LED Court Lighting

Plan Court Lighting Around Play, Not Just Watts

Outdoor sport court lighting has one job: make the ball, lines, players, and surrounding area easy to see without creating glare for players or neighbors. LEDs help because they turn on instantly, use controlled optics, and can deliver consistent light with lower operating cost than metal halide or high-pressure sodium systems.

The best layout starts with the court type. Tennis players need strong visibility from baseline to net and from sideline to sideline. Basketball courts need even coverage through the key, baselines, perimeter, and center court. Multi-use courts should be designed for the most demanding sport played on the surface, then controlled or dimmed for lower-level use.

What to Check Before Ordering

Court Size and Level of Play

Recreational courts can use lower light levels than competitive or tournament courts. Tennis, basketball, and pickleball also place different demands on ball tracking, sideline visibility, and uniformity. Start with the intended use before selecting wattage.

Pole Height and Placement

Most outdoor courts use 20 to 30 foot poles. Pole location controls glare and uniformity as much as fixture output does. Placing poles too close to the playing area can create bright spots and uncomfortable viewing angles, while poor spacing leaves dark corners.

Beam Angle, Shields, and Spill Control

Precision optics keep light on the court. Narrower or asymmetric beams can help when fixtures are mounted farther from the target area, and shields can reduce glare toward neighboring properties. A good plan checks both average light level and the amount of spill at the property line.