The Presbyterian College Athletics Department announced today that a new lighting system will be installed at Bailey Memorial Stadium for the upcoming 2014 football season. The lights, provided by Musco Lighting, will be paid for by football revenue and game guarantees and will be operational for the opening contest against Bluefield College on September 6.

“The installation of lights at Bailey Stadium is a tremendous step in the growth of PC Athletics,” said Director of Athletics Brian Reese. “I am excited what this enables us to do in terms of hosting night games, play-off games and other campus and community events.”

The addition of lights will enable the PC football program to host its first night game since Oct. 27, 1990, when the Blue Hose faced the Wingate University Bulldogs in Old Bailey Stadium.

Musco Lighting will install a “Light-Structure Green System” that includes four television-quality standards on the home side and three around the visitor stands. The lights use 40% less electricity and have a longer lamp life, providing constant light with remote monitoring and on/off controls.

“I am so excited to have the opportunity to bring night football back to Presbyterian College,” said Head Coach Harold Nichols. “I remember playing night games at Old Bailey as a player and remember the energy at the stadium, how much our fans enjoyed the experience. TV-quality lights will give us more flexibility in scheduling, especially with television coverage being such an important part of the college football landscape. Having lights will be a big advantage and will free us up to change our schedule around according to TV and avoid conflicts like weather and other events.”

The addition of lights gives PC expanded TV scheduling possibilities, including Thursday night games, and hosting future FCS play-off games, South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA) play-off games and community events.

“Bailey Stadium is not only a tremendous athletic venue, but it is used for many other functions. Lights on the field won’t just enhance PC football; it will enhance all of Presbyterian College, the Clinton community and Laurens County.”

Construction is set to begin mid-June, with completion slated for August 2014. The first two home games versus Bluefield College and Furman University are slated for 7 p.m. start times. Times for the remaining home contests will be announced at a later date.

–PC–