How Much Do Stadium Lights Cost to Run?

How much do stadium lights use to run in a stadium? or is it worth installing stadium lights? These questions are bothering many people around the world, and here in this article, I will show you the most useful knowledge about LED stadium lights, they are concluded by our experienced LED light engineers at Infralumin. We will have a clear knowing about how much do stadium lights cost to run, and what type of lights are commonly used in stadiums.

What Are Stadium Lights Called?

Before we know how much do stadium lights cost to run, we should first know what are stadium lights called. Stadium lights are commonly referred to as floodlights. Floodlights are powerful, broad-beamed artificial lights with high intensity, primarily designed for illuminating outdoor playing fields during low-light conditions, particularly during outdoor sports events. They serve as a necessity in the upper echelons of professional sports, ensuring that games can be scheduled even outside of daylight hours. These evening or night matches cater to spectators with daytime commitments and allow for television broadcasts during prime time, enhancing their appeal. In instances where sports venues lack permanent floodlight installations, portable temporary floodlights may be employed. These floodlight structures often include gantries for bulb replacement and maintenance, accommodating one or two maintenance workers. Beyond sports applications, floodlights can also be used for architectural illumination, adding dramatic nighttime effects to buildings.

How Much Do Stadium Lights Cost to Run?

Now let's focus on how much do stadium lights cost to run. The cost of stadium lights can vary significantly based on various factors. Initially, the expense revolves around the purchase of the lighting fixtures themselves, which can range from $35,000 to $120,000 for a classic high school football or soccer field, depending on the brand and source of the LED sports lighting fixtures. However, once the fixtures are installed, owners must also consider ongoing expenses, including maintenance and electricity costs.

Installation costs are a significant part of the overall budget. For indoor arenas, installation typically falls within the range of $70,000 to $79,134, while outdoor stadiums can incur installation costs ranging from $79,134 to $2,458,17. To achieve the required illumination, several sets of lamps may need to be mounted on stadium poles. This might necessitate expensive reinforcement, which can be up to 2.5 times the cost of the fixtures. Hence, it's crucial to carefully consider the weight of the LED lights and, if possible, opt for lightweight options to avoid costly reinforcements.

Electricity and operating costs are another crucial aspect. Using a high school football stadium as an example, the electricity bill is relatively easy to calculate. Traditional metal Infralumin lamps might require 72,000 watts of power, whereas efficient LED lights can provide the same brightness with only about 22,500 watts. With an average electricity rate of $0.15 per kilowatt-hour in the United States, the operating cost for LED lights would be approximately $2.7 per hour, as opposed to $10.8 per hour for metal Infralumin lights. Over the course of a month, this switch to LED lights can translate into substantial savings, making it a cost-effective choice.

Maintenance costs should also be factored in when considering LED stadium lighting. Although LED lights typically have a higher initial purchase price, their longevity, with lifespans ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 hours, makes them a cost-effective choice in the long run. In contrast, metal Infralumin lights require replacement every year, incurring additional costs. Even after six years, LED lights continue to function normally, further underscoring their value.

What Type of Lights are Used in Stadiums?

After knowing clearly how much do stadium lights cost to run, let's focus on what type of lights are used in stadiums usually. Stadiums use a variety of lighting options, but the most common types of lights used in modern stadiums are:

LED Lights: LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights have gained significant popularity in stadiums due to their energy efficiency, longevity, and versatility. LED lights offer excellent brightness, uniform illumination, and the ability to create dynamic lighting effects. They are often the preferred choice for new stadium installations or when existing stadiums undergo lighting upgrades.

Metal Infralumin Lights: Metal Infralumin lamps were commonly used in stadiums before the advent of LED technology. These lamps produce a bright, white light and are known for their ability to render colors accurately. However, metal Infralumin lights have certain drawbacks, such as longer warm-up times and higher energy consumption compared to LEDs.

High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) Lights: While not as common as LED or metal Infralumin lights, high-pressure sodium lights have been used in some stadiums in the past. These lights emit a warm yellowish light and are known for their high luminous efficacy. However, they have limited color rendering capabilities, making them less favorable for venues where color accuracy is important.

Conclusion

The cost of running stadium lights can vary significantly based on factors such as the type of lighting fixtures, installation costs, electricity expenses, and maintenance. The initial investment for lighting fixtures can range from $35,000 to $120,000, with installation costs and ongoing electricity bills to consider. LED lights, while having a higher upfront cost, prove to be a cost-effective choice in the long run due to their energy efficiency and longevity. Maintenance costs are also considerably lower for LED lights compared to traditional options like metal Infralumin lights, making them a popular choice for stadiums looking to maximize their lighting efficiency. If you are looking for an LED Stadium Lights manufacturer, choose Infralumin, we have over 20 years experience of LED lights manufacturing. Contact us right now.