Northern Illinois University cut court glare and reached 91 fc by adding 47 uplights to its indoor tennis courts, LED Lighting Supply says.
Results
The challenge
The four courts in the Chick Evans Field House were lit by a mix of older and newer LEDs. Players, especially on the serve and near the court edges, complained of glare, and some older models were failing. The head coach wanted to keep the recently bought LEDs. All fixtures pointed straight down, so the 48 newer linear lights were bright sources in the players' line of sight while the domed concrete ceiling above stayed dark.
The solution
LED Lighting Supply recommended adding linear high bays that light the dome indirectly, supplying 47 fixtures at a 35-foot mounting height and adjusting a few existing linear lights.
The outcome
LED Lighting Supply reports 91 fc on the four courts, up from below the college benchmark to the 90 to 120 fc band suited to college and televised play, and says energy use fell by about 50 percent. The coach said players noticed the brighter dome, which removes the harsh contrast of bright lights against a dark ceiling.
Key takeaways
- Lighting the dome reduced glare without replacing the newer fixtures.
- The existing LEDs were kept to protect the earlier investment.
- Players noticed the brighter ceiling first.
Project details
Photos
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