for extensive infrastructure, revolutionizing temporary lighting for live events and televised productions. This system was first tested late in 1980 at the University of Iowa's , where it successfully demonstrated its reliability for nighttime sports applications. Its debut occurred that September at for Notre Dame's first night game, televised nationally, between Michigan and Notre Dame. The Musco Light system quickly gained prominence through high-profile deployments, including lighting the 1983 at the Rose Bowl in , marking Musco's entry into major professional sports events. In 1984, it served as the official lighting supplier for the , illuminating opening and closing ceremonies as well as competitions at the . By 1986, the system had illuminated the rededication ceremony for the , showcasing its versatility for national landmarks and ceremonial events. That same year, Musco's innovations earned prestigious recognition: an Emmy Award from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for its floodlighting of telecasts, and an Academy Award in the Scientific and category for the development and application of the mobile in and sporting events. These accolades underscored the system's impact on broadcast quality and event production during the decade.

Expansion and Innovation (1990s-2000s)

During the 1990s, Musco Lighting expanded its technological portfolio with innovative systems tailored to high-profile sports and entertainment applications. In 1992, the company launched the Mirtran reflector system, which utilized mirrors to direct light efficiently without traditional poles, enabling NASCAR's inaugural night race, "One Hot Night," at . That same year, Musco introduced the Mini-Musco, a compact and quieter portable solution designed for television productions, sets, and smaller-scale events, broadening its market beyond large venues. These developments marked a shift toward more versatile and glare-reducing technologies, supporting the company's growth in motorsports and broadcast . By the late , Musco continued to innovate in system management and major installations. In 1999, it debuted the Control-Link remote management system, allowing internet-based monitoring and control of lighting fixtures to enhance operational efficiency and reduce on-site maintenance. A key project that year was the comprehensive relighting of in 1998, involving the installation of 2,000 fixtures, 150 miles of wiring, and 2,600 mirrors to provide uniform illumination across the 2.5-mile track. These advancements solidified Musco's reputation for delivering high-performance lighting to premier facilities. In the early 2000s, Musco demonstrated its crisis response capabilities and pioneered early LED applications. Following the September 11, 2001, attacks, the company deployed mobile lighting units to illuminate recovery efforts at Ground Zero in New York and in Arlington, , aiding operations around the clock. Throughout the decade, Musco contributed to LED prototypes for landmark sites, including a custom system for the façade in 2007 that emphasized energy efficiency and minimal glare, and early mockups for the Washington Monument's upgraded lighting scheme in 2004. These efforts highlighted the company's role in both emergency support and architectural illumination. Musco's operational growth accelerated in the mid-2000s, driven by product innovations and facility expansions. In 2005, the company introduced the Light-Structure system, which reduced light spill by up to 50% and halved energy consumption compared to prior technologies. This period also saw significant scaling, with Musco announcing a major expansion in Oskaloosa, Iowa, in 2006 to accommodate rapid growth, resulting in a workforce exceeding 1,000 employees across international operations by that year.

Modern Advancements (2010s-2020s)

In the 2010s, Musco Lighting advanced its focus on accessibility by launching the Mini-Pitch System in 2017, a modular, portable solution designed for small-scale fields to support soccer, , and in community and youth programs. This system, developed in partnership with the U.S. Soccer Foundation, integrated energy-efficient LED technology with features like , goals, and ADA-compliant storage to promote inclusive play in underinvested areas. The decade also saw Musco pioneer LED retrofits in major venues, transitioning from traditional lighting to sustainable systems that enhanced visibility and reduced energy use. At in , a 2014 installation marked one of the first full LED conversions for an stadium, cutting energy consumption by 60% while improving broadcast quality. Similar upgrades followed at in in 2016, where the LED system provided uniform illumination, minimized glare, and lowered utility costs by over 50%. In 2017, Wimbledon Centre Court adopted Musco's LED technology on its retractable roof, ensuring precise light control for play and broadcasts during closed-roof events. Entering the 2020s, Musco continued its trajectory with high-profile projects emphasizing performance and spectacle. The company lit the Field of Dreams stadium in , for the 2021 game, recreating the iconic film's setting with LED fixtures that supported nighttime play and enhanced fan immersion. In 2022, , home of , received a custom TLC for LED system, boosting pitch uniformity, reducing energy by 20%, and eliminating spill light for better player focus. By 2024, Red Bull Arena in , upgraded to Musco's TLC for LED, achieving over 20% energy savings alongside dynamic show-light features for matchday enhancements. In 2025, Musco announced a major expansion of its Oskaloosa headquarters, adding 74,000 square feet to support growth in projects across 135 countries. Additionally, the company partnered with the Foundation to install lighting at youth recreation facilities in , enhancing community sports access. Throughout this period, Musco shifted toward sustainable LED solutions, with Total Light Control (TLC) for LED emerging as a core technology for glare reduction and precise light distribution. This patented system uses customized optics to direct LED output onto playing surfaces, minimizing waste and supporting environmental goals like lower carbon emissions. Amid these innovations, Musco expanded globally, delivering projects in more than 125 countries by the mid-2020s, reinforcing its role in international sports .

Products and Technologies

Permanent Sports Lighting Systems

Musco Lighting's permanent sports lighting systems are designed for fixed installations in and collegiate venues, focusing on high-mast configurations that deliver precise, uniform illumination while integrating with existing . The exemplifies this approach, utilizing a modular LED mounted on existing poles or structures to light multiple sports fields or courts from a single setup, thereby maximizing usable space without requiring new construction. This employs remote-aimed luminaires and factory-pre-aimed optics to ensure consistent light levels across large areas, such as football fields or soccer pitches, and is particularly suited for high-mast lighting in venues where reliability and performance are paramount. A key feature of the SportsCluster system is its emphasis on energy efficiency and environmental control, achieving up to an 80% reduction in compared to traditional metal systems through advanced LED and optimized . It minimizes spill and glare by directing precisely onto the playing surface, reducing sky glow and intrusion into surrounding areas, which supports compliance with dark sky initiatives and enhances player by eliminating distracting hotspots. In applications like stadiums, such as the retrofit at for the , the system provides uniform coverage that supports high-speed play without shadows, while in football venues like , it delivers flicker-free illumination suitable for nighttime games. Complementing these core illumination capabilities, Musco's ShowLight systems enhance permanent installations with broadcast-quality tailored for arenas and fields, incorporating color-accurate LEDs that meet stringent visibility standards for television production. These systems integrate pre-programmed effects and DMX-compatible controls to synchronize lighting with broadcast feeds, ensuring minimal flicker and high uniformity for soccer stadiums, such as those requiring enhanced visibility during international matches. By prioritizing energy-efficient LEDs with targeted beam control, ShowLight minimizes light spill beyond the venue boundaries, promoting in fixed sports environments like enclosed arenas where precise control is essential for both gameplay and media coverage.

Mobile and Event Lighting Solutions

Musco Lighting's mobile and event lighting solutions encompass portable systems designed for temporary deployments, emphasizing rapid setup and versatility across diverse applications. The company's flagship Musco Light system, first introduced in , revolutionized temporary illumination by providing self-contained, truck-mounted units capable of delivering precise, uniform lighting for large-scale events. This system evolved to incorporate advanced LED technology, offering up to 5.85 million lumens from 18 custom 2400W luminaires mounted on a 134-foot telescoping hydraulic boom, with features like instant on/off operation, dimming, and flicker-free performance to ensure broadcast-quality visibility. Self-contained power generation, including onboard backup, allows operation in remote or power-limited settings, while enables adjustments via mobile devices for enhanced flexibility during events. Complementing the Musco Light, the Mini Musco system addresses smaller-scale needs with a compact, maneuverable design that maintains high-precision floodlighting in tight spaces. This Academy Award-winning solution excels in motion picture production, providing quiet operation and versatile beam control for sets, television series, and commercials where minimal disruption is essential. Both systems support quick-setup configurations—often under 30 minutes for Musco Light—facilitating their use in dynamic environments like response sites and industrial operations, where they deliver reliable illumination for , recovery efforts, and temporary workspaces without relying on external . Precise beam aiming and minimal light spill ensure safety and efficiency, adapting to challenging terrains or confined areas. In non-sports contexts, these mobile solutions scale seamlessly from intimate gatherings to expansive venues, powering concerts, festivals, and special occasions with customizable effects. For instance, the Musco Light's RGBAW color-changing capabilities enable pre-programmed light shows synchronized to , covering areas exceeding 17 football fields and enhancing experiences at events like the season finale. Similarly, deployments at racecourses and ceremonial rededications, such as monument illuminations, leverage the systems' portability for temporary needs, from high-speed motorsports tracks to community celebrations, ensuring uniform coverage and reduced setup labor across varying venue sizes. The Temporary Light-Structure system further extends this scalability, using modular LED fixtures on adjustable poles for events ranging from festivals to large outdoor assemblies, prioritizing energy efficiency and glare reduction.

LED and Control Technologies

Musco Lighting's Total Light Control (TLC) for LED represents a advancement in LED fixture , enabling precise management of distribution to minimize glare and spill in and large-area environments. This system utilizes patented, customizable combined with advanced software to redirect the intense, directional output of LED sources—often described as a "rifle shot" beam—directly onto playing surfaces, achieving uniform illumination while significantly reducing light intrusion into adjacent areas. By integrating these elements, TLC for LED enhances player performance and spectator experience without compromising surrounding darkness, setting it apart from conventional LED solutions that struggle with beam control. The technology's five-piece Light-Structure System™ further supports its efficacy through streamlined installation, surge and lightning protection for LED components, and seamless integration with monitoring services, ensuring operational reliability over decades. Musco backs TLC for LED with a 25-year no-compromise on parts and labor in the U.S. and , underscoring its commitment to long-term performance and reduced maintenance needs. This optics-software synergy not only addresses aesthetic and functional demands but also contributes to lower energy costs by optimizing light delivery efficiency. Complementing these fixtures, the Control-Link system is a robust, internet-based platform for remote lighting , allowing operators to implement dimming, automated scheduling, and real-time monitoring via web interfaces or mobile apps. This wireless control infrastructure connects to LED arrays for granular adjustments, such as varying intensity based on event needs or time of day, thereby promoting and operational convenience with 24/7 central support. By alerting users to potential issues proactively, Control-Link minimizes and facilitates data-driven maintenance planning. In applications like the Mini-Pitch System™, Musco integrates TLC for LED fixtures to deliver portable, modular lighting tailored for and sports fields, achieving energy savings of up to 80% compared to traditional high-intensity discharge (HID) systems through instant on/off capabilities and efficient LED operation. This integration supports quick assembly and disassembly while maintaining high uniformity and low , making it ideal for versatile, resource-limited installations. The combination of LED efficiency with Control-Link oversight ensures these systems operate sustainably, reducing both use and long-term costs without sacrificing illumination quality.

Notable Projects and Achievements

Iconic Venue Installations

Musco Lighting's installations at iconic venues have set benchmarks for sports illumination, addressing complex challenges like achieving uniform light distribution for high-definition broadcasts while enhancing spectator immersion and operational efficiency. One of the company's landmark projects was the installation at , where Musco deployed 175 poles supporting 2,205 high-intensity discharge fixtures across the 2.5-mile tri-oval track, creating the world's largest lighted outdoor sports facility at the time. This system overcame significant engineering hurdles, including minimizing glare for nearby airport operations and ensuring even illumination at high speeds exceeding 200 mph, which enabled the first night race and transformed fan experiences with vibrant, shadow-free visibility. In the , Musco retrofitted , home of the Houston Texans, with 480 LED fixtures in 2014, marking it as one of the first venues to adopt full LED field lighting and reducing energy consumption by 60% compared to the previous metal halide system. The upgrade addressed broadcast uniformity challenges by delivering precise color rendering and glare control, improving player performance tracking and fan engagement through brighter, more consistent illumination without light spill into adjacent areas. Musco also illuminated Wimbledon's in 2017 with a custom LED system, replacing 140 legacy fixtures with 190 advanced units after two years of research to optimize for tennis-specific needs like ball tracking in HD broadcasts. This installation resolved issues of uneven lighting under the by providing , high-uniformity light levels, enhancing the viewing experience for global audiences and players alike while minimizing use and maintenance disruptions during the tournament season. At Manchester United's in 2021, Musco installed a tailored Total Light Control (TLC) for LED system, preserving the stadium's historic ambiance while upgrading pitch illumination to meet broadcast standards. The project tackled challenges of integrating new technology into a 74,000-seat venue built in 1910, achieving uniform light distribution that reduced shadows and improved color accuracy for nighttime matches, thereby elevating fan immersion and operational sustainability. More recent LED upgrades include the 2021 lighting of the Field of Dreams site in Dyersville, Iowa, for MLB's inaugural game there, where Musco's TLC for LED and ShowLight systems created an immersive, broadcast-ready environment that echoed the site's cinematic legacy while ensuring optimal playability and spectator enjoyment. In 2024, Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, received Musco's TLC for LED upgrade, incorporating dynamic show-light features to boost matchday atmospheres and deliver superior uniformity for MLS broadcasts, setting new standards for soccer venue illumination.

Awards and Recognitions

Musco Lighting received an Emmy Award from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in for its innovative floodlighting of (NCAA) telecasts, which enhanced broadcast quality through portable high-intensity systems. In the same year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presented Musco with a Scientific and Technical Award for engineering a method to transport and deploy adjustable high-intensity luminaires, revolutionizing on-location film lighting and earning dual Academy-level honors for technical innovations. The company's longstanding partnership with , serving as the official sports lighting system since 1992, underscores its impact on ; this collaboration culminated in the 2022 W. Howard Hartman Little League Friendship Award, recognizing Musco's contributions to the organization's growth and safety initiatives. Following the , 2001 attacks, Musco deployed mobile lighting trucks to illuminate recovery efforts at Ground Zero in New York and in Washington, D.C., providing continuous support for months and earning recognition as a symbol of hope amid national tragedy. In recent years, Musco has garnered honors for its LED advancements emphasizing sustainability and glare reduction, including the 2025 Top Workplaces USA award, which highlighted the company's innovative light control technologies that minimize spill and enhance environmental efficiency. The firm also received the 2025 Iowa Top Workplaces honor from for the third consecutive year, affirming its leadership in sustainable LED solutions for sports and events.

Global Presence and Impact

International Operations

Musco Lighting maintains a significant international presence, operating in over 125 countries worldwide and serving key markets in , , the , and beyond. The company has established subsidiaries to support its global operations, including Musco Lighting Europe LTD in , , which focuses on sports and infrastructure lighting solutions across the continent, as well as Musco Gulf Lighting and Contracting LLC and Musco Lighting Middle East LLC in , . In , Musco operates manufacturing facilities in , , and , , enabling localized production to meet regional demands. These facilities allow adaptations for international standards, such as compliance with Regulation 1907/2006/EC on chemicals and voltage requirements for metal halide lamps used in floodlighting systems. From its Iowa-based headquarters and manufacturing plants, Musco has driven substantial export growth, supplying systems for high-profile international projects. In , early expansions included installations at venues like Racecourse in during the 1990s, marking the company's entry into the region's and sports sectors. The firm has since supported numerous European soccer stadiums, such as for Manchester United and for , ensuring compliance with and lighting standards through customized LED systems. Recent projects include the 2025 LED flood upgrade at in Ireland for the and a facility lighting partnership with Rugby Victoria in . In and globally, Musco's exports have powered Olympic events, including renovations at in and the original for during the . This export-oriented approach from U.S. facilities underscores Musco's ability to scale operations while adapting to diverse regulatory environments.

Sustainability and Community Initiatives

Musco Lighting emphasizes environmental sustainability through its adoption of energy-efficient LED technologies, which significantly reduce energy consumption compared to traditional HID systems, often achieving up to 80% savings in projects like retrofits at various sports venues. These LED solutions, integrated with advanced optics and controls, minimize light trespass and pollution by directing illumination precisely onto playing surfaces, aligning with DarkSky International guidelines to preserve night skies and reduce glare for surrounding communities. For instance, installations such as the lighting at Mount Rushmore National Memorial cut energy use by 90% while mitigating night sky pollution, and in 2025, the DarkSky-approved upgrade at Centennial Park Pickleball Complex in Champaign, Illinois, enhanced sustainable recreation. The company complies with global regulations on hazardous substances and proper disposal, supporting efforts for components as part of its broader . Musco's LED advancements enable these outcomes by providing durable, low-maintenance fixtures that lower overall carbon footprints in recreational and professional settings. In community engagement, Musco has maintained a with and since 1992, extended through 2027, offering affordable solutions, free planning guides, and co-sponsored safety programs to enhance youth sports access across the . The company also invests in underserved areas through its Mini-Pitch System™, a modular and turf solution donated to revitalize urban spaces; by 2023, with the U.S. Soccer Foundation, Black Players for Change, and Black Women's Player Collective had installed 28 mini-pitches in cities like , Newark, and Portland, serving over 10,000 youth of color. In 2025, additional installations included mini-pitch courts at Des Moines middle schools in and a site in , supporting the ongoing initiative. A five-year, $5 million commitment announced in 2021 aims to engage 1 million children in soccer and build 1,000 mini-pitches by 2026, prioritizing safe play in low-income communities. Furthering these efforts, Musco collaborated with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) starting in 2022, providing three years of funding and in-kind donations to 16 agencies, developing a Equity Framework to boost participation among girls, LGBTQ+ youth, and low-income groups. Internationally, a 2020 partnership with the European Football for Development Network (EFDN) promotes mini-pitches in Europe to foster social programs, including awarding systems to community projects via the More than Football Award. In 2025, Musco contributed lighting to Habitat for Humanity's $2.5 million renovation of Parkwood Community Club ballfields in , supporting local youth teams and broader neighborhood revitalization.

References

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  37. https://www.musco.com/news/press-petco/
  38. https://www.musco.com/project/wimbledon/
  39. https://www.musco.com/fieldofdreams/
  40. https://www.musco.com/project/manchesterunited/
  41. https://www.newyorkredbulls.com/news/new-york-red-bulls-announce-new-enhancements-to-red-bull-arena
  42. https://www.athleticbusiness.com/industry-press-room/press-release/15740231/musco-sports-lighting-llc-caitlin-clark-foundation-musco-lighting-invest-in-des-moines-youth-recreation
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  44. https://www.musco.com/solution/port/
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  65. https://www.musco.com/news/press-wimbledon/
  66. https://www.eenewseurope.com/en/led-lighting-tuned-for-tennis-on-wimbledons-centre-court/
  67. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210602005273/en/New-LED-Lighting-System-to-Enhance-Matchday-Experience-at-Old-Trafford
  68. https://intl.musco.com/we/manchesterunited/
  69. https://www.littleleague.org/news/musco-lighting-and-little-league-extend-relationship-through-2027/
  70. https://www.littleleague.org/news/joe-crookham-and-musco-lighting-earn-2022-w-howard-hartman-little-league-friendship-award/
  71. https://the911legacy.org/legacy-stories/musco-lighting/
  72. https://www.musco.com/news/press-2025-top-workplaces-award/
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  74. https://opportunityiowa.gov/story/2023-02-27/iowa-roots-global-reach
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  85. https://www.musco.com/partners/darksky-international/
  86. https://www.musco.com/project/ravsten/
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  88. https://www.musco.com/ec/
  89. https://sportsvenuecalculator.com/knowledge/led-sports-lighting/musco-sports-lighting-company/
  90. https://www.musco.com/news/press-bpcbwpc-initiative/
  91. https://caitlinclarkfoundation.org/partnership-with-musco-lighting-to-expand-youth-recreation/
  92. https://www.facebook.com/muscolighting/videos/musco-mini-pitch/808319568706157/
  93. https://www.musco.com/news/press-soccer-fund/
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  95. https://www.musco.com/news/press-efdn/
  96. https://www.musco.com/news/press-habitat-for-humanity-parkwood/
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