Pacific Amphitheater Glows Brighter with Wireless RGBW Upgrade

The Pacific Amphitheater is a high-profile outdoor venue at the OC Fairgrounds that recently underwent a series of upgrades, including the need for a visually impactful lighting retrofit. The goal was to illuminate the full height of the iconic entrance pillars, ensuring vibrant, even coverage
with RGBW color-changing capability.

However, this posed two key challenges:

1. High Output Requirement: The façade of the pillars is tall and wide, requiring a fixture with strong vertical reach and consistent color saturation.

2. Wireless Control Necessity: Due to the retrofit nature of the project, running new data conduit under existing asphalt was not feasible, necessitating a robust wireless control system.

Initial attempts using products from Diode LED fell short—mock-ups showed insufficient throw and uneven coverage. Even after multiple iterations, the solution failed to meet the project’s visual and technical expectations.

The Solution:

The team transitioned to using ColorBlast fixtures from Color Kinetics, a choice driven by the fixture’s high-output RGBW capabilities and proven performance in architectural lighting applications. After completing a live mock-up on one of the pillar faces, the solution checked all the client’s requirements:

• Superior Reach: Able to effectively light the entire height of the façade.

• Even Color Distribution: Delivered uniform lighting with rich saturation.

• Reliable Wireless Control: Enabled via Pharos wireless controllers, eliminating the need for additional conduit or data cable installation. significantly enhancing the guest experience and brand presentation.

The Result:

With the expertise of LINX Lighting + Controls and City Electric Supply, the upgraded lighting has transformed the Pacific Amphitheater’s entrance into a vibrant, programmable focal point. Now fully equipped with high-output RGBW lighting, the pillars are not only visually striking but also highly versatile. Thanks to the Pharos wireless control system, color schemes can be easily customized to match event themes or sponsor branding.

This capability is especially valuable as the space is now sponsored by Yaamava’ Casino and Toyota—two prominent partners who will be using branded signage on the pillars. The new lighting system allows the venue to adapt to each sponsor or event with dynamic color changes, significantly enhancing the guest experience and brand presentation.