A great quote from the Futurama TV show states that if you always do things right, people will not notice that you have done anything at all. This wisdom of words applies to the little things that people ignore. In the sporting world, lighting is one of those little things.
When people get into a sports field, for instance, they will notice its unique shape, open and huge space. They will not notice lighting as it is something they simply expect to be taken care of. Let’s dig deeper into this by using one famous example.
If you really love football games, perhaps you will recall the incidence at the Super Bowl XLVII back in 2013.
People barely remember the final score, but they certainly can recall what happened to the lighting. This is what happened…
When the game was halfway, the field was literally dark and people could hardly see. In some way, the power flipped off and that’s why the stadium lost electricity.
For 34 good minutes, the TV broadcast and lights were down. Luckily, power was fixed and the big game proceeded.
People mostly remember this game simply because the lights went down. This unlucky game is a great illustration of how sports lighting is important. The lights do not only need to be bright, but the brightness should be enough for people to see what’s taking place in the stadium.
Sports lighting is important for different aspects such as:
a. For Athletics
Proper sports lighting helps the stadiums to offer a better playing experience than other periods. Using lights like LEDs give an even illumination on both the indoor and outdoor courts and fields. This minimizes the glare and mimics natural daylight. As a result, athletes get to enjoy a comfortable environment. So, members can play at any time of the day or night.
Better yet, with proper lighting, your stadium can be utilized for larger games. The right illumination can make a facility highly versatile to host numerous events. Simply put, lighting your venue is a great way to prepare for the growth of your club in the future.
b. For Spectators
Apart from athletics, sports lighting is important for spectators too. The TV and local spectators need enough lighting levels for them to enjoy these events. Quality lighting boosts visual acuity in a live setting.
Also, it enhances the vividness of both color and contrast, which helps when broadcasting sports in High Definition. As stadiums and arenas become larger, the distance between the spectators and playing field increases as well. If spectators cannot see the sport then they cannot enjoy it.
c. For Safety
A major liability that clubs face is related to poorly maintained lighting. Should a member get an injury due to dim lighting, the responsibility will fall under the club and their insurer. More so, the reputation of the club will be ruined by that sad experience.
d. For Security
Installing security lighting is a sure and effective way to protect a stadium. Many householders and commercial premises are now familiar with the benefits of lighting. While other security tactics like alarm systems can keep a sports facility or home secure, the presence of lighting is adequate to keep away lots of would-be intruders.
A well-lit stadium drastically lowers the likelihood of a break-in to take place. These lawbreakers will not enjoy the benefit of darkness to conduct their activities.
Sports lighting is as well very effective when operating surveillance systems. Proper lighting helps the security to positively recognize an intruder. This gives stadium management a much greater sense of control should something unfortunate occurs.
Finally, the presence of lighting reduced the chances of tripping over unnoticeable items concealed in the dark.
Conclusion
Proper sports lighting makes all the difference – regardless of the venue. Be it a tennis court, softball field, driving range, an arena or a playground, every athletic facility has certain needs to meet and aspects to consider. One of the most vital environmental considerations to note is sports lighting. It is something that all facilities owners and operators must take seriously. Should the lighting fail, it can bring a game to an instant end.
Proper sports lighting is crucial for success. Further, it makes the difference between an empty field and a famous destination. In a sports field, the lights do not only need to work but work properly. With this in mind though, do not expect any person to notice that. People will only notice when the lights fail to come on or when they are not switched on.