Designing a proper soccer field lighting system may seem simple, but in order to have optimal results there must be significant planning involved. The amount of light you need depends on the level of play, whether or not spectators are watching, and how big the field is. Obviously, a televised World Cup Soccer Game is going to require different and more complex lighting than a high school or youth soccer game. However, high school or recreation soccer games still demand adequate lighting to ensure player safety and optimal visibility. By carefully evaluating these aspects and tailoring the lighting design to suit the specific needs of the players and spectators, a well-lit soccer field can enhance the overall experience and contribute to the success of the game.

That is why in this post will be breaking down the different lighting requirements for soccer fields, based on the level of competition and viewership of the game, including:

• Illuminance

• Uniformity

• Color Temperature 

• Color Rendering Index

• Number of Poles

• Height of Poles

Lighting Standards for Soccer Fields

Illuminance

The lighting level or quantity of light that falls on the playing surface is a fundamental parameter. The larger the field and the greater the number of spectators the higher level of lighting will be required to provide sufficient illumination for better visibility and accuracy. See below lighting levels defined by the IES (Illuminating Engineering Society).  

Uniformity

Soccer field illumination should have a uniformity level between 0.5 and 0.7. This parameter is based on a scale of 0 to 1 that indicates how uniformly light is distributed. It is an important factor because irregular lighting can irritate players’ and spectators’ eyes. In fact, achieving optimum uniformity is not an easy task.

When designing lighting systems for college-level and lower-tier soccer fields, it is essential to adhere to guidelines and recommendations for player safety and performance. One such recommendation is to ensure the illuminance uniformity value calculated during the design process surpasses the minimum requirement. This consideration accounts for potential drops in illuminance that may occur when measuring the actual lighting values on the field. By incorporating these guidelines, you can create a lighting setup that meets or exceeds the necessary standards, ensuring optimal visibility and a safe playing environment for college and lower-tier soccer matches.

Color Temperature

Soccer field lighting tends to require a cooler lighting temperature, which usually falls in the 5000K range. This provides the most neutral experience for the spectators and elevates the players’ alertness. A cooler lighting temperature also looks better when televised which is why many broadcasters and streaming services require a minimum color temperature to ensure a high-quality video.

Color Rendering Index (CRI)

The color rendering index is a vital factor when choosing the right lighting for a soccer field. Lighting with higher CRI can provide vibrant color tones in the entire field. It is also best to combine high CRI and accurate color temperatures in LED sports lights for the optimum desired configuration. 

IES has set specific requirements regarding the color quality of lighting systems for soccer fields. These requirements emphasize the importance of good color rendering. For collegiate televised events, IES mandates a Color Rendering Index (CRI) value of 80 or higher, ensuring accurate and vibrant colors on screen. Similarly, for all other soccer fields, whether at high school, recreation, or club levels, the CRI value must be equal to or greater than 70. Adhering to these guidelines guarantees that the lighting system will provide excellent color representation, enhancing the overall visual experience for players, spectators, and viewers alike.

Number of Poles

The dimensions of the soccer field (total area) and the level of competition are the two main factors that determine the number of lighting poles needed to light up your soccer pitch. 

A International, NFHS high school, or NCAA college regulation-size soccer field is typically 225 feet wide and 360 feet long, with a total area of 81,000 square feet. Any high school or recreational soccer field on the other hand will be significantly smaller; however, soccer fields do however have uniform elements. 

The diameter of a soccer field’s center circle is always 60 feet. The penalty box is always 54 feet by 132 feet, and the goal area is always 18 feet deep. Knowing that the soccer field is always symmetrical on both sides is helpful in determining placement of poles.

The number of lighting poles required for each level in soccer can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the field, the lighting system's design, and the specific lighting requirements of the organizations such as college/high-schools. However, here are some general guidelines at each level of soccer:

1. College/University Level: College-level soccer fields typically require a sufficient number of lighting poles to ensure uniform lighting and visibility across the field. The number of poles can vary, but a typical range could be between 4 to 6 poles, depending on the field size and lighting design specifications.

2. High School/Community Level: High school and community-level soccer fields usually have fewer lighting poles compared to higher-level fields. A range of 4 to 6 poles is commonly observed for such fields, but again, the specific number may vary based on the field's size and lighting requirements.

3. Club Level: Club-level soccer fields, which cater to organized youth and adult teams, typically require a sufficient number of lighting poles for proper visibility. A range of 4 to 6 poles, similar to high school and college levels, is often appropriate.

4. Recreation Level: Recreational soccer fields, where casual games and community leagues take place, usually have a moderate number of lighting poles to ensure adequate illumination. A range of 3 to 4 poles is commonly seen for such fields, considering their smaller sizes compared to higher-level fields.

Height of Poles

Not only does the number of poles directly affect the game, but the height at which the poles are placed matters too. Shorter sports field lighting poles potentially bring more glare into the players’ and spectators’ lines of sight. Players tracking a goal kick high in the air or a goalkeeper watching a shot come over the wall may momentarily lose sight of the ball as it passes between them and a light. This could cause them to make a mistake or, more dangerously, have a mid-air collision with another player. 

By placing the lights on taller poles, the glare is less likely to come into the direct sight of the players or spectators, making for a better experience. The acute angle of lamps on tall poles also reduces the amount of light spillage.  

Types of Lighting Fixtures on Soccer Fields

Soccer fields typically use Sports Field Light Fixtures. These lights can typically be manually controlled; however, the problem with traditional HID (high-intensity discharge) lights is they have become a less energy efficient type of bulb. 

Larger soccer fields generally require a high intensity of light with some fixtures reaching as high as 200,000 lumens per fixture, which is why LED light fixtures have been proven to be more beneficial.

Benefits of LED Sports Lighting in Soccer Fields 

It is important to not only consider the initial installation of your soccer field’s lighting fixtures but the longevity of those lights and the maintenance requirements. The longer a light lasts, the less time is spent replacing lamps or bulbs. And since most soccer field lights are mounted on a high pole, replacing each individual bulb can become a time consuming and labor-intensive task. Thus, lighting that lasts a long time and is resistant to impact, weather, and dust-related damage is important.

LED Sports Lights provides superior illumination and is long lasting. The typical lifespan of LED flood lights or LED High Mast lights is 35,000 hours, which can average to about 4 years if on 24/7. LED Sports Field Lighting also creates a better viewing experience for spectators by creating better TV lighting and improving the overall watching experience with high definition viewing. That is why retrofitting existing HID light fixtures to LED lights will lower both utility and maintenance costs over time with less replacements.

A good lighting design must consider all the full potential of the LED field lights. Contact us at Stouch Lighting today to speak with a professional who considers all the details of your project, such as brightness levels, uniformity requirements, pole position and height, and LED sports lights to choose the best lighting system for your soccer field.