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  • Community partnerships fuel lighting upgrade

    • Community partnerships fuel lighting upgrade

    June 10, 2026

    Madison, SD baseball field upgrades to LED with help from local organizations

    As the summer baseball season gets underway, Flynn Field in Madison, SD is shining brighter than ever thanks to a new LED lighting system.

    The city recently replaced the field’s original halogen lights and poles, which had been in service since 1995. The new system provides improved visibility for players and fans while reducing energy consumption.

    Thanks to the increased efficiency of LED technology, the field now requires two fewer light poles while delivering enhanced lighting performance.

    A new LED light pole stands over Flynn Field in Madison, SD, erected next to one of the field’s original halogen light poles.

    The upgrade was made possible through partnerships with organizations that make extensive use of the facility.

    In addition to the city of Madison’s contribution, Dakota State University contributed $50,000 over 10 years. Flynn Field serves as the home field for the Trojans baseball team.

    The Madison Baseball Association, the organization overseeing all levels of baseball in the community from tee-ball to amateur, committed $40,000 over five years.

    Heartland Energy, Madison’s wholesale power supplier, also supported the project through $15,000 in Power Forward grants distributed over three years.

    “The improvements will benefit the athletes, coaches, families and spectators who utilize Flynn Field each year while helping reduce long-term operating costs,” said Heartland Chief Communications Officer Ann Hyland. “It is great to see so many organizations committed to the betterment of this facility.”

    Representatives from the City of Madison, Dakota State University, Heartland Energy and the Madison Baseball Association gather at Flynn Field as the new LED lights are installed. Pictured from left to right: Geoff Schaab, MBA board member; Derrion Hardie, DSU; Tyler Ruhd, MBA board member; Ann Hyland, Heartland Energy and MBA board member; Katie Hahn, Heartland Energy and MBA board member; Bud Postma, DSU; Eric Hortness, MBA board member; Mike McGillivray, City of Madison.

    The timing of the project also coincides with two major tournaments scheduled to be hosted in Madison this summer.

    The Rock Tournament will be held June 26-28 in memory of Deputy Sheriff Ken Prorok, who lost his life in the line of duty in 2024. Sixteen Senior Legion teams from South Dakota and surrounding states are expected to participate in the event.

    Madison will also host the South Dakota American Legion Senior Legion State Tournament from July 31 through August 4, bringing teams and visitors from across the state to the community.

    An employee with the city of Madison works on a newly installed LED light pole.
    A crane lifts a new LED light pole to be installed at Flynn Field in Madison.