How to Choose Professional Sports Lighting? An Analysis of Seven Continents’ 961 Light Distribution Technologies

A common mistake in selecting sports venue lighting is focusing only on power and luminous flux. However, what truly determines the quality of venue lighting is light distribution—how light is precisely projected onto every inch of the field.

In sports venue construction, the selection of LED sports lights often falls into a misconception: judging solely by wattage and lumens. But for truly professional sports lighting brands, the core competitiveness lies in light distribution—how light is accurately cast over every part of the venue.

• Different sports: For basketball courts, no luminaires may be installed within a 4-meter diameter around the hoop to avoid direct glare when players rebound. For badminton courts, luminaires should be placed 0.7 meters beyond the side lines, and lighting fixtures are not recommended behind the baselines. Football fields require long-distance uniform coverage, with consistent lighting at the goalkeeper’s position being particularly critical.
• Different installations: Catwalk installation heights range from 8 to 25 meters, and light pole heights vary, requiring customized light distribution angles. Based on the actual on-site structure, Seven Continents customizes the beam angle for each luminaire.
• Different levels: In accordance with the national standard JGJ153-2016, sports lighting is divided into six levels. Venues of different grades demand horizontal illuminance from 300 lux to over 2000 lux in vertical illuminance, resulting in vastly different light distribution curves for luminaires.

In collaboration with a German optical laboratory, Seven Continents adopts TIR total internal reflection lenses and free-form surface design. Each luminaire’s light distribution is verified through optical simulation and field testing. With 961 light distribution solutions, we deliver the “perfect fit” optical design for any venue structure, sport, or broadcast level—no dark spots, no glare, no light trespass.

As a drafting unit of the national standard Technical Requirements for LED Sports Lighting Application and the national standard Lighting Design Standard for Outdoor Work Sites, Seven Continents has integrated light distribution technologies into industry standards.

Our lighting solutions have been applied to major events including the World University Games, Asian Games, Military World Games, World Middle School Games, National Games, and Provincial Games, as well as WTA, CBA, NBL, Chinese Super League, UEFA, Africa Cup of Nations, ITTF, BWF, and FIE competitions.

Behind the 961 light distribution solutions lie 18 years of data accumulation and project validation by Seven Continents.

When choosing sports lighting, look for brands that provide customized light distribution for each venue.