5 Tips for
Upgrading to LED

The LED light source has revolutionized sports lighting, providing a cost-effective and energy-saving solution for facilities ranging from high school and community fields to professional stadiums. It also put advanced special effects and light shows within reach of venues of all shapes and sizes.

But while high-quality LED systems have elevated game nights, poorly designed technology from inexperienced manufacturers can cause serious problems with inadequate light levels, excessive spill and glare, and overall reliability. Here are five tips that will help you plan an LED lighting upgrade that will enhance your field or facility for years to come.

1. Not All Sports Lighting Is Created Equal

Every manufacturer’s LED equipment will perform differently. This is especially true in a sports lighting situation, where it’s important for a system to be durable and reliable, guarantee light levels, and minimize glare and spill. When selecting a lighting provider, look for a company with a history of innovation and the flexibility to tailor their system to the unique needs of your facility. (As an added tip, photometric lighting designs are the best way to ensure your LED retrofit will deliver the light levels you need at minimal short- and long-term cost.)

2. Shows Aren’t Just For Pros

On-field light shows used to be available primarily to the largest schools and professional stadiums. But the advance of LED technology has increased the accessibility of color-changing lights, special effects, and custom light shows synchronized to music. Ask your lighting provider what entertainment technology like Musco’s Show-Light® system can do to boost school spirit and bring crowds to their feet.

3. Find A Solution That Minimizes Spill And Glare

Glare and spill light can affect player performance, be distracting for fans, and negatively impact neighbors. We’ve seen situations with other manufacturers’ LED technology where facilities are forced to leave their lights off until they resolve issues with spill. Musco’s solutions include patented optics and visor technology to evenly distribute light only where it’s intended.

4. Look For A Complete System

Many sports lighting manufacturers only sell LED fixtures, and then build out their lighting with pieces and parts from different suppliers. That can make it difficult to guarantee the performance, durability, reliability, and availability of replacement parts for your lighting. For the best performance and reliability, look for a complete system from a manufacturer that provides lighting, structural, electrical components, and integrated surge protection all built to work together.

5. Understand Your Warranty

Every sports lighting solution requires maintenance. It is important to be clear on the length and details of your system’s warranty so that you know who is responsible for scheduling, performing, and paying for any necessary service. For comprehensive coverage, look for a combination of proactive system monitoring and a parts-and-labor warranty that is backed by a network of regionally based technicians who can provide timely service.