A well-lit sports field is essential for safety, play quality, and overall experience. Whether it’s a professional stadium, a local football pitch, or a school gymnasium, the right lighting makes all the difference. At Project Nekton, we combine technical expertise with hands-on experience to deliver tailor-made lighting solutions that meet the highest standards, creating the ideal environment for athletes and spectators alike.
A thoughtful lighting plan as the foundation
Every well-lit sports field starts with a solid foundation: a thoughtful lighting plan. This plan is the cornerstone of every successful installation and largely determines the quality of the final result. At Project Nekton, we analyze each sports field in detail to design a solution that perfectly fits the needs of users and the environment.
A strong lighting plan takes into account:
- The specific sport and level of play: Different sports require different light levels and uniformity. Recreational sports need different lighting accents than professional competitions or television broadcasts.
- Field dimensions and orientation: Based on the size and position of the field, we calculate how many fixtures are needed, the required light intensity, and the optimal placement.
- Environmental factors: Is there nearby construction? Are there natural elements like trees or water features that could cause shadows? These factors are also considered in the lighting simulation.
- Functional zones: It’s not just about the playing field. Areas such as stands, pathways, parking lots, and access points often also require appropriate lighting—each with their own specific needs.
By using lighting studies and simulations, we map out in advance how the light will behave on the field. This way, we avoid unpleasant surprises after installation and ensure that every part of the field is optimally lit – without wasting energy or causing overlighting.
A lighting plan is therefore not an optional document, but an essential part of any sports lighting project. It forms the blueprint for an installation that is safe, sustainable and user-friendly.
Different sports, different requirements
Every sport has its own dynamics, speed and visual demands – and this directly translates into specific lighting requirements. A good lighting system does not only consider general brightness but also the intensity, colour rendering and uniformity needed to allow players to perform at their best and provide spectators with a pleasant experience.
For example, a football field requires a broader and more powerful light coverage than a tennis court, where the ball is small and moves at high speeds. Hockey, in turn, demands very high light uniformity due to the low contrast between the ball and the surface, while athletics focuses on highlighting specific zones such as sprint tracks or throwing areas.
Moreover, the desired lighting quality varies depending on the level of play:
- Recreational use requires basic lighting with sufficient visibility and safety.
- Competitive sports demand higher light levels and stricter standards for uniformity and glare reduction.
- Professional matches, especially those broadcast on television, require exceptionally high colour rendering, flicker-free technology and strong vertical illuminance.
These standards are often set by sports federations or international organisations such as NOC*NSF, FIFA, UEFA or the IAAF. At Project Nekton, we are thoroughly familiar with these guidelines and ensure that each lighting plan perfectly matches the sport and intended use.
With a well-tuned lighting system, you not only improve safety and performance, but also enhance the appearance and professionalism of your sports facility.
Indoor or outdoor: every field requires a different approach
Although the goal of sports lighting – optimal visibility and safety – remains the same, indoor and outdoor sports facilities require completely different approaches. The conditions, technical requirements and challenges differ significantly between indoor and outdoor lighting.
Indoor lighting: focused and controlled
In indoor sports halls, everything revolves around control. Because daylight is limited or absent, full reliance is placed on artificial lighting. This offers opportunities, but also specific challenges:
- Reflection and glare must be kept to a minimum, especially with smooth floors or sports equipment.
- Luminaires are often placed at greater heights, making precision in beam direction crucial.
- For sports like basketball or volleyball, vertical light distribution is important – players must be able to track the ball, even above eye level.
- Flicker-free LEDs are especially important here, particularly for fast-paced sports or when the hall is used for recordings or live streaming.
Outdoor lighting: robust and environmentally conscious
Outdoor sports fields are exposed to all weather conditions and are often located near residential areas or nature. Therefore, extra factors come into play:
- Weather resistance is essential – luminaires must withstand rain, wind, temperature fluctuations and dust.
- Preventing light pollution is crucial. Well-designed installations ensure that light stays where it is needed, thanks to shielding and precise beam settings.
- The lighting must provide sufficient contrast and visibility, even in mist, rain or other adverse weather.
- Outdoor lighting should also be energy-efficient and preferably easy to manage, for example via smart remote control.
At Project Nekton, we consider all these factors and tailor our solutions to the specific location and use of the field. Whether it is a sports hall, a tennis club or an open athletics complex – every environment deserves lighting that truly works.
What to watch for when installing sports field lighting
Installing or upgrading sports field lighting involves much more than simply placing lamps. A good lighting system requires a smart and careful approach where various technical and functional aspects are harmonised. Here are the key factors to consider:
Correct alignment of luminaires
Even light distribution is crucial. Misaligned luminaires can cause shadows, dark spots or annoying bright spots, compromising both safety and playing experience.
Limiting light nuisance
For outdoor fields, it is important to respect the surroundings. A good design ensures that light stays where it is needed without disturbing local residents or natural areas. Smart shielding and precise beam settings are key here.
Avoiding glare
Too much light, or light coming from the wrong angle, can be disturbing for players and spectators. Using anti-glare technology and properly placed luminaires ensures maximum comfort and visibility.
Even light distribution
Uniform lighting ensures the entire field is clearly visible, without annoying variations in brightness. This enhances both safety and the overall playing experience.
No flickering
Flickering light is not only annoying, but can also negatively impact athletic performance and be disruptive for recordings or replays. That is why we only work with high-quality, flicker-free LED technology.
Durability and maintenance
Modern LED lighting is long-lasting and highly energy-efficient. This reduces maintenance costs and ensures reliable operation, provided the power supply is properly matched to the installation.
Project Nekton: your partner for smart sports lighting
At Project Nekton, we deliver complete solutions for sports field lighting – from lighting design to installation, configuration and maintenance. Thanks to our expertise in smart controls and integrations, we can also provide dynamic lighting scenarios, adapted to training or matches.
In beta: our own Casambi app for sports lighting
We are currently testing our own app for smart sports field lighting control via Casambi. This tool allows you to manage your lighting intuitively and wirelessly – whether you have a single field or an entire sports complex.
