Thialf lighting gets a second life at natural ice and inline skating clubs

NEWS

Wijnand Meijboom, Tuesday 29 September 2026

59 sec

The lighting that hung above the ice at Thialf for many years is being given a new purpose. Following the modernisation of the lighting in the speed skating stadium, OVI Group is making around 350 luminaires available to natural ice and inline skating clubs with their own facilities.

These are Philips Optivision 518 luminaires that were used for many years during national and international speed skating events at Thialf. According to OVI Group, the luminaires will be inspected and, where necessary, technically refurbished before being put back into use. The initiative was launched by OVI Group in partnership with the KNSB. According to KNSB Sports Participation Manager Jurre Trouw, it gives clubs the opportunity to equip their facilities with professional lighting while at the same time preserving a piece of speed skating history.

Hugo Westhof

Supporting a good cause

This summer, OVI Group replaced the existing lighting at Thialf with a new generation of energy-efficient LED luminaires. Instead of disposing of the old lighting, the decision was made to reuse it within speed skating and inline skating. Part of the proceeds will also go to a good cause within the KNSB. According to OVI Group director Hugo Westhof, the initiative reflects the aim of finding a new use for materials that are still in good condition. The luminaires are suitable for outdoor use and are being offered for �500 each, excluding VAT. Through the initiative, OVI Group and the KNSB are targeting the approximately 450 natural ice and inline skating clubs affiliated with the federation. In addition to supplying the luminaires, OVI Group can support clubs with a lighting plan and, if required, installation.

This article was previously published on 29 September 2026 on the Fieldmanager website.

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