Many factors should be considered when choosing the go-to luminaire for sports facilities. Not only should the light meet the requirements of the area, but also comply with the corresponding regulations, keeping in mind the specific features that the luminaires need to include in order to hold a sports event.
When choosing lighting for outdoor sports facilities, the impact of the luminaires on the environment is another element that should not be neglected. This can be achieved by investing in lighting solutions that allow for energy savings and reduction of light pollution.
The application of advanced technologies to these sport lighting solutions is indeed relevant, as it is a key factor to improve light application. Intelligent technologies allow for comprehensive management of the luminaires, for automated regulation of the lights, and for automated monitoring tasks aimed at reducing maintenance costs and improving lifespan of each luminaire.
Factors to consider when choosing lighting for sports facilities
At Televes, as experts in LED lighting with intelligent technologies and in developing luminaires using existing infrastructures, we would like to summarize the most relevant elements so you can choose the appropriate lighting for your outdoor sports facilities:
Location of your sports facilities
It is a key element, as the evolution of the natural light and how it affects the type of sports event held at the facilities should be taken into account.
Therefore, when choosing luminaires, it is essential to know the impact of the natural sunlight, as well as the need of LED lights to bring about uniformity and also to avoid shaded areas, especially at events taking place at dusk and those in which stands surround the stadium and are located at different heights.
Competition levels
First, light requirements for every sports event that may be held at the facilities must be borne in mind, especially when it comes to multi-purpose sports facilities where all the areas are adapted to different kinds of sports.
Below you will find the aspects included in UNE standard 12193 that must be analyzed in terms of the required lighting levels depending on the levels of the competitions held at the facilities:
- Class I lighting: Both national and international top-level competitions. They normally take place in crowded big premises.
- Class II lighting: Intermediate-level competitions at both local and regional scales.
- Class III lighting: Aimed at sports facilities used for training and different types of leisure activities, such as municipal sports centers.
Sports events broadcast
As for sports facilities where broadcast events or competitions take place, luminaires and their adaptability must also meet the lighting requirements for high-quality live broadcast.
UNE standard 12193 also contains the variables and parameters required by sports lighting: horizontal lighting – as well as vertical lighting for specific water sports such as diving –, uniformity degree, chromatic performance and brightness.
Relevant aspects of lighting for outdoor sports facilities
Be they top-level sports facilities or local sports areas designed for citizens, it is necessary to create a convenient, sustainable space that may improve the users’ quality of life and of those who live nearby:
Light uniformity: That is, lighting that does not bring about either effects of glare or shaded areas so as to create a nice and convenient sports space for any kind of sports, people and users. It is key to find a suitable combination of different optics to project that are defined in the light researches previously performed.
Energy efficiency: This is a priority aspect when choosing luminaires. Here lies the importance of investing in LED lights that will allow you to save up to 80% on energy as well as to reduce maintenance needs.
Environmental impact: It is vital to know the impact of the luminaires used in outdoor areas. On the one hand, the heat they may emit, or the type of materials used so as to offer mercury-free low-voltage lighting. On the other hand, how light affects the environment should be considered, especially if the sports facilities are near parks, natural areas or SPAs (Special Protection Areas).
Investing in good lighting means investing in both people’s quality of life and our planet’s health.
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