Why Proper Lighting Matters

Lighting is crucial in court design, providing better functionality and safety. Whether you’re designing a backyard basketball court, a tennis court, or a pickleball court, proper lighting ensures you can play even after the sun goes down. Additionally, it minimizes the risk of injuries by improving visibility for players and spectators.

Key Considerations for Court Lighting

When incorporating lighting into your court, consider the following factors to achieve optimal illumination and efficiency:

Determine Your Lighting Needs

Different sports have varying lighting requirements:

Basketball & Tennis — Require even lighting with minimal shadows to prevent visual obstructions. Patchy lighting can be confusing, so make sure there’s smooth light output over the entire surface of the court. 

Pickleball — Need consistent, glare-free lighting to ensure quick ball tracking without having to strain your eyes. 

Multi-Use Courts — Require a balance of brightness and coverage to accommodate different games.

Choose the Right Type of Lights

Select the right technology to maximize efficiency and performance:

LED Lights — These are the best choice for courts due to their energy efficiency, longevity, and superior illumination. The cleaner light allows for less glare, allowing for better play and spectating. LED lights have a higher initial cost than metal halide lights but have better long-term savings. 

Metal Halide Lights — Once considered the standard for outdoor courts, they are now considered less energy-efficient than LED lights. However, these lights are better than halogen lights and provide a bright, white light perfect for competitive play. 

Solar-Powered Lights — Solar lights reduce energy consumption and lead to long-term savings on utility bills and maintenance costs, making them great for sustainability. They are also good for rural areas. However, they may require backup solutions for consistent brightness and may not perform as well on cloudy days. For maximum efficiency, ensure you have the correct sized solar panels and battery capacity. 

Optimal Placement of Light Fixtures

Strategic placement of lights ensures uniform brightness and minimizes glare. To maximize the light in your court consider:

Pole-Mounted Lights — Pole-mounted lights are ideal for full-court coverage. This distribution of light is crucial for safety and gameplay.  The number of poles you will need will depend on the size and layout of your court, but they are typically placed at least 15-20 feet high. According to USA Pickleball, poles should be between 20-26 feet high for optimal performance. 

Side Placement — Placing lights on the sides of courts, rather than behind the players helps reduce shadows, provide even distribution, and reduce glare. When placed on the side, the lights are 90 degrees to the players’ primary viewing directions. 

Shielded Fixtures — Shielded fixtures prevent light pollution and ensure that light is directed downward toward the playing surface. This also reduces glare, helping with player safety and comfort. This could also help your lights comply with local regulations. 

Consider Smart Lighting Options

Advanced lighting solutions can enhance convenience and efficiency:

Motion Sensors — Activate lights when players arrive and turn them off when the court is not in use. Motion sensors enhance security by deterring potential intruders, save energy, and provide convenience. 

Dimmable LED Systems — Dimmable lights allow you to adjust the brightness based on game intensity or preference. They allow you to use your court for multiple different sports. 

Remote-Controlled Lights — Enable easy on/off operation via smartphone apps. You may also be able to make quick adjustments to lighting levels or monitor system performance. 

Weatherproof and Durable Fixtures

Outdoor courts are exposed to various weather conditions. To ensure longevity and reliability, consider:

Waterproof & Corrosion-Resistant Fixtures — These fixtures protect lights against rain, snow, and humidity.

Impact-Resistant Lights — Impact-resistant lights resist damage from accidental hits by balls or other equipment.

UV-Resistant Coatings — UV-resistant coatings reduce wear and tear caused by prolonged sun exposure.

Ensure Compliance with Local Regulations

Before installing court lighting, check local zoning laws and neighborhood guidelines regarding light pollution and fixture height restrictions. Some areas may have specific rules about outdoor lighting to minimize disruption to surrounding homes. In Midway, Utah, outdoor lights must be shielded and angled toward the ground at 30 degrees or less. They should minimize glare, light trespass, skyglow, and energy waste. 

Add Lighting to Enhance Your Court

Incorporating proper lighting into your court design enhances usability, safety, and aesthetics. By selecting the right fixtures, strategically placing them, and considering energy-efficient solutions, you can create a space you can enjoy even after the sun goes down. Whether for recreational use or competitive games, well-designed lighting ensures that the game doesn’t have to stop at night.