Baseball Field Lights: Role of Contractors in Meeting Lighting Requirements Across Different Sports Levels For any sport, lighting is a very crucial aspect, as improper fixtures can hamper both the spectators and players, offering an unsatisfactory experience. Objects involved in a baseball game are small and often move quickly, requiring better lighting to ensure visibility of each of the aspects. In this blog, you’ll read how different levels of sports approach baseball field lights requirements and the vital role played by the lighting contractors in this.
Lighting Requirement for Baseball Field Minor league games do not need as much light as the World Series. A professional baseball field needs a uniform of 1000 lumens anywhere on the field. Secondary school baseball field lights require 300 to 500 lux, while in training facilities or elementary schools, 200 lux is sufficient. (Source) Lighting requirements for international baseball matches are determined by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) and organizations like the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES).
How WBSC and IES Ensure Optimal Lighting for Baseball Fields? The WBSC often collaborates with lighting experts to recommend lux levels (measured in foot-candles or lux) that are suitable for different types of games, from recreational to highlevel professional matches. For example, the WBSC will tell you how bright the lights should be, how even the light should be across the field, and how to prevent glare that might interfere with players’ performance.
The Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) is a broader organization that focuses on all types of lighting—whether it's for sports, offices, streets, or homes. In 2024, the US Department of Energy granted $11.5 million under its Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program, focusing on LED retrofits for public sporting facilities. (Source) The IES provides general lighting guidelines and recommendations for all kinds of outdoor spaces, including baseball field lights and softball fields. For example, they have documents like IESNA RP-6 that give you advice on how much light is needed, how to avoid glare, and how to be energy-efficient, regardless of the sport. The IES provides the technical basis for optimal light levels, while the WBSC tailors those recommendations to the specific needs of baseball and softball.
What about Minor League Games? Baseball field lights for minor league games are typically handled by the contractors hired by the authority, such as the stadium owner or event organizer. Unlike World Series matches, where lighting specifications are provided by the governing bodies, minor league matches might miss this feature. Generally the contractors are responsible for ensuring that the field has uniform light distribution, brightness, and glare control. Typically, the company discusses the requirement of the field with any relevant person and collaborates with them to complete the lighting project. Process: ● Contractors start by creating a detailed lighting design for the stadium. They use stimulation software to model how lights will perform in an actual environment. Popular tools such as Dialux and AGi32 allow designers to adjust the placement, angle, and intensity of light before actual installation. ● Next is to select the types of lights to be installed. LEDs are mostly preferred by the contractors due to their power-saving properties. Based on the requirement, the contractor decides what CRI of lights must be used.
Also, they ensure mixed lighting, such as the use of narrow beam angles in infield areas and broader beams in outfield and seating areas. ● Stadiums must meet specific lux levels (a measure of light intensity) based on the intended use. For example, for standard league play, contractors ensure that the baseball field light has a minimum lux level of 500-1000 in general areas, with 1500-2000 lux in critical areas such as the pitcher’s mound and home plate. ● Some advanced lighting systems come with smart control options, where contractors can fine-tune lighting conditions (e.g., dimming or adjusting specific areas of the stadium) remotely, based on the needs of the game or event. ● After the system is set up, contractors may work with the team, players, or broadcasting partners to get feedback and make any necessary changes to the lighting setup.
Choose LED for Baseball Field Lights LED baseball field lights may cost more at first compared to metal halide lights, but it’s a smart investment in the long run. First, LED lights can save you up to 75% on energy bills. Second, you won’t need to replace bulbs as often, and LED lights last much longer—around 50,000 hours, compared to just 10,000 hours for metal halide lights. (source) LED lights are sometimes called LED floodlights, LED high mast lights, or LED stadium lights. They all refer to the same thing, with just the power of the lights varying. Depending on the size of your field and the level of play, LED floodlights can range from 400 to 1500 watts.
Conclusion LED light installation is a step towards energy savings, so there are multiple grants and incentives provided by the giving bodies. However, engaging with sports lighting companies prior to applying for grants or funding programs is a strategic move for any sports facility. These companies know all about the latest lighting technology, installation costs, and how to save energy. By working with them, facilities can get accurate estimates and customized solutions that meet baseball field light requirements. Get in touch with Texas Sports Lighting and complete your lighting project with ease.
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