To the untrained eye, softball and baseball may seem like two very similar sports. One is overhand and one is underhand, but otherwise, the same number of players, same equipment, same diamond field. Softball field sizes vary by game level and player age, but standard sizes follow the specifications of minor league baseball fields. The distance between bases is 60 feet, pitchers are 43 feet from home plate, and the outfield fence is about 200 feet from home plate. The main reason softball fields are smaller than baseball fields is the size and weight of the ball. The balls used in softball are larger, softer, and heavier, which means the ball travels less distance and has less speed than baseballs.

1. Lighting standards and requirements for softball fields

The lighting level of a softball field depends primarily on the level of the game and the size of the field. The table below is the recommended brightness for different game levels.

Lux and lumens are closely related and can be easily confused. Lux is equal to the amount of light measured at a given point. For us, this means how much light reaches the surface of the playing field. Lumens, on the other hand, tell you how much light an LED light is putting out in the first place. 1 lux equals 1 lumen per square meter. Knowing this is useful when calculating the total lumens required to properly light a softball diamond.

Softball Field Lighting Layout

Softball field lighting generally has two layout modes depending on the size of the field:

In the case of a small softball field where the outfield fence can be up to 250 feet apart, it is recommended to install the lighting with four light poles. Because most of the action, and certainly the fastest, occurs in the infield, the softball field should have floodlights on either side of the home plate. These lights need to have the correct combination of position and orientation to ensure uniform illumination of the infield. The third and fourth light poles, then, pass the left and right boundary poles. They also need to be positioned correctly, towards the midfield, so that the beams cross at the right point and the outfielder has adequate lighting even when running from beyond the free-throw line.

If the distance from the softball field to the outfield fence can be up to 250 feet, it is recommended to install the lighting with six light poles as a better option. The softball field needs two other light poles, which are roughly aligned with the first and third base. Because the larger diamond adds extra space in the outfield, two lights face away from home plate. Also, in this setup, the floodlights that would otherwise be positioned by the penalty bar are moved towards the left and right midfield.

The height of poles on the softball field

There are no set rules for how high a squash court light pole needs to be. Typically, a small softball field uses poles 40-50 feet high. On larger venues, you may want a 50-60 foot range. The higher the pole is, it is beneficial to the uniformity of lighting, without glare, and the cost of the corresponding pole will also increase.

The correct height of the lighting also makes for a more enjoyable experience for spectators and prevents light from spilling out of the pitch. Minor spills are especially important if your softball field is near residential buildings.

Softball Lighting Manufacturer and Solution Provider. 

There are thousands of industrial lighting companies around the world that may be able to help you with your softball lighting project. But the hardest part is who to talk to and how to address your biggest concerns. Prices can vary in the market, and it can be difficult to know who is the real expert and who cares most about the client’s best interests.

We are a professional sports lighting manufacturer and solution provider. As a professional independent consultants, we are happy to support those in need. Your only first step is to visit our baseball/softball field lighting cost calculator, answer some simple questions about your project, and get an initial project cost estimate. We have professional project managers take over and provide you with more detailed information on project specifications.

Which fixture is most cost-effective for my stadium?

Lighting is an art in itself, and stadium lights are no different. Sports events are usually very personal matters. When friends and family, classmates, and colleagues cheer for their favorites, they establish a connection. Seeing everything clearly and clearly is an important part of the game.

The first question to ask yourself is “existing lighting equipment and refurbished equipment, or newly installed equipment; can the existing lighting create your ultimate stadium experience?”

For the existing lights, if necessary, we try to match the old sports lights to equal or brighter lights. The 1500 watt metal halide sports light is the most common light fixture installed in the past 40 years. To this end, a 500-watt LED stadium light was designed from the ground up to replace the beam angle and all beams. It saves 1,000 watts and lights up a brighter touch screen. It’s easy. We also communicate with other people. If you are sure that you need more light instead of maintaining the same amount of light, we can also help.

New Installation?

The height of stadium lighting varies by application, which is why they have different beam angles. Depending on the application needs, a light placed at a height of 30 to 40 feet may use a 30-degree beam angle. Choosing the right light and beam angle will depend on the size of the area covered by the light, the lumen requirements of the ground and the height of the light. It is important to have a proper lighting plan, so planning your application with a lighting expert is essential to get good results. Photometric studies are usually used to ensure that the final results are indeed satisfactory. Lighting experts can usually design picture studies for free.

Dialux Design