Project: Sichuan International Tennis Center, Chengdu, China
Application: Professional Tennis Court Lighting
Solution: LED Sports Lighting and Intelligent Lighting Control
Key Result: Main and secondary camera vertical illuminance uniformity ratios of 0.81 and 0.74

Project Overview

Located in Shuangliu District, Chengdu, Sichuan International Tennis Center covers approximately 260,000 square meters and features 36 international-standard tennis courts. Its facilities include a center court with seating for more than 6,000 spectators, two semifinal courts, and a large connected covered tennis court.

As a major tennis venue in Southwest China, the center has hosted international competitions, including the ATP 250 Chengdu Open and the ITF World Tennis Tour Junior Finals. It also served as a tennis venue for the Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games.

To support high-level competition and HDTV broadcasting, the center required a comprehensive upgrade to its aging sports lighting system.

Project Challenges

After more than a decade of operation, the original lighting system had experienced significant lumen depreciation. Illuminance levels and uniformity no longer met the requirements for major sporting events and high-definition television broadcasting.

Tennis presents specific lighting challenges. Players must continuously track a fast-moving ball, often against the sky or overhead backgrounds. Vertical illuminance, lighting uniformity, and glare control are therefore essential to visual tracking, player performance, and broadcast quality.

The venue required a new lighting solution designed to meet the Level VI requirements for HDTV broadcasting of major international sporting events.

SCL Sports Ligting's Lighting Solution

As a designated sports lighting product provider for the Chengdu FISU World University Games, SCL Sports Ligting delivered a customized LED sports lighting and intelligent control solution for Sichuan International Tennis Center.

1. High-Efficiency LED Sports Lighting

The existing aging fixtures were replaced with high-efficiency LED sports lights featuring imported LED chips and a rated light-source life of up to 50,000 hours.

Purpose-designed optics help control glare and unwanted light spill beyond the playing area. According to the project specifications, light utilization was improved by 25.6% compared with conventional LED fixtures, while the color rendering index (CRI) exceeded Ra 95, supporting accurate color reproduction for players and television audiences.

2. Precision Optical Design for Tennis Courts

SCL Sports Ligting drew on a database of 961 individual light distribution designs to develop an optical solution tailored to the visual and lighting requirements of tennis.

The lighting layout was designed to provide consistent coverage across the playing area while minimizing dark spots, glare, and spill light. This approach helps players track the ball more comfortably and supports clear, consistent visual conditions for spectators and broadcast cameras.

3. SCL Intelligent Lighting Control System

The project also incorporated the SCL intelligent lighting control system, featuring cloud-based control and flexible lighting adjustments.

The system supports different lighting modes for major international events with TV broadcasting, professional competitions, amateur matches, and professional training. Operators can adjust lighting levels according to actual venue requirements and monitor fixture operating status through a visual interface.

This flexible control capability helps the venue adapt its lighting to different activities while supporting more efficient day-to-day facility management.

Project Results

Following the lighting upgrade, the vertical illuminance uniformity ratios for the main and secondary cameras reached 0.81 and 0.74, respectively.

The upgraded system improved the venue's lighting environment in terms of illuminance, uniformity, color rendering, and glare control, supporting the demanding requirements of televised tennis competitions.

During the Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games, the lighting system provided illumination for tennis competitions featuring athletes from 28 countries and regions. The venue has also hosted other major events, including the China Tennis Tour Professional Finals.

The project demonstrates how a well-designed tennis court LED lighting system can support professional competition, HDTV broadcasting, player visibility, and flexible venue operations.

Looking for a Tennis Court Lighting Upgrade?

For tennis venues planning a lighting renovation or a new court development, the right solution should consider more than fixture wattage. Illuminance levels, uniformity, vertical illuminance, glare control, color rendering, light spill, and intelligent control all contribute to the overall performance of a sports lighting system.

SCL Sports Ligting provides LED sports lighting solutions designed around venue requirements, competition levels, and operational needs.

Contact SCL Sports Ligting to discuss a tennis court lighting solution for your project.