Vince Genna Stadium Earns DarkSky Certification
Aerial View of the New Lighting System at Vince Genna Stadium
Vince Genna Stadium has officially been designated as a DarkSky Certified Outdoor Sports Lighting facility by DarkSky International. This is a major milestone for our ballpark, representing a significant investment in both the fan experience and our impact on the surrounding neighborhood. With the installation of a brand-new lighting system, we’ve dramatically reduced glare and light pollution while also improving visibility on the field.
Vince Genna Stadium has been a central part of Bend’s baseball tradition for generations. Originally constructed in 1947, the ballpark has hosted amateur, collegiate, and semi-professional baseball for decades and remains a cornerstone of our local sports community. Today, it proudly serves as the home of the Bend Elks Baseball Club and continues to host a wide range of games, tournaments, and community events throughout the year.
One of the things that makes Vince Genna Stadium so special is its location. We’re truly part of the neighborhood—homes sit just beyond the infield and along the edges of the ballpark. Because of that, everything we do has a direct impact on our neighbors, and that’s something we take seriously.
Before this upgrade, our lighting system dated back to the 1970s and was quickly reaching the end of its life. Roughly 10–15% of the fixtures were no longer working, leading to inconsistent lighting across the field. The original wood light poles had also developed severe structural issues, including cracks that stretched several feet long and several inches deep, creating real safety concerns. On top of that, the old system produced heavy glare and significant light spill into nearby homes.