Tennis Lights: How to Illuminate Your Court the Right Way

Lighting can make or break a tennis match. Whether you’re running a bustling sports facility, managing a community club, or planning new tennis courts, choosing the right tennis court lighting is about creating an environment where players can perform at their best and spectators can follow every rally.

From LED lights for tennis courts to traditional lighting options, there’s a lot to consider: uniformity, LED glare, light distribution, height, court size, and even compliance standards. So, let’s break down how to illuminate your tennis court the right way, step by step.

Why Proper Tennis Court Lighting Matters

A well-designed lighting system does far more than keep the court visible after sunset. It enhances the overall playing experience for tennis players, boosts safety, and makes your facility more inviting year-round.

Here’s why good tennis court lights are essential:

• Visibility: Adequate light levels allow players to see the ball clearly from every angle. Poor lighting causes missed shots, slower reaction times, and eye strain.
• Uniformity: Even light coverage across the court size prevents dark spots and shadows that can disrupt play.
• Performance: Consistent brightness and proper color temperature (depending if the court is indoor or outdoor) mimic natural daylight, helping athletes maintain focus.
• Energy savings: Modern LED lights use far less power than metal halide or other traditional lights, cutting costs dramatically.
• Maintenance: High-quality LED fixtures reduce maintenance cost and offer instant illumination, so there’s no warm-up time or frequent bulb replacements.

For sports facility managers and club owners, reliable tennis court lighting is a strategic investment.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Tennis Courts: Different Lighting Needs

Indoor Tennis Courts

Indoor tennis courts often benefit from indirect lighting. That means positioning fixtures so they shine upward, reflecting light off a white or reflective ceiling. This minimizes glare, reduces distractions for tennis players, and creates more even light distribution.

Key considerations for indoor setups include:

• Mounting height: Lights are typically installed high above the court to avoid interfering with lobs or serves.
• Beam angle: A wider beam angle helps cover the court size evenly without harsh shadows.
• Uniformity: Indirect systems shine here, creating soft, balanced illumination that supports performance.

Outdoor Tennis Courts

Outdoor tennis courts face a different set of challenges: wind, rain, temperature changes, and ambient light from nearby streets or homes. LED flood lights with an IP65 rating or higher are ideal because they’re designed to withstand the elements.

Important outdoor considerations include:

• Poles and fixture placement: Typically, four to eight poles are installed around the court, depending on court size and number of courts.
• Glare control: Shields or visors can help direct light distribution, preventing light spill onto neighboring areas.
• Compliance: Many regions have strict lighting and environmental regulations due to light spill, which is why choosing high-quality products that meet compliance standards is key.

Choosing Between Traditional Lights and LED Technology

Not all tennis court lights are created equal. Let’s compare traditional lights like metal halide to modern LED technology.

Traditional Lighting Options

For decades, metal halide fixtures dominated tennis courts. They’re bright, familiar, and relatively cheap upfront. But they come with drawbacks:

• Long warm-up times, which means no instant illumination
• High maintenance needs and frequent bulb changes
• Poor energy efficiency
• Gradual lumen depreciation, meaning the brightness drops over time

LED Lights for Tennis Courts

Modern LED lights for tennis courts offer a clear advantage:

• Energy savings of up to 70% compared to traditional systems
• Consistent light levels and uniformity
• Minimal maintenance cost thanks to long lifespans (often 50,000+ hours)
• Better glare control and customizable beam angles
• Excellent color temperature for natural visibility

For anyone upgrading their lighting system, LED fixtures are a no-brainer. They deliver better performance, lower operating costs, and elevate the overall playing experience.

Pro tip: OEO offers a range of LED spots light fixtures, from powerful flood lights to specialized high-efficiency models perfect for tennis courts and even pickleball courts. 

Key Design Considerations for Tennis Court Lights

Designing an effective tennis court lighting setup isn’t guesswork. It’s a thoughtful process that balances brightness, uniformity, and energy efficiency.

Court Size and Layout

Standard tennis court size is 78 feet by 36 feet for doubles. For multiple courts, consider spacing between poles and fixtures to avoid light overlap or dark zones.

Pole Height and Placement

For outdoor tennis courts, poles are typically 20–30 feet tall. Four-pole configurations work for recreational play, while professional facilities often use six or eight poles for optimal uniformity.

Fixture Selection

Choose fixtures designed specifically for sports applications. Look for:

• IP65 rating or higher for outdoor durability
• Adjustable beam angle for precise light distribution
• High lumen output for clear visibility
• Easy mounting options to streamline installation

Color Temperature and Brightness

A color temperature around 5000K provides bright, crisp light that mimics daylight, ideal for tennis. Pay attention to brightness levels to ensure you meet competition standards and avoid excessive glare.

Uniformity and Glare Control

Poor uniformity creates uneven lighting and harsh shadows that can throw off players’ timing. Proper aiming, quality fixtures, and thoughtful layout help maintain even light levels across the entire court.

Benefits of Upgrading to LED Lighting

Switching to LED technology for your tennis court isn’t just about keeping up with the times, it’s a strategic move with tangible benefits.

• Energy savings: Reduce utility costs without compromising brightness.
• Lower maintenance: Durable LED fixtures last longer and need fewer replacements.
• Instant illumination: No warm-up period. Lights turn on instantly, perfect for evening matches.
• Improved performance: Crisp, consistent visibility helps tennis players focus on the game.
• Sustainability: Lower energy use and fewer replacements reduce environmental impact.

With OEO’s products, facility managers can modernize their lighting system and enjoy year-over-year returns through lower maintenance cost and utility savings.

Pickleball and Multi-Court Considerations

Many clubs now offer both tennis courts and pickleball courts. The good news? LED lights work beautifully for both.

Pickleball courts are smaller, so you can often use the same fixture types with slight adjustments to height, beam angle, or pole configuration. By planning for versatility, you can illuminate multiple sports without doubling your lighting investment.

Partnering with OEO for Your Tennis Court Lighting Project

When it comes to tennis court lights, precision and quality matter. OEO specializes in high-performance LED fixtures designed to elevate sports facilities of every size. Whether you’re retrofitting traditional lighting options or designing a brand-new lighting system, OEO’s products deliver the brightness, uniformity, and energy efficiency modern facilities need.

From indoor tennis courts to expansive outdoor tennis courts, our solutions offer:

• Reliable durability
• Tailored beam angles for flawless light distribution
• Efficient LED technology for maximum energy savings
• Expert guidance to help you choose the right fixture for your court size

Final Rally

The right tennis court lights don’t just illuminate, they inspire. They create safer, more engaging environments for players, extend playing hours, and enhance the prestige of your sports facility.

By understanding your lighting needs, embracing LED technology, and partnering with a trusted provider like OEO, you can transform your tennis courts into brilliantly lit stages for every match.

Ready to upgrade? Explore OEO’s tennis and sports lighting solutions and find the perfect LED fixtures to bring your court to life.