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Discussion: Lighting at Phoenix Desert West is Terrible

Posted	Discussion
Oct. 24, 2009 Walli Gator Men's 50 2 posts	Lighting at Phoenix Desert West is Terrible After the sun went down at Desert West last night, the lights were turned on and you still could not see the ball. I am not sure if it was just the lights or also a problem with the color of the ball, but it was nearly impossible to see. In the outfield, you had to cncentrate extremely carefully to make sure you did not lose sight of the ball and you could not judge the distance of a fly ball until it was almost frequently too late. From what I understand, one of the teams decided to stop playing their game because they couldn't see the ball and it was too dangerous to continue play - they were force to forteit their game. For a world tournament, we deserve a lot better than not being able to see the ball. No games should be scheduled after sundown on these fields.
Oct. 25, 2009 mad dog Men's 60 3802 posts	that has been a prol there since they went there in 07,also it is no better at cesear chavez park.wish TD's would think about this when they sched games at parks like this.we are older and,some have eyesight going down,would be nice if ss-usa or any senior assoc thought about this when sched'ing nite games.twilight is the worst time for us to play.
Oct. 25, 2009 taits Men's 65 3999 posts	Given the number of teams, games required and available parks\fields, I doubt you'll see any changes made other than rotation or teams or divisions from one to another. It's not lke they have a rule against playing at night. So just hope you get all early games to avoid both the heat and the lights. Now, worry about the sun....lol
Oct. 25, 2009 SALSAKID49 Men's 55 74 posts	That true for the lights in the AZ. fields... However, isn't that a mute point.. once they build and start using the New Complexes at Mesquite, NV. for future SSUSA World's... ???
Oct. 25, 2009 taits Men's 65 3999 posts	That's about a year away and would also depend on the contracts in place with PHX. But Mesquite, with the new 20 or so fields, the existing ones, and those that might well be available in St George, team accommodation numbers have ability to get close to double. Perhaps no playing on the BB field there also... Where ever, there where always be something, someone will complain about.
Oct. 27, 2009 Eddie 12 Men's 50 14 posts	I have played ball all my life in Arizona and in my opinion no games should be played during twilight. In PHX. we have to much open sky, so between the setting sun in your eyes or the grey backdrop of the sun just setting we are all asking for troubel. After it gets dark at Desert West it is easyer to see the ball, but they should upgrade the lighting at these fields.
Oct. 28, 2009 Omar Khayyam 866 posts	Eddie 12, thanks for your insight and explanation on lighting challenges. Probably seniors shouldn't play at twilight in any park. Better to postpone until true dark as you say. Might be a bit late for dinner, but better than an injured player on an unseen ball.
Oct. 29, 2009 whytehair 2 posts	Walli, I agree having played there manny years and even after to take over from the city by a private group the last few years nothing has been done to improve the lighting. Wish there were some measures we could take to report the potential danger for players in the infield.

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