FAMU Athletics will unveil new cutting-edge LED lights at Bragg Memorial Stadium this fall. The lights are designed to elevate the game-day experience, boost energy efficiency, and better showcase the Rattlers’ brand to national audiences. The project, completed in late spring, comes after tornadoes ravaged the campus in May 2024, causing $11 million in damages and toppling one of the stadium’s four main light poles.
The new system replaces legacy lighting and a temporary light pole which was hastily erected during the 2024 season, after severe weather left the stadium partially in the dark. Now, FAMU’s iconic venue boasts uniform, high-definition LED lighting with patented glare-control technology, ensuring crisp visibility for players and fans while reducing energy consumption by nearly 50%.
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| Bragg Stadium light pole damage after 2024 tornadoes. |
“This isn’t just about brighter lights—it’s about creating unforgettable moments,” said FAMU's facilities staff. “The system allows us to choreograph dynamic light shows synchronized to music during pregame, in-game breaks, and after big plays. Fans will feel the energy in ways they never have before.”
The LEDs’ customizable color capabilities will enable staff to bathe the stadium in FAMU’s signature orange and green, amplify crowd engagement during critical drives, and even honor special causes with themed displays. For television audiences, the whiter, sharper lighting promises enhanced color accuracy, ensuring the Rattlers’ uniforms and vibrant sideline culture pop on broadcasts.
The upgrade also addresses long-term sustainability goals. “LED lights are more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than traditional bulbs,” the staffer boasted. “This investment protects both our budget and our planet.”
The May 2024 tornadoes, which damaged over 20 campus buildings, underscored the urgency of modernizing infrastructure. While repairs continue university-wide, the stadium’s lighting overhaul signals FAMU’s commitment to blending tradition with innovation.
Fans will get their first look at the system during the Rattlers’ home opener on September 13 against Albany State University. “Bragg Memorial has always been an intimidating place for our opponents,” said head coach James Colzie III. “This new lighting elevates our home-field advantage and fan experience to another level.”
The newly installed LED lighting system represents the latest enhancement in a series of upgrades, building on Bragg’s recent advancements to elevate both gameplay and fan engagement.
In 2023, FAMU raised the stakes further by unveiling a towering 33-foot-tall, 75-foot-wide video board—the largest in HBCU football—flanked by dynamic video ribbon boards and a revamped stadium-wide sound system. Together, these innovations underscore FAMU’s commitment to blending cutting-edge technology with the storied legacy of Rattler football.
With the 2025 season poised to showcase FAMU’s rising national profile, the LED project positions Bragg Stadium as not just a venue, but a stage—where every snap, tackle, and touchdown shines brighter than ever.