On Oct. 20, 2025, the Downers Grove District 99 board met at the District 99 Administrative Service Center for their monthly business meeting. One of the main topics discussed during this meeting was the continued installation of new stadium lighting. These stadium lights are to be energy-conserving and extremely beneficial to the players on the field.
District 99 has received grant money to fund the new stadium lighting; the grant money will be coming from Fund 90 and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). These new lights are to save an estimated amount of $24,200 in energy savings. Half of the money to be spent on the lights will be obtained through this grant funding. The request for new stadium lighting was prompted by the Assistant Superintendent for Learning Resources, Dr. Travis McGuire.
“We were looking at how we could be more energy and fiscally responsible, we had those funds and we received another grant. It’s a win-win situation, where we’re able to utilize funds that we have secured as well,” Dr. McGuire said.
The lights will not only be more energy-efficient, but will also be beneficial to the players on the field. They will have remote on and off settings and will also be equipped with superior light control. The lights will be coming from Musco Sports Lights.
“It’s more for the height of both the fans and the players themselves. So [the lights] are going to provide an awesome experience for whatever event that is happening,” Dr. McGuire said.
The new lighting on the stadium will also be extremely beneficial to the neighborhoods around the stadium. With the new lights, light bleed will be extremely decreased with the help of the remote on and off system. Superintendent Dr. Hank Thiele also played a key role in advocating for these new lights.
“I think it will make a safer environment in that area. The experience for the players on the field is amazing, and for the fans, it’s incredible. I am sure many of our students have been to [surrounding schools] that have their hype videos going and their lights and sound, and it makes for a very fun game day experience,” Dr. Thiele said.
These energy conservation lights will not only be beneficial to the planet but also to other activities at the school.
“Any energy conservation makes it so we have money that we can put into other things. So if it isn’t going to [lighting], it can go somewhere else to support things like new coaches or a brand new sport. So anywhere we can save that way, we want to do that so we can put money closer to where it impacts kids,” Dr. Thiele said.
These new stadium lights are to begin installation very soon. They will be completed before spring sports begin on the field.
