Tennis Court Lighting

Applications

Key lighting considerations:

Uniformity: Lighting should be evenly distributed across the entire court to prevent dark spots or shadows that can interfere with play.
Glare control: Fixtures with proper shielding and placement prevent harsh light from shining into players' eyes, which is especially important during overhead shots.
Color temperature: A color temperature in the 4000K to 5000K range, often called "daylight," is recommended to provide a crisp, white light that enhances visibility.
Energy efficiency: Choosing LED lights over traditional metal halide fixtures can reduce energy consumption by up to 70%, leading to significant long-term savings.
Instant on/off: Unlike traditional lighting that requires a warm-up period, LEDs provide instant, full brightness, which is ideal for evening play
Recommended setups by level of play

The required brightness, measured in lux (or foot-candles), depends on the level of competition.
- Recreational courts: For casual, residential, or park courts, 200–300 lux is typically sufficient.
- Club and semi-professional courts: For more competitive matches and higher-level club play, a higher brightness of around 500 lux is recommended.
- Professional and stadium courts: For the highest level of competition, including televised events, a minimum of 750 lux is needed.
- Design and installation best practices
  - Fixture placement: The standard setup for a single court is four light poles, with one positioned at each corner, typically 20–30 feet high.
  - Layout for multiple courts: In multi-court facilities, poles are often placed between courts, with fixtures aimed in opposite directions to minimize the total number of poles.
  - Weather resistance: Outdoor fixtures should be durable, with IP65+ ratings to protect against water, dust, and other elements.
  - Professional installation: While a DIY approach may be possible for some systems, professional installation is recommended to ensure proper alignment, minimize glare, and comply with safety regulations.
  - Maintenance tips
    - Regular cleaning: Routinely cleaning fixtures of any dust and debris will ensure optimal light output.
    - Timely replacement: Though LEDs last for tens of thousands of hours, it's important to monitor and replace any lights that burn out to maintain uniform illumination.