Columbus LED Sports Lighting Companies
Columbus is home to a wide range of athletic facilities — from public school stadiums to private sports complexes and city-run recreation fields.
As more organizations seek to reduce energy costs, extend playable hours, and improve field safety, LED sports lighting is quickly becoming the standard. Whether you’re upgrading an older halide system at a high school or installing lights on a brand-new multi-sport field, choosing the right partner in central Ohio is critical.
This guide outlines what you need to know when planning a sports lighting project in Columbus, including permitting, costs, environmental factors, and project examples.
Sports Field Lighting Companies in Columbus, OH
Find trusted Columbus-based LED lighting installers, suppliers, and manufacturers for football, soccer, baseball, and multi-sport fields. Perfect for school districts, universities, and park facilities across Central Ohio.
Sport Court Lighting Companies in Columbus, OH
Connect with LED lighting professionals in Columbus for outdoor tennis courts, pickleball complexes, basketball courts, and multi-sport surfaces across schools, parks, and athletic centers.
Gym Lighting Companies in Columbus, OH
Find experienced indoor LED lighting providers in Columbus for gymnasiums, recreation centers, indoor arenas, and multi-purpose courts throughout Central Ohio.
Getting Started with Sports Lighting in Columbus, OH
The Columbus area includes multiple jurisdictions, from Franklin County to suburban school districts and city park systems. A knowledgeable lighting contractor should understand OHSAA requirements, local zoning and permitting, and photometric layout needs.
Look for partners who offer turnkey installation services—including poles, fixtures, trenching, and controls—as well as post-install support for aiming, diagnostics, and maintenance.
Ask for references from nearby schools or city rec departments to confirm local experience.
Check out your options on our Ohio state-level guide for LED Sports Lighting Companies here.
Sport-Specific Lighting Needs in the Columbus Area
Facilities across the Columbus metro serve a wide range of programs — from middle school soccer to televised college football. The right LED lighting system should match the performance and safety needs of each sport.
Football & Soccer
Fields at Columbus City Schools, suburban districts like Dublin and Westerville, and private facilities require even lighting with reduced shadows. Systems should meet or exceed OHSAA standards for safe nighttime play.
Baseball & Softball
LED fixtures for diamond sports must be properly aimed to reduce glare for outfielders and avoid light spill onto adjacent properties. Many parks opt for low-glare systems with precision optics.
Tennis, Pickleball & Multi-Use Courts
Parks and community centers increasingly use LED lighting on outdoor courts to extend usability without causing disruption to nearby residential zones.
College & Club Sports Fields
Facilities like Ohio State University and Columbus Recreation and Parks use LED lighting that supports competitive play, event programming, and energy efficiency.
Typical Costs for Sports Lighting in Columbus
LED lighting projects in Columbus typically range from $90,000 to $440,000, depending on site conditions, system type, and fixture specifications.
Cost Considerations:
- Number of Poles & Fixtures – Large stadiums and multi-field layouts require more hardware
- Field Usage & Lighting Levels – Competition-grade fields cost more than practice facilities
- Existing Electrical Access – Older or undeveloped sites may require trenching or service upgrades
- Zoning or Neighborhood Limits – Additional photometric planning may be required in suburban areas
Control Systems – Scheduling, dimming, and wireless access add cost but improve efficiency
Use our LED Sports Lighting Cost Calculator to estimate your Columbus athletics project.
Funding Options for Lighting Projects in Columbus
A number of public and private sources may help fund sports lighting upgrades in the region:
- Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) – Can support public school facility improvements
- Columbus Recreation and Parks Capital Budget – May apply for public-use fields
- Local School Bond Initiatives – Used for athletic facility renovations in Columbus suburbs
- AEP Ohio Energy Efficiency Rebates – Available for qualified lighting upgrades
- National Grant Programs – Such as USTA, NFL Foundation, and community foundations
Browse our Sports Facility Grants & Funding Database to explore options.
Permitting and Zoning in the Columbus Area
Before installation begins, make sure to comply with:
- Electrical Permits – Required through the City of Columbus or your local building department
- Site Plan or Zoning Review – May apply for schools or parks near residential areas
- Photometric Modeling – Demonstrates compliance with glare and light spill limits
- Public Notice or Hearings – Possible in neighborhoods with HOA or community restrictions
Contractors should guide you through permitting timelines and code compliance at the city or township level.
Quick resources:
Electrical Permits — City of Columbus, Building Zoning Services (Electrical)
Electrical Permit Application (PDF)
Building & Zoning Services — Citizen Access Portal (permits, zoning, plan review)
Environmental and Weather Considerations
Columbus experiences hot summers, cold winters, and high winds — lighting systems should be engineered for year-round use:
- Wind-Resistant Poles and Mounts – Rated for Midwestern storm events
- Sealed Fixtures – To protect against moisture intrusion and ice buildup
- UV and Corrosion Resistance – Important for longevity and reduced maintenance
- Lighting Controls – Allow automated dimming or timed shutoff to conserve energy
Choosing durable hardware reduces downtime and keeps systems running through Ohio’s seasonal shifts.
What to Look for in a Sports Lighting Quote
A thorough Columbus lighting proposal should include:
- Photometric design with expected light levels and pole layout
- Fixture specs: wattage, CRI, beam angle, IP/weather rating
- Electrical system scope: trenching, conduit, connections
- Smart controls: scheduling, dimming, zoning
- Warranty terms and post-install service plan
- Local references and licensing credentials
Quotes should reflect compliance with city, school district, or county permitting requirements.
Local Columbus Sports Lighting Project Highlights
Professional & Collegiate Venues
Ohio State University – Lincoln Tower Park Fields
Ohio State’s Lincoln Tower Park Fields provide a strong example of how large university intramural and recreation programs are leveraging LED lighting to improve facility access and safety. These multi-use fields, located at the heart of campus near the stadium and student housing, were upgraded with LED lighting to support extended evening use for student intramural leagues, club sports, and open recreation.
The system includes programmable zoning features that allow staff to illuminate specific field zones based on use, reducing energy consumption and light pollution. Weatherproof, durable fixtures were selected to handle year-round use in Ohio’s four-season climate. This upgrade not only increases playtime and scheduling flexibility but also enhances visibility and safety for participants—an essential factor in high-traffic campus environments.
Fortress Obetz – Obetz, OH
Fortress Obetz is a standout example of a multi-purpose venue built with flexibility and high-performance lighting in mind. As a professional-grade facility hosting soccer, football, lacrosse, and other events, it features broadcast-quality LED lighting engineered to meet the needs of televised competitions and high-level gameplay.
Zoned lighting controls and multi-sport configurations make it adaptable for various event types, while durable, weather-rated fixtures ensure performance year-round. Its ability to serve both regional sports programming and community activities showcases how thoughtful lighting design supports economic and recreational goals alike.
High School & Community Facilities
Westerville South High School – Westerville, OH
This high school project exemplifies the growing trend of upgrading traditional field lighting to modern, energy-efficient LED systems. Westerville South installed LED lighting on both its football and soccer fields, tailored to meet OHSAA standards for light levels and uniformity. Beyond compliance, the system incorporates smart controls that reduce electricity costs by dimming or turning off lights automatically when not in use. It’s a compelling example of how schools can invest in technology that boosts player safety, community visibility, and budget sustainability all at once.
Whetstone Park of Roses – Columbus Recreation & Parks
Whetstone Park’s lighting upgrades demonstrate how public recreation spaces can benefit from LED technology tailored for community use. The site features LED-lit tennis courts and multi-use fields that support local leagues, clinics, and open play well into the evening. Importantly, the lighting system was designed for neighborhood compatibility, prioritizing low-glare, directional fixtures to minimize spillover into nearby residential areas. As a result, it balances enhanced usability with environmental and social sensitivity—making it a model for future community park improvements across the city.