FHSAA Partners With Acuity Brands Lighting to Enhance Florida Schools

FHSAA and Acuity Brands Lighting Form Statewide Partnership

The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) officially announced a new partnership with Acuity Brands Lighting this week, aiming to upgrade the infrastructure of athletic facilities across the state. The agreement, disclosed by the FHSAA in Gainesville, links the governing body for Florida interscholastic athletics with the Atlanta-based industrial technology firm to address lighting quality in gymnasiums, stadiums, and classrooms.

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For the 2026-27 school year, the collaboration focuses on integrating Acuity’s lighting technology, specifically the Holophane® expertise and the HOLOBEAM sports light, into school environments. The partnership intends to improve visibility and energy efficiency for member schools, which include over 850 middle, junior, and senior high schools throughout Florida.

Infrastructure Upgrades and Student Experience

The core of the initiative centers on the physical environment where student-athletes compete and learn. FHSAA Executive Director Craig Damon noted that the decision is rooted in the belief that facility quality directly impacts student growth. Our student-athletes deserve environments that support their growth in the classroom, on the field and everywhere in between, Damon said.

The practical application of this partnership involves transitioning schools toward lighting solutions that offer greater control for facility managers. Brian Wilson, Senior Director of Sports Lighting at Acuity Brands, stated that the company aims to elevate spaces for both athletes and spectators. From fields and gymnasiums to natatoriums and other athletic facilities, quality lighting can help create a better overall experience for athletes and spectators, Wilson remarked.

Technical Scope and Corporate Background

Acuity Brands Lighting, a segment of the publicly traded Acuity Inc. (NYSE: AYI), brings a portfolio that spans indoor and outdoor lighting control. The company employs approximately 13,000 people and operates across North America, Europe, and Asia. Its focus for the Florida market includes adapting its existing industrial technology to the specific needs of educational facilities, ranging from hallways to large-scale outdoor competition venues.

This partnership arrives as schools face ongoing pressure to balance energy costs with the need for modern athletic facilities. By utilizing the HOLOBEAM sports light, the FHSAA and Acuity Brands are positioning the initiative as a long-term performance upgrade. The collaboration is scheduled to unfold throughout the 2026-27 school year, with the FHSAA acting as the primary conduit for introducing these technologies to its member public, private, and charter schools.