Thorn Lighting shortlisted for Venue Technology Award at TheStadiumBusiness Awards 2026

Now in their 17th year, TheStadiumBusiness Awards recognise leadership, innovation and achievement across the global stadium and venue sector. The Awards celebrate the organisations, projects and people shaping the future of sports and entertainment venues worldwide.

Delivered in partnership with Sunderland AFC, the project demonstrates how advanced lighting technology can move beyond traditional performance requirements to support both operational efficiency and fan engagement.

At the heart of the scheme is Thorn Lighting’s Altis Gen 5 LED floodlighting system, which not only improves broadcast-quality lighting and reduces energy consumption, but also enables dynamic lighting control. This flexibility has allowed the club to introduce a synchronised light-and-sound pre-match experience, now known as “The Lighthouse”, creating a new matchday ritual for supporters.

The Stadium of Light project shows how lighting is evolving from infrastructure into experience, with Altis Gen 5, we’re not only delivering broadcast-quality performance and energy savings but also enabling clubs to create moments like ‘The Lighthouse’ that connect with fans in a completely new way,

says Neil Thompson Key Account Manager at Zumtobel Group.

As the world’s leading gathering of stadium and venue leaders, each year TheStadiumBusiness Summit brings together the very best of the industry to showcase what’s new, explore the challenges we face and debate the trends shaping the future, alongside the conference and workshops, the Awards recognise the people and organisations who are raising standards and driving innovation across the industry. Congratulations to Thorn Lighting on being named a finalist in TheStadiumBusiness Awards 2026,

says Ian Nuttall, Founder of TheStadiumBusiness.

The winners will be announced during TheStadiumBusiness Awards 2026, taking place in Manchester on Wednesday 3 June (18.00–20.30) as part of TheStadiumBusiness Summit 2026.

For more information on Thorn Lightings sports lighting range please visit https://www.thornlighting.co.uk/en-gb/applications/sports