The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks have initiated legal proceedings against a lighting company, seeking the recovery of over $230,000 in funds. The lawsuit, filed on August 20, 2023, in U.S. District Court, alleges breach of contract and other claims related to a lighting installation project at Newman Outdoor Field.
The court documents identify multiple defendants, including Midstream Lighting Holding Inc., Midstream Lighting Inc., and Athletic Lighting Solutions Inc., along with certain individuals associated with these companies. According to the allegations, the RedHawks made a deposit of $235,305.44 via wire transfer in November, agreeing to pay 50% of the total project cost upfront as stipulated in the contract.
The lawsuit contends that Midstream Lighting Inc. failed to deliver the necessary equipment and initiate the required services for the lighting project, constituting a breach of their agreement. Brad Thom, President and CEO of the RedHawks, declined to comment on the lawsuit when reached for a statement.
Legal filings reveal that Midstream Lighting LTD, headquartered in London, sought to expand into the U.S. market and established its Miami-based offices in 2019. The parent company of Midstream UK, Midstream Holding, is detailed as the parent organization of its U.S. affiliate, Midstream Lighting Inc. In October 2022, Midstream US opened its headquarters in Ohio.
The lawsuit alleges that funding from Midstream Holding to Midstream US ceased in September 2023. Subsequently, Midstream US formed Athletic Lighting Solutions Inc., which was incorporated in Ohio in the same month. The RedHawks assert that the deposit meant for Midstream US was improperly transferred to an account operated by ALS without their knowledge.
In April 2025, the RedHawks and Midstream US allegedly agreed to cancel their contract, which included a stipulation for the return of the deposit alongside interest and legal fees by an April 23 deadline. The RedHawks claim this agreement was breached, as they received only $12,000 prior to the deadline, leaving them to seek an alternative supplier for the lighting project.
The RedHawks subsequently engaged Ballpark Lighting Inc., a company based in Buffalo, New York, to install a new lighting system at Newman Outdoor Field. According to Thom, the organization is “very pleased” with the installation provided by Ballpark Lighting.
Despite their efforts to recover the remaining balance of $237,905.44 plus interest from the cancellation agreement, the RedHawks maintain that they have not received any further funds. The outcome of this legal action remains to be seen as the RedHawks pursue their claims in court.
