FIELD LIGHTING
Photo courtesy of Advanced Sports Group , LLC
lower as well . Fixtures can be dimmed when not in use , and can be controlled offsite , through a mobile app .
These days , however , the aspect of sports lighting that is getting the most scrutiny nationwide is its impact on the environment . Bright lights attract insects , which can be vectors for disease among both humans and animals – from pets to livestock . Excessive light can also disorient migrating birds ( and in coastal areas , sea turtles ), leading to their death .
Photo courtesy of GeoSurfaces , Inc .
LED lighting , which is better able to be directed only onto the playing area and the sidelines or stands , and which does not cause a glow in the sky above the field , is seen as the more responsible choice . Additionally , metal halide lighting contains mercury , which has long raised concerns about responsible disposal when fixtures reached the end of their useful life .
“ Eco-friendly lighting is a trend and is generally being influenced by cities , towns and municipalities that have adopted more responsible lighting practices ,” said Bruce Frasure of Frasure Reps Sports Lighting . “ In many cases , destinations are implementing these practices into their local zoning ordinances . The intent is to minimize glare , reduce light trespass and limit lighting that pollutes the night sky .”
In fact , there is extensive media coverage of cities , schools and even private venues where owners wanted to install more outdoor sports lighting and , having brought their plans before community officials or local HOAs , were told they needed to ascertain that the new lighting system will not disrupt the environment .
According to Frasure , in many cases , problems can be avoided by keeping a few principles in mind during the planning stage . sportsfieldmanagementonline . com August 2024 | SportsField Management
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