You’ve got the surfacing picked, the logo centered, and maybe even a custom net on the way. But what happens when the sun sets and your dream court turns into a shadowy rectangle?
Let’s talk about the unsung hero of the home court: lighting. Here’s everything you need to know to get it right — the first time.
We know what happens without good lighting: you end up propping a flashlight on the fence post, chasing rogue balls into the bushes, or calling it quits just as the game gets good.
Great lighting:
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Extends playtime
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Keeps your family safe
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Elevates the entire look and feel of your court
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Protects your investment with usable hours every evening (much needed in the brutal Texas summer)
But brightness alone isn’t the whole story. It’s about how the light is distributed, powered, and positioned.
What Are Foot-Candles (fc) and Why Should You Care?
Lighting strength is measured in foot-candles (fc) — basically, how much light reaches a surface.
Here’s how much light different sports need:
| Sport | Recreational Use | Club-Level Play | Competitive Play |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basketball | 10–30 fc | – | 20–60 fc |
| Pickleball | 20–30 fc | 30–50 fc | 50–75 fc |
| Tennis | 20–35 fc | 30–60 fc | 50–80 fc |
Numbers like these are why we offer multiple lighting systems — so you can get the right light for your game.
Lighting System Options
At-a-Glance Comparison
| System | Avg Brightness (fc) | Power | Style | Pros | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pole-Mounted LED | 20–60 fc | 110V / multi-volt | Traditional sport pole | Flexible, proven, great output; Techlight system is purpose-built for courts | Poles visible; some ambient spill depending on layout |
| Tweener® Linear | 30–60 fc avg | 220V | Sleek & HOA-friendly | Stunning uniformity, no shadows, no poles in play area | Requires 220V; higher upfront cost |
| Solar (Dominator) | ~10–15 fc | Solar | Minimalist | No wiring, no utility costs | Not ideal for high-level or late-night competition |
Pole-Mounted LED Fixtures (Techlight Sport Pole System)
This is our go-to workhorse for most backyard and small-facility courts.
We typically spec Techlight Sport Pole Series LED systems — a 16′ two-piece steel pole with high-output Scimitar LED heads that deliver roughly 25,000–45,000 lumens per fixture in a cool white color temperature. Different optics (T4, T5M, Forward Throw) let us aim the light where you want it: on the court, not in your neighbor’s bedroom.
Why we like this setup:
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Designed specifically for pickleball, tennis, badminton, and volleyball courts
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16′ sectional pole is easier to install and service than big commercial masts
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Multi-volt drivers (100–300V, with 277–480V options) keep your electrician’s life simple
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Durable powder-coated finish in black, bronze, white, or custom colors to match your project
Typical use:
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Shooting courts, multi-sport setups, and full courts
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1–6 poles depending on court size and target brightness
Quick Specs (how it plays in the real world):
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Power: 110V / multi-volt
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Brightness: We typically design for 20–60 fc depending on sport and level of play
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Look: Classic athletic pole lighting
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Pricing: Roughly $1,400 to $11,800 depending on court size, number of poles, and layout
If you want a pro-feeling court with a traditional look and serious light output, this is usually where we start.
Tweener® Linear Lighting System
High-end, uniform lighting that hugs the fence — perfect for HOAs or tight lot lines where neighbors (or design guidelines) are sensitive to light poles.
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Linear fixtures run along the inside of the fence
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Best for pickleball and tennis
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Delivers up to ~60 fc with very even coverage
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220V only (important detail for planning power)
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Pricing: Around $3,200 (not including electrician)
Why People Love It:
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Modern, clean look
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No poles inside the playing area
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Very “Dark Sky” friendly with minimal light spill
Good to Know:
Tweener requires a 220V line — not a big deal for an electrician, but definitely something to plan before concrete is poured.
Dominator Solar Lighting (100W)
The low-maintenance option when you want light but don’t want to touch your electrical panel.
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Outputs: ~10,000–11,000 lumens (roughly 10–15 fc on a small court)
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Solar powered with built-in motion sensor & timer
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Up to 7 nights of light per charge
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No trenching, no wiring, no utility bills
Best For:
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Casual evening play
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Driveway hoops and smaller shooting courts
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Safety/security lighting or supplemental glow
Not the choice for intense, late-night competitive play — but fantastic when you just want to keep the game going safely after dark.
Wait, Who Handles the Wiring?
We’ll say it loud and clear:
We don’t do electrical work.
But we do make life easy for your electrician. We’ll help:
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Pre-run conduit lines
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Help determine panel and switch locations
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Coordinate power specs (110V vs 220V, load expectations) before the slab is poured
So when your electrician shows up, they’re walking into a court that’s already set up for success — not guessing and cutting concrete after the fact.
Let’s Get Your Court Glowing
You don’t have to light it like the Staples Center — but you do deserve a court that works as hard as you do, even after dark.
Whether you want a Techlight pole system, a Tweener fence-line setup, or a no-wires solar solution, we’ll help you pick the right tool for the job.
Ready for a lighting plan, quote, or simulation?
Reach out and we’ll:
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Ask how you actually use your court
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Match the system to your space, budget, and level of play
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Coordinate details so your electrician isn’t guessing
We’ll help you light it right — with no shadows, no guesswork, and no stress.
