The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks have initiated legal action against a lighting company, seeking to recover over $230,000 due to alleged breaches of contract related to a lighting project at Newman Outdoor Field. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court on August 20, 2023, identifying multiple defendants, including Midstream Lighting Holding Inc., Midstream Lighting Inc., and Athletic Lighting Solutions Inc. (ALS).
Details of the Lawsuit
According to court documents, the RedHawks and Fargo Baseball LLC paid an invoice of $235,305.44 in November, which represented 50% of the total project cost as per their agreement. The lawsuit claims that Midstream US failed to deliver the necessary lighting equipment and initiate services, constituting a breach of contract.
Brad Thom, President and CEO of the RedHawks, chose not to comment on the lawsuit when contacted. The court documents reveal that Midstream Lighting LTD, based in London, opened its U.S. headquarters in Miami in 2019, aiming to expand its operations. The parent company, Midstream Holding, has been linked to the financial troubles faced by its U.S. affiliate.
Financial Allegations and Contract Breaches
In September 2023, the lawsuit alleges that Midstream Holding ceased funding for Midstream US, which subsequently established ALS in Ohio. The RedHawks contend that their deposit was improperly transferred from a Midstream US account to an ALS-operated account without their knowledge.
Efforts to resolve the situation included a mutual agreement in April 2025 to cancel the contract, which required Midstream US to return the deposit along with interest and legal fees by April 23, 2025. The RedHawks received only $12,000 before the deadline, prompting them to seek a new lighting supplier.
The RedHawks ultimately turned to Ballpark Lighting Inc., based in Buffalo, N.Y., which successfully installed a new lighting system at Newman Outdoor Field. Thom expressed satisfaction with the new system, indicating that the RedHawks are “very pleased” with the outcome.
Despite these developments, the RedHawks have not yet recovered the remaining balance of $237,905.44 plus interest, which they assert they are owed following the cancellation of the original agreement. The ongoing legal proceedings will determine the resolution of this financial dispute.
