The right lighting can make or break a sports venue. Not only does it ensure players and spectators see every detail, but it also elevates the viewing experience for audiences tuning in from home. The Illumination Engineering Society of South Africa (IESSA) explores the latest trends in sports lighting and how South Africa is keeping pace with global innovations.
A growth opportunity for lighting professionals
For decades, electrical distributors and lighting agents didn’t pay close attention to the sports lighting category. If a town or school wanted to light their fields, for example, the typical solution meant installing pole-mounted metal halide floodlights and calling it a day. But, like everything else in lighting, things have become more complicated in the wake of LED light sources and lighting controls – but “complicated” is not a bad thing for our industry.
According to the Electrical Trends blog, having lights on fields is becoming a revenue generation opportunity. What we’re also seeing happening in sports is a change from the traditional grass field to artificial turf. Once they put the turf on, they can triple the usage per year because there is no loss of use due to damage to the grass. If a community invests in turf, adding lights just makes sense.
Trends and advances in sport lighting
The following trends have been observed – locally and abroad.
1. Energy-efficient LED technology
Global shift: LED lighting has revolutionised stadiums worldwide. Compared to older metal halide or halogen lights, LEDs consume far less energy, emit less heat, and last longer. This technology reduces the environmental footprint of stadiums and results in significant cost savings over time. LEDs also offer better colour rendering, which enhances on-field clarity and overall broadcast quality.
South Africa’s progress: South African sports venues are increasingly adopting LED lighting solutions. Major stadiums have replaced older systems with LED setups that meet international broadcast standards. However, some smaller venues may still rely on traditional systems, primarily due to budget constraints. Despite this, LED implementation continues to gain traction, with a focus on energy-saving solutions for sustainable growth.
2. Advanced lighting controls and dynamic systems
Global shift: The latest lighting systems in stadiums are no longer just on-and-off setups; they’re designed to be dynamic. Sophisticated control systems allow stadiums to adjust lighting intensity, colour temperature, and even animate lighting effects to create immersive experiences. This adaptability means that stadiums can tailor lighting for different events – whether it’s a football game or a concert – making the venue more versatile.
South Africa’s progress: Some of South Africa’s premier sports venues, particularly those in Johannesburg and Cape Town, have adopted these advanced lighting controls. As venues nationwide look to offer more dynamic experiences, investing in customisable lighting systems can boost local venues' attractiveness for international events and elevate the fan experience.
3. Optimised illumination for broadcasts and high-definition viewing
Global shift: As global audiences increasingly watch sports events in HD and even 4K resolution, stadiums must ensure that lighting quality supports these high-definition broadcasts. This includes minimising shadows, enhancing uniformity, and achieving optimal brightness without glare. In regions like Europe and the United States, lighting setups are fine-tuned to meet the exacting standards of high-end broadcasters.
South Africa’s progress: Many of South Africa's larger stadiums have made strides to meet these standards, though smaller venues may struggle to keep up. Collaborative efforts between broadcasters, lighting professionals, and stadium owners can ensure South African sports venues maintain a competitive edge, offering broadcast-quality experiences for local and international audiences.
[And more…]
**Read the rest of the article in the January 2025 edition of Sparks magazine. Click here