Douglas County Fairgrounds —
Rodeo Arena

The Challenge

The rodeo arena at Douglas County Fairgrounds in Gardnerville, Nevada, attracts crowds long after dark. Riding and roping events, demolition derbies, monster truck shows, and other activities routinely run until 1 or 2 a.m., which means high-quality arena lighting is essential for safety, visibility, and visitor experience. Unfortunately, the original lighting setup poured light onto neighboring properties and created glare that distracted riders and spectators. Douglas County wanted an energy-efficient, easy-to-use lighting system that would more closely replicate daytime conditions, resolve glare concerns, and protect neighbors from spill light.

The Solution

Douglas County officials believed enough in Musco’s service and solutions that they used a cooperative purchasing agreement to designate Musco as its lighting provider. Musco replaced another provider’s metal halide technology with a custom-designed Total Light Control—TLC for LED™ system. Designed with four 80’ poles, rather than the previous setup of eight 40’ poles, Musco’s system provided:

Improved Lighting for Rodeo Events

Carefully aimed, uniform lighting virtually eliminates glare and minimizes shadows to provide a safer and more comfortable environment for riders, animals, and spectators. Visitors enjoy better visibility with elevated light levels and whiter light for more accurate color rendering.

Strict Light Control and Cut-off

Neighbors aren’t bothered by spill light because light levels at the property line are either zero, or at minimum light levels for safer visitor egress.

Greater Convenience and Control

County officials can turn the lights on/off instantly, from anywhere – a Control-Link® system feature that comes in handy for the fireworks display during the annual Douglas County Fair & Rodeo.

Long-term Value

With a 25-year parts and labor warranty through the year 2049, the county won’t pay any maintenance costs as visitors enjoy decades of events under the lights.