4 Challenges (& Solutions!) to Upgrading School Sports Lighting

1. Budget Constraints

Challenge

First and foremost, many schools face budget concerns and constraints, particularly when investing in extracurricular activities. While upgrading to a new sports lighting system may seem too costly upfront, school administrators may not realize how much money is spent over time due to high energy consumption (50% more than LED lighting systems) and constant maintenance requirements. In trying to cut corners, many school districts opt for a less costly upgrade without realizing that that is money down the drain; extended warranties are often used as a marketing tactic in sports lighting but come with numerous exclusions. If you’re not upgrading to a quality LED lighting system, you may have to replace it within a few years vs a decade.

Solution

Don’t be fooled by the upfront cost; a lower price tag may not mean a lower cost over time. You get what you pay for; if done right, that investment will return to you. Upgrading to a quality LED sports lighting system, with the help of electrical distributor experts, will actually save you money. We review your budget and needs and find a solution that works. Not only will your electric bill be lower, but LED lighting will withstand natural elements better than traditional lighting. And if for any reason there’s an issue, take comfort in knowing that a quality LED lighting system usually comes with a 10-year warranty.

2. Reliability

Challenge

Picture this: it’s Friday night, the stands are buzzing with excitement, and your team has just warmed up and is getting on the field. It’s rivalry night. Then the lights flicker. One or two even go out completely. Some parts of the field are completely black. Disappointment and confusion take hold. Will they turn back on themselves? Who can we call immediately? How does this make our sports program look to our fans and competitors?

*Shaking out of that nightmare*

Traditional lighting systems often suffer from issues such as uneven illumination across the field, shorter lifespans, aging technology, and the need for frequent maintenance, all of which can disrupt games and practices.

Solution

Now picture this: it’s Friday night, the stands are buzzing with excitement, and your team has just warmed up and is getting on the field. It’s rivalry night. And because you worked with your electrical distribution partner on an LED upgrade, the field is well-lit (you may even have custom, colored lights), and the focus is on the team and their performance—where it should be. Your rival can’t compete with your field or team (fingers crossed).

*Much better—more like a dream now*

New LED sports lighting systems provide even coverage across the field and a much longer, reliable lifespan.

3. Customization

Challenge

A large part of a great sporting event is the entertainment value. In addition to the entertainment from a school’s band and cheerleaders, lighting is often used to create excitement and help to focus on certain parts of the field – whether that’s for a key play, announcement, or performance.

Outdated lighting systems require manual adjustments for different times of day or celebrations. This offers minimal variety and needs someone to make these adjustments. They also contribute to light pollution (excessive artificial light in the atmosphere) and light trespass (unintended light that shines into other people’s property).

Solution

With remote-powered sports lighting systems, you control all poles and zones. The advanced customization options help you adjust brightness, change colors, and create dazzling light shows (eliminate the need for pyrotechnics, if you were so lucky to begin with) with just a few clicks. It also helps you be a more conscientious neighbor.

See the power and customization options of modern-day sports lighting technology from Cooper Lighting Solutions.

4. Future Planning

Challenge

While only 25% of the 16,000 college athletic venues and 10% of college recreation facilities have transitioned to LED, the shift from metal halide lighting to LED is happening. Laws and regulations are being updated, and metal halide lights are becoming obsolete. Finding replacement lights for old lighting systems will soon become a big challenge. And according to these 2024 stats, only a small percentage of schools have begun their LED lighting conversion.

LED Conversions in School Sports Lighting

• College Athletics: 16,000 venues, 25% converted to LED
• College Recreation: 16,000 venues, 10% converted to LED
• Municipal Park & Rec: 330,000 venues, 10% converted to LED
• K-12 Schools: 404,000 venues, 10% converted to LED

Where does your school stand?

Solution

Upgrading your sports lighting system to LEDs will simplify future buying and lighting replacements. Turnaround time will be quick, and replacements will be far less frequent as LEDs last longer than traditional lamps.

Examples of quality, customizable sports lighting products from Cooper Lighting Solutions: