Case Study: Lighting the Way at Schalke 04

lighting the way at schalke 04

Pitch regeneration in and out of the VELTINS Arena

Introduction

The VELTINS Arena is one of only a few stadiums in the world with a fully retractable pitch, which can be moved outside into open air between events to support healthy turf growth. To maintain consistent pitch quality in both environments, FC Schalke 04 installed Rhenac’s R-BL 1750 CLS system – a fully automated turf lighting solution designed to operate year-round, indoors or out.

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The Challenge

  • Inside the stadium, the pitch receives limited natural sunlight and airflow, and endures high usage — all of which put additional stress on turf quality.
  • When the pitch is moved outside, it must withstand changing weather conditions, shade from the stadium structure, and fluctuating temperatures.

The Project Objectives

  • Deliver consistent turf health, whether the pitch is indoors or outdoors
  • Automate lighting and environmental support across both pitch settings
  • Coordinate turf care with the pitch’s movement schedule
  • Improve energy efficiency and operational reliability throughout the year

The Solution

To meet these requirements, Rhenac installed two R-BL 1750 systems, covering over 3,500 m². Mounted on rails above the movable tray, the units are equipped with fully programmable LED lights, infrared heating and a range of sensors.

The system continuously monitors key turf and environmental data — including soil moisture, nutrient levels, temperature and climate — which is then logged digitally. Based on this real-time data, the CLS control unit automatically adjusts the light spectrum, intensity, and heat to suit the pitch’s location and condition.

When the pitch is moved outside, the system transitions smoothly: lighting programmes are adjusted to complement natural sunlight, ensuring uninterrupted turf care throughout the process.

Groundsman’s Perspective

“We observed turf growth under the CLS system both inside the stadium and while the pitch was outside. Over six weeks, the results showed a more uniform surface and stronger roots — even after the pitch had been moved back indoors.”
— Thorsten Petry, Head Groundsman, FC Schalke 04

Results

  • Healthy, consistent playing surface maintained throughout the year
  • Effective turf regeneration even when the pitch is relocated for events
  • Energy-efficient lighting aligned with seasonal needs and usage patterns
  • Reduced manual input thanks to automated system controls
  • Lower maintenance costs and reduced downtime for turf recovery
ProjectVELTINS Arena, Gelsenkirchen
ClientFC Schalke 04
System UsedRhenac Sports LED R-BL-1750, CLS (Complete Light Spectrum)
Pitch SurfaceNatural turf
Installation Completed2023
Area Covered3,500 m² (2 × 1,750 m² systems)
OperationFully automated, programmable 24/7 system
Key Features200,000+ LEDs, infrared heat, sensor-based system
Turf MovementRetractable tray on rails (11,000 t, 340 m round-trip)
Lighting ControlZonal, remote, programmable, automated
MonitoringReal-time sensor-driven feedback, digital logbook

Looking Ahead

The VELTINS Arena is a clear example of how modern turf technology can support flexible, multi-use stadiums without compromising pitch quality. As pitch movement becomes a regular part of stadium operations, the adaptability of the CLS system — supported by ongoing research in partnership with the Technical University of Munich — sets a strong benchmark for intelligent, next-generation turf management.

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