VERO BEACH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A longtime home to Major League Baseball’s youth development programs (MLB Develops), the Jackie Robinson Training Complex (JRTC) is poised to strengthen that mission while also modernizing its stadium experience with a state-of-the-art lighting system and special effects technology custom-designed and built by Musco.
Named in honor of baseball and civil rights icon Jackie Robinson, JRTC opened in 1948 as the Spring Training home to the Brooklyn Dodgers. Originally known as Dodgertown, the complex unveiled Holman Stadium as its centerpiece in 1953 and served as the Dodgers’ spring home for more than 60 years.
Each year, in partnership with MLB, JRTC hosts a wide range of events for youth, amateur, and professional athletes, including MLB’s most prominent youth baseball and softball development programs such as the Hank Aaron Invitational, the Nike RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) World Series, the Breakthrough Series, the Elite Development Invitational, and the Andre Dawson Classic, among others.
“The Jackie Robinson Training Complex, operating as Major League Baseball’s youth training hub, means that sport’s future will walk these sacred grounds as they work to reach the pinnacle of baseball and softball. As a result, it is vital they are provided with a professional-level environment,” said MLB Chief Baseball Development Officer Tony Reagins. “These upgrades give us the ability to provide these athletes with a world-class facility that merges history and tradition with innovative technology and style.”
When leaders at JRTC made the decision to upgrade the lighting at Holman Stadium, they wanted a system with the most advanced LED technology that would improve light quality on the field and incorporate cutting-edge special effects and light shows, without sacrificing the historic charm and feel of the 75-year-old venue.
“These upgrades to our facility allow us to be a top choice for a wide variety of organizations especially those looking to host development events. Now, we are able to go beyond being just a venue as we add experience to the games that take place here,” said Rachelle Madrigal, Vice President of the Jackie Robinson Training Complex. “We are so grateful for the work Musco has done to elevate this facility and we look forward to having events that are impact- and development-focused also while providing an elevated experience for fans and participants.”
Project leaders at JRTC turned to Musco, a trusted partner the organization had worked with for decades on previous field lighting projects at the complex. Musco custom designed, engineered, and built a new system for Holman Stadium utilizing its TLC for LED and Show-Light Pro Entertainment technologies.
While the new system’s 107 LED fixtures amount to less than half that of the previous lighting, it maintains the necessary on-field light levels and has reduced energy consumption by 53 percent.
The system’s special effects capabilities include custom-designed light shows and light-to-music synchronization, providing a professional-level stadium experience for visiting athletes at all levels.
With the new lighting system in place, JRTC joins nearly 20 MLB stadiums that have had Musco LED systems installed in recent years, some of which include Wrigley Field, Fenway Park, and Dodger Stadium.
“We continue to be impressed by the dedication to youth programming on the part of MLB and the JRTC,” said Jeff Rogers, President of Musco. “Expanding opportunities for youth in all communities to develop life skills through sports is a big part of our mission, so we’re very proud to be a part of this project. We’re confident that athletes and fans at all levels will enjoy it, but we’re especially excited for the youth players who’ll be under those lights striving to learn and grow their skills.”
Throughout 2025, Holman Stadium at JRTC will host over 20 events including MLB’s Andre Dawson Classic, the Breakthrough Series Invitational, and Nike RBI World Series, among other elite development events. Additionally, the stadium will also serve the Big 10 Conference in a series between the University of Illinois and the University of Michigan and a Florida State League Minor League game between the Palm Beach Cardinals and the Clearwater Threshers, among several other community events within the Vero Beach community.
About Musco
Musco has been the world leader in sports lighting and facility solutions since 1976, with innovations that enhance the playing and viewing experience and expand recreational opportunities while being responsible to the needs of facility owners, players, fans, neighbors, and the night sky. Musco’s TLC for LED® system, Show-Light® special effects technology, and Mini-Pitch System™ modular sports solution provide unmatched quality, performance, and reliability. Musco’s solutions are backed by a long-term parts and labor warranty, eliminating maintenance concerns and costs for facility owners and operators well into the future.
