By the mid-1980s all Irish League clubs had installed floodlighting at their grounds, largely through grants awarded by the Football Trust.

Budweiser was announced as the sponsor of this new competition, presenting a total prize fund of £12,000 for competing teams and administration.

Entrants increased to 16 with the inclusion of B Division teams, Omagh Town and Ballyclare Comrades (who were due to join an expanded Irish League in 1990/91).

First round played on a two legged, home and away basis using the away goal rule, followed by extra-time and penalties if the aggregate score was level.

The Irish League had expanded again, to 18 teams (10 Premier and 8 First Division), for the final season of the Coca-Cola Floodlit Cup.