Orange City Council has made a landmark decision for the city's new sporting precinct, unanimously approving the installation of 1,400-lux broadcast-quality lighting at the John Davis OAM Stadium. The decision follows a period of public consultation and is expected to significantly enhance the stadium's ability to host regional, state and national sporting events.
The lighting upgrade was one of the final major decisions for the stadium project. During consultation, residents were asked to choose between two options: 500-lux lighting, which would adequately support local evening sport, or 1,400-lux lighting, which meets television broadcast standards required for elite night competitions. Community feedback showed strong support for investing in the higher-standard lighting despite its greater cost.
The approved lighting system will allow the stadium to host nationally televised matches in sports such as rugby league, rugby union and football, positioning Orange as a stronger destination for major sporting events. Council members said the decision would provide long-term benefits for the city by attracting visitors, increasing tourism spending and creating opportunities for local sporting organisations.
The John Davis OAM Stadium forms the centrepiece of the Orange Regional Sporting Precinct, a major redevelopment valued at approximately $75 million. The project is jointly funded by the New South Wales Government and the Australian Government and is designed to transform Orange into one of regional Australia's leading sporting hubs.
When completed, the stadium will include a 1,350-seat grandstand, corporate hospitality areas, modern player facilities, media infrastructure and improved accessibility. The wider precinct will feature multiple sporting fields, an athletics track, cricket facilities, extensive parking and supporting amenities capable of hosting large regional tournaments and community events.
Supporters of the decision argued that installing broadcast-standard lighting during construction is more cost-effective than upgrading the facility later. They also noted that high-quality lighting will allow Orange to compete with larger regional centres when bidding for major sporting fixtures. Opponents had previously expressed concerns about the additional expense, but the council ultimately agreed that the long-term economic and community benefits outweighed the higher upfront investment.
Construction of the precinct continues to progress, with major structural works already underway. Recent milestones include the installation of key stadium components and continued work on the grandstand and surrounding sporting infrastructure. The project remains on track to become one of the largest regional sporting developments in New South Wales.
Council leaders believe the lighting decision will help ensure the John Davis OAM Stadium is capable of hosting both grassroots sport and high-profile televised events for many years to come, strengthening Orange's reputation as a premier sporting destination in regional Australia.
