On Wednesday, July 15, 1992, during the end-of-season awards presentation ceremony, George Abela, the then Malta FA president, switched on for the first time the new floodlighting system at the Ta’ Qali National Stadium.
This was one of many projects completed at the National Stadium during the administration of Dr Abela.
A few weeks after this occasion, Dr Abela resigned from his post to move into politics. He was succeeded by Joe Mifsud, who served as vice-president under Dr Abela.
It was therefore Dr Mifsud who presided over the ceremony when the floodlights were switched on live for the first time on December 18, 1992 prior to the UEFA Under-21 match between Malta and Italy.
In a short speech, Dr Mifsud outlined the stages that led to the realisation of this major project. He described Philips’ Arena Vision Floodlighting system, which cost the MFA Lm400,000 at the time, as one of the most efficient on the market and comparable to those in the stadia all over the world.
Dr Mifsud paid credit to his predecessor, Dr Abela, who was the initiator and driving force behind the project.
The big moment came when President of the Republic Ċensu Tabone switched on the lights on the four 50-metre pylons that contained over 390 bulbs.
It was an historic moment when at 6pm sharp, the game was kicked off for the first time under artificial lights with the Malta Under-21 team taking on Italy.
The significance of the occasion seemed to have a positive effect on our youngsters. They rose to the occasion and, with a tremendous collective effort, they held the talented Italians to a minimal 0-1 defeat.
The story continued on August 13, 1992 when, for the first time, a domestic match was played under floodlights.
To reigning champions Valletta and their eternal rivals Floriana fell the honour of kicking the ball for the first time under artificial lights.
It was certainly an occasion to relish and the two old rivals responded with a very good game of football with the Citizens emerging 1-0 winners with a late goal from Jeremy Agius.