Recently, a customer in Philadelphia, PA contacted us to see if we could use LEDs to light an indoor residential basketball court. He described the location and what he was looking for to us so that we had an idea of where to begin. To start, we needed the dimensions of the area. The basketball court is still under construction, but the customer sent us a photo of what it currently looks like. See the photo below for reference.
- The basketball court ceiling has an A-frame shape– 12′ high at the edge and 22′ high at the beam.
- The court floor area is 30′ x 35′.
- As shown in the image, the window openings are located along the rear beam.
- The walls and ceilings will be white sheetrock when the project is finished.
- The ridge beam and rear beam will be exposed when the project is finished.
- The floor is currently concrete but will ultimately be wood flooring.
Our customer spared no expense in building this beautiful indoor basketball court. He asked us if high bays would be appropriate for his lighting solution but wondered if we could provide an alternative basketball court light fixture that would be more flush with the ceiling. We got to work finding an understated and effective lighting solution. We recommended LED basketball court lights for their energy efficiency and durability.
A Four-Fixture Solution
Based on the appearance and dimensions of this indoor basketball court, we knew that we could provide several viable options with which to light the court using indoor sports lighting. We first suggested the EPTA, which is a linear LED fixture offered in multiple wattages and Kelvins. In this model, eight EPTA 150 fixtures would be used to light the court just below the angle where the wall would meet the ceiling. We would angle these fixtures up so that the light would reflect off the white ceiling, either pointed directly up or aimed at the diagonal ceiling to create a wash of light. EPTA fixtures can be wall-mounted and can pivot to aim the light to a desired area. They are IP67-rated and L70-rated at over 200,000 hours, ensuring years and years of maintenance-free lighting.
We also offered the choice of the APTA, which is a modular LED high bay fixture. The APTA has a surface mount option and this would be used to place the fixtures once the ceiling was complete. We determined that the best lighting solution for this project would be to place four APTA 200 LED high bays on the ceiling evenly spaced from each other. A 150-degree beam spread would be used on all four fixtures as well as a 0-10v dimmer. The LED basketball court lights provide flicker-free operation, energy efficiency, and durability, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor settings. See the photo below for the finished product!
Like the EPTA, APTA fixtures are IP67-rated and L70-rated at over 200,000 hours of life. They require little maintenance and the APTA 200 would provide more than enough illumination for this basketball court project. The housing is made of die-cast aluminum with a corrosion-resistant finish. Both the EPTA and the APTA come with a five-year Access Fixtures warranty and are terrific LED light fixtures in their own right. However, our customer ended up choosing the APTA solution because he felt that they would be better able to blend in with the ceiling. We fitted the APTAs that our customer ordered with diffusers which allows the light fixture to blend more subtly into the background by hiding the LEDs themselves. The APTA fixtures come in several different standard colors, including white, which our customer chose to match his ceiling.
The photo below shows a standard APTA luminaire with no diffusers.
Ready to Order Indoor Basketball Court Lighting?
To request a photometric analysis for your project, feel free to contact us so that we can get you the lighting you need. If you require more information about basketball court lighting or want to discuss your options, call us at 800-468-9925. We specialize in lighting solutions for a professional indoor basketball court, ensuring optimal video quality for television broadcasting. Our team is available to answer any questions that you may have.
What is Basketball Court Lighting?
Basketball court lighting refers to the specialized illumination designed specifically for both indoor and outdoor basketball courts. The right lighting setup is crucial for players to clearly see the ball, court boundaries, the basket, and other players, thereby enhancing the overall gameplay experience. Proper lighting minimizes shadows and prevents glare, which is essential for making accurate shots and dribble maneuvers. This is particularly important in competitive matches where visibility can significantly impact performance. Whether for recreational or professional play, effective court lighting ensures that the game is played safely and enjoyably.
Benefits of LED Lights for Indoor Basketball Courts
LED lights have become the preferred choice for indoor basketball courts due to their numerous advantages. One of the primary benefits is their energy efficiency, which translates to lower electricity bills and a reduced carbon footprint. LED lights also boast a prolonged lifespan, meaning they need to be replaced less frequently, reducing maintenance costs. The superior light quality of LEDs provides uniform, intense illumination that eliminates shadows and reduces glare, creating a more comfortable playing environment. Additionally, LED lights generate minimal heat, making them safer and more pleasant for indoor settings. Their environmental friendliness and ability to provide consistent, high-quality lighting make LEDs an excellent choice for any indoor basketball court.
Lighting Requirements for Basketball Courts
The Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) sets forth recommendations for sports lighting, including basketball, in its publication “IES RP-6-15: Sports and Recreational Area Lighting.” These guidelines help ensure that lighting systems meet the necessary standards for different levels of play. For indoor basketball courts, the recommended illuminance levels range from 300 lux (approximately 30 foot-candles) for recreational play to 750 lux (approximately 70 foot-candles) or more for professional play. Outdoor courts have slightly different requirements, with recommended illuminance levels ranging from 200 lux (approximately 20 foot-candles) for recreational play to 500 lux (approximately 50 foot-candles) or more for professional play. Adhering to these standards is essential for providing optimal visibility and safety for players.
Safety Considerations for Basketball Court Lighting
Safety is a paramount concern when it comes to basketball court lighting. The lighting system should be designed to minimize glare and prevent eye strain for both players and spectators. Fixtures need to be impact-resistant to withstand occasional hits from basketballs, ensuring they remain functional and safe. Additionally, the lighting system should be designed to prevent overheating and electrical shock, which can pose serious risks. Proper installation and regular maintenance are crucial to prevent accidents and injuries, ensuring that the lighting system remains reliable and safe for all users. By prioritizing safety in the design and upkeep of basketball court lighting, we can create a secure and enjoyable environment for everyone involved.