College of Charleston TD Arena

At TD Arena, the lighting itself was only part of the challenge. Shine Construction had 28 days between athletic seasons to replace the existing metal-halide system, upgrade the lighting controls, and commission a new Musco LED system. The work also had to be completed through a difficult catwalk access route that left little room for conventional equipment handling.

Serving as the prime contractor, Shine provided turnkey project delivery from removal through owner training. Our team removed 80 existing 1,000-watt metal-halide fixtures and installed 76 new Musco LED luminaires. The new system includes 48 fixtures for basketball lighting, 16 fixtures serving seating and egress areas, and 12 RGBW color-changing fixtures. Shine also coordinated fixture aiming, control-system upgrades, commissioning, and training for College staff.

Access to the arena catwalk created the project’s largest logistical challenge. The only route required climbing a built-in ladder from an electrical room to the roof, crossing a steep section of the roof, and then descending another narrow ladder to the catwalk. Moving dozens of large fixtures through that route safely and efficiently required a different approach.

Other prospective contractors planned around using a crane to lift the fixtures to the roof and lower them through the access hatch. Shine developed a more practical solution by bringing in a specialized union rigging and stage-lighting partner already familiar with TD Arena from concerts and other events. Working alongside Shine’s electrical team, the rigging crew safely lowered the old fixtures and raised the new equipment into position without the need for a crane.

That installation plan reduced complexity and helped control the project cost. Shine’s winning bid was $236,638 below the next bidder, demonstrating the value of solving the access problem before work began rather than building an expensive crane operation into the price. The project was completed on time and without increasing the College’s original contract amount.

The completed system gives TD Arena brighter, more uniform court lighting along with improved conditions for television broadcasts and event production. Musco’s Control-Link® controls and Show-Light® Pro Entertainment technology allow arena staff to dim the lights, change colors, run programmed effects, and synchronize custom light shows with music for player introductions, halftime presentations, celebrations, and other events.

The upgrade also reduced the arena’s connected sports-lighting load. The previous system required approximately 80 kilowatts at full output. The new Musco system has a documented maximum load of approximately 40 kilowatts, representing roughly a 50% reduction while providing better lighting and considerably more control.

The result is a system designed to serve more than the game on the court. It improves the experience for athletes, spectators, broadcasters, and arena staff while reducing energy use and long-term maintenance. Musco’s Constant 10™ warranty and support program also provides the College with continued system support after installation.