Arrowhead Field — Field Lighting & FIFA Readiness
LiDAR documentation of GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium capturing field lighting structures and bowl geometry to support FIFA World Cup 2026 venue modifications.
January 2025
As Kansas City prepares to host the 2026 World Cup, FIFA's rigorous standards require numerous upgrades to Arrowhead Stadium. Modernizing the field lighting was among the mandatory updates. Rogue Visual Design was a vital partner in this endeavor, deploying 3D LiDAR scanning technology to maintain safety, overcome challenges, and deliver the most accurate and comprehensive data possible.
Due to elevation and the complex fixtures, the lighting structures at Arrowhead are best documented through the use of LiDAR technology. 3D Laser Scanning (LiDAR) offers distinct advantages over traditional methods such as a total station. Rogue's RTC360 laser scanner captures 2 million measurements a second. A standard total station can only gather a few hundred in a day. A scan generated point cloud is a 3D representation complete with all the imperfections and context of the environment. A total station gathers only a handful of key points. With incomplete data and lacking context of the environment, more interpretation is required, there is a greater chance of error, and an increased need for follow-up trips to gather additional/missed survey points. Comprehensive LiDAR data gives stakeholders and designers precision, depth and detail, simplifying their task of creating accurate models for retrofitting while enhancing planning efficiency. LiDAR's ability to swiftly and accurately map environments makes it suited for large-scale, detail-oriented projects like this one at Arrowhead Stadium.
Rogue Visual Design is not directly involved in the manufacturing process; however, the accuracy of our measurements assures the fabricated components will fit perfectly within the existing stadium infrastructure. The LiDAR point clouds are brought into the CAD environment. Each assembly is carefully crafted to fit into the existing steel frame, each mount designed to bolt seamlessly into position, and every new light is digitally aimed and luminous virtually modeled and verified before a single piece of metal is cut.
This project highlights Rogue Visual Design's commitment to implementing cutting-edge technology to deliver solutions that are innovative, practical, and valuable to the project stakeholders. These improvements will not only fulfill FIFA's specifications, but also enhance the spectator experience for all future events at the venue. They ensure that Arrowhead Stadium remains a premier venue for both local and international events. Arrowhead is setting new standards, literally, in stadium lighting and will be ready to shine on the world stage in 2026. We are proud of our contribution.