Outdoor Basketball Court Lighting: Footcandles, Layout & Cost

Outdoor basketball courts target ~30 footcandles for recreational play and 50 for competition, with glare control as the defining challenge because players constantly look upward toward the rim. Most courts sit close to homes and fencing, so spill control matters too. This guide covers light levels, fixture count and layout, glare and spill control, and cost.

Light levels

Fixture count and layout

A full court is commonly lit with 4–6 fixtures on 2–4 poles along the sidelines at about 20 ft; half-courts use fewer. Even uniformity across the key and perimeter is the goal — a quick photometric layout confirms the count for your court.

Glare and spill control

Because basketball involves frequent upward sightlines, fixtures must control glare from the players' viewing angles. Correct mounting height and full-cutoff optics keep the court bright without blinding players, and weatherproof (IP65+) fixtures with disciplined aiming contain spill toward neighbors — important for the residential-adjacent courts common in municipal recreation.

Fixtures and cost

Duvon's Patriot Series suits outdoor courts; CoreBay and Atlas high bays cover indoor courts. A recreational full court commonly runs in the tens of thousands installed; a photometric study sets the exact number.

Frequently asked questions

How many footcandles?

~30 fc rec, ~50 fc competition outdoor; 75–125+ fc indoor/TV.

How many lights?

4–6 fixtures on 2–4 poles at ~20 ft for a full court.

Why glare control?

Players look up toward the rim — full-cutoff optics and height manage it.

How much does it cost?

Tens of thousands for a recreational full court; a study fixes it.

Request a free basketball court layout at duvonlighting.com/free-quote.