Q: It has always bothered me (but especially in these energy crisis days) that the lights in the stadium are on so much - often in the afternoons, and most evenings. Are they needed during all those times?

A: The lights at the stadium are on only when the stadium is in use. At this time of year, the University’s ROTC programs use the stadium some mornings from 6-8 a.m., and the lights are on at 25 percent power. In the evenings, from about 6-10 p.m., students participating in intramural sports programs through Recreational Sports use the stadium for soccer, lacrosse and other sports leagues. The lights have been reduced to 25 percent for these programs, as well. To meet Governor Locke’s 10 percent energy reduction goal, we have not yet taken the step to reduce or eliminate programming for students, though if the crisis worsens, that is clearly one of the options that would be considered. We are monitoring the overall situation closely.

Norman G. Arkans,
Associate Vice President and Executive Director,
University Relations; and
Special Assistant to the President for Athletics