Volleyball court lights design and cost guide
Lighting a volleyball court can be an excellent upgrade to any facility. Whether you’re hosting indoor tournaments or just want to be able to offer a safe practice space after dark, having the correct lighting is essential.
But how much does it cost? The price of installing volleyball court lighting can vary greatly based on the number of fixtures and the quality of the lights you choose, but some general guidelines will help you budget for this important upgrade.
The overall cost for installing LED lighting for a volleyball court ranges between $25,000 and $215,000. Let’s dive into what determines the total cost and how you can potentially save money on your project.
Use our LED volleyball court lighting cost calculator to get a customized cost estimate for your project.
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Choosing your volleyball court lighting system
Volleyball courts are normally lit up using high-powered floodlights mounted on the ceiling of the sports facility. For a long time, the most popular type of lighting system used for volleyball courts was metal halide lighting systems. However, in the last decade LED sports lighting systems have taken over as the number one choice on the market. LEDs are much more energy-efficient, they provide a better quality of light (no flickering) and they can save you a lot of money on utility bills.
There are also important differences in the configuration of an LED volleyball court lighting system compared to a metal halide system.
- Technology – Instead of using gas lamps, ballasts, and reflectors, LED lighting systems rely on semiconductor technology: fixtures with light-emitting diodes and drivers that regulate the supply of electricity.
- Fixtures – LED lighting system requires fewer sports lighters thanks to the higher energy efficiency.
- Light poles – LED fixtures weigh less, so they do not need as robust light poles as metal halide luminaires.
- Maintenance – LED lighting systems require a lot less maintenance. No need to replace bulbs like with metal halide systems.
- Control system – LED sports lighting systems use advanced control systems to adjust the lighting levels, dimming, scheduling, etc.
These differences may seem trivial to someone who is not technically oriented, but all of the factors listed above result in significant energy and cost savings for your sports facility.
LED Volleyball court lighting fixture types
As explained already in the previous chapter, LED sports lighting fixtures are the best option for your volleyball court lighting. There are different types of light fixtures to choose from and sometimes several types are used to complement each other. The main types are:
- LED High-bay (UFO) lighting fixtures – These fixtures are the most common type found at volleyball courts because they provide uniform and quality illumination with a focused beam angle for the court below. They are mounted on the ceiling and are the perfect solution for a volleyball facility with a high ceiling.
- LED floodlights – These luminaires are often used to light up volleyball facilities with a low ceiling as their beam angle is broader and the light is distributed over a larger area. These fixtures are also mounted on the ceiling using posts, beams, or trusses.
Sometimes strip or linear LED fixtures are used to complement the primary light source to avoid shadows in areas that are more difficult to light and to provide a more ambient lighting experience.
Upgrading a metal halide lighting system to LED technology
Thanks to the improved energy efficiency of LED fixtures compared to metal halides, your facility can save a lot of money on utility bills. When choosing your LED volleyball court light fixtures, take into consideration the wattage difference between LED and metal halide. Here are some recommendations to follow:
- 60W – 100W LED volleyball court fixture replaces a 250W metal halide fixture
- 100W – 200W LED volleyball court fixture replaces a 400W metal halide fixture
- 300W – 400W LED volleyball court fixture replaces a 1000W metal halide fixture
- 400W – 500W LED volleyball court fixture replaces a 1500W metal halide fixture
- 600W LED volleyball court fixture replaces a 2000W metal halide fixture
Try our volleyball court lighting cost calculator to get a customized cost estimate for your project.
Examples of LED volleyball court light fixtures
LED Volleyball Court Light Fixture
- Tunable white lights
- 350W
- 46,000+ lumens
- 1600K-6300K
- CRI up to 93
LED Volleyball Court Light Fixture
- Full RGB and tunable white
- 350W
- 1800K-10000K
- CRI 70-90
LED Volleyball Gym High Bay Light Fixture
- Ceiling-mounted
- 100-200W
- Up to 26,000 LM
- 3000K-5700K
- CRI 70-90
LED Volleyball Gym Linear High Bay Fixture
- Asymmetric lighting
- 70W-400W
- Up to 56,000 LM
- 3000K-6500K
- CRI 70-90
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LED Volleyball court lighting design & layout
When designing your lighting system, you’ll need to consider where the lights will be placed, how many will be used, and what type of rigging is required for mounting.
For indoor volleyball courts, you have two options. The first is the ceiling layout, where you mount your lights to the ceiling of your facility. This is effective if your ceiling is high enough to distribute light evenly.
The second option is a truss system, which can be mounted on walls or steel structures. A truss system may be the best solution if your ceiling is low or too uneven for an effective ceiling layout.
How many lighting fixtures do you need?
To calculate the number of LED lighting fixtures to properly light up your volleyball court, you will need to understand the total area that needs to be lit and the competition level of the users of the court.
Here’s a simple calculation to give you an idea of how many LED lighters you would need for a standard-sized volleyball court including the free zone around the court.
- LED Lighting fixture efficiency: 130 lumens per watt (LPW)
- Dimensions of the gymnasium/sports hall: 94′ x 50′
- Area of a volleyball court (including free zone): approx. 4,000 square feet
- Lumen output needed (footcandles x square feet): 80,000 – 400,000 (recreational-pro)
- Total wattage needed (lumens / LPW 130)
- recreational: approx. 600w
- professional: approx. 3,000w
- For a recreational volleyball gym, you will need at least: 4 x 150w LED sports lighters
- For a professional volleyball gym, you will need at least: 15 x 200w LED sports lighters
Indoor volleyball court LED lighting layout for recreational use
Indoor volleyball court LED lighting layout for professional use
LED Volleyball court Lighting standards & requirements
As stated above, the type of competition you’re holding will have a significant impact on your final costs. Different sports leagues, tournaments and competitive organizations require different levels of lighting quality.
Recreational facilities only need around 20-30 footcandles, while local professional competitors need 30-50 footcandles or more. If you’re planning on hosting televised matches or international competitions you may need 1000-2000 footcandles of evenly distributed light throughout your court and facility.
No matter the level of play, you need uniform light levels across the court. If you’re in doubt, it’s best to consult a professional who can help you find an appropriate lighting solution for your specific requirements. A pro can help you choose the right lights, the right color temperature, and the correct lumens for your space. As
Volleyball court lighting specficiations
| Indoor volleyball court lighting Levels | Footcandles | Uniformity | CRI | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Class I: International competition | 100 - 200 fc | min. 0.7 | min. 80 | min. 5000K |
Class II: Regional competition, high schools | 50 - 75 fc | min. 0.6 | min. 65 | 4000-5000K |
Class III: Training/Recreational | 20 - 30 fc | min. 0.5 | min. 65 | 4000-5000K |
What influences the cost of volleyball court lighting?
Before we can tell you how you can cut costs and give you tips on funding your court, you need to understand the components that go into the cost of lighting a volleyball court.
New Lighting System or Retrofit?
The first factor to consider is whether you’re installing a new lighting system, or retrofitting an existing one. New systems are more expensive than retrofits, since they require the installation of wiring and fixtures. In most cases, when you’re installing LED lights on an existing court, you’ll be able to save money by reusing your existing infrastructure.
Who Will Be Using Your Court?
Your athletes and spectators are one of the most important factors when it comes to lighting a volleyball court.
If your creating a space for a high school team your needs will be different from a recreational facility or a professional sports team. If you’re unsure what the requirements are for your particular use, you can talk to a professional lighting specialist who’ll be able to advise you.
What Is The Size Of Your Volleyball Court Facility?
The standard size for a regulation volleyball court is 29 feet 6 inches wide by 59 feet long. This is a total area of 1,743 square feet. But your facility may be larger or smaller depending on how many courts you have and how much space you need for spectators.
In addition to the playing surface, you’ll need to account for a safe zone as well. For a fast-paced sport like volleyball, a safe zone of at least 30 – 50 feet on all sides is recommended. This will help you accommodate spectators and benches on the sides. But remember, every foot your add will require more lighting fixtures and increase the cost of your LED sports lighting system.
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What Type Of Lighting Fixtures Do You Want?
Once you have the total area that needs to be lit, it’s time to choose your lights. For today’s sports facilities, you have two choices:
- HID (High-Intensity Discharge): These tend to be cheaper and more budget-friendly upfront. However, their short lifespan and low efficiency mean that they may end up costing you more in the long term.
- LED (Light Emitting Diodes): LED lighting is more expensive upfront but has a much longer lifespan and higher energy efficiency than HID lights. Plus, the quality of LED lighting is far better for sports like volleyball. An investment in LED sports lighting tends to pay itself back within 3-5 years.
What Quality Of Lighting Fixtures Are You Installing?
As with any parts, materials, or products, the quality of your lighting fixtures directly correlates to cost.
If you want the best quality in terms of performance and durability, you’ll need to pay more upfront. However, this is generally worth it since high-quality lights tend to last longer and use less energy.
Additionally, when looking for lighting fixtures for your volleyball court, remember to look for a warranty. This will give you confidence that the fixtures you’re purchasing are of good quality and will last you longer than cheaper alternatives.
Where Is Your Court Located?
Believe it or not, your court’s geographical location is also a factor in lighting.
Depending on which side of the country you’re located, things like labor, parts, and shipping can all impact your final price. Finding a partner that will work with you to balance your budget is essential for the success of your project.
Important considerations
Now that you know most of the basics, let’s look at some more important considerations when choosing lighting fixtures for your volleyball court.
Firstly, you want to ensure your lights are impact-resistant. Balls fly around the court and can easily damage fixtures if they aren’t sufficiently protected.
Secondly, ensure you have the necessary controls in place so your lights are only on when needed. This will help you save money on energy costs in the long run. A modern LED sports lighting system comes with a control system that can be operated via a mobile app or a laptop. Some of the features typically include scheduling and dimming for example.
Volleyball court lighting companies
Companies specializing in volleyball court lighting provide tailored solutions to meet the specific demands of this dynamic sport. Volleyball requires clear, consistent illumination to track the ball’s rapid movements and ensure players can react swiftly. These lighting experts design systems that offer uniform brightness across the court, minimizing shadows and glare. This ensures players have optimal visibility, enhancing their performance and safety. When considering lighting for a volleyball court, it’s essential to work with professionals who understand the sport’s unique requirements, ensuring the best possible playing conditions for both competitive matches and recreational games.
Pro tip: If you are currently looking for a reliable and knowledgeable sports lighting vendor, try our sports lighting partner finder and get connected with suitable lighting partners.
Funding tips for LED volleyball court lighting
As you can see, there’s quite a bit to consider when pricing your volleyball lighting project. If you’re worried about your budget, a few financing options are available.
One option is to use grants dedicated to improving neighborhoods and promoting energy-efficient installations. Local, state and federal funds are all available.
Another option is to look for financing from your local energy companies. Many offer loans or rebates to encourage customers to upgrade their lighting systems.
Finally, you can contact a professional volleyball court contractor who may be able to provide financing options and help you plan your project.
Check out our database on sports facility grants here to get a better idea of your options.
We have also written about LED sports lighting grant programs for schools and businesses. Take a look!
Kick Off Your LED Sports Lighting Project
We’ve created a comprehensive set of tools designed to assist facility managers and project planners in initiating their projects and connect them with the professionals in the industry.
Get a cost estimate at an early stage
Once you’ve decided how to finance your lighting project, getting an accurate cost estimate is important before you start work. A professional contractor can provide a reliable quote that includes materials, labor, and other costs associated with the installation.
This will give you a better idea of what you’re getting into and help you plan your budget accordingly.
Ready to get started today? Use our LED volleyball court lighting cost calculator for a free, no-obligation estimate. We’ll provide you with an accurate, detailed quote that covers all aspects of your project.