LED floodlighting for hockey pitches
Hockey is played with a small, fast ball. Dark zones make it hard to judge speed and flight path. DIN EN 12193 therefore requires a uniformity of 0.7 for hockey in all three lighting classes, even in training, where 0.5 is enough for football. Outdoors, 200 lx is required for training and regional competitions and 500 lx for national competitions.
As of:
Enquire about hockey floodlighting
What matters with hockey lighting
Uniformity 0.7 even in training
Even in the lowest lighting class, the standard requires a uniformity of 0.7 for hockey.
Using existing masts properly
If the masts are fixed, they determine what uniformity can be achieved at all.
Switching training and matches separately
Scenes switch between training and league matches, and sections can be lit separately.
Consideration for neighbours
We plan so that as little light as possible falls beyond the pitch.
GR ≤50
Glare rating, strictest level
10 no glare90 unbearable
Glare under control
The glare rating GR shows how much floodlights dazzle players and spectators. DIN EN 12193 limits it for hockey to a maximum of 50 to 55. We take this into account in the lighting calculation from the start.
- Mast height
- Tilt
- Optics
- Glare protection
Light by playing level
| Average illuminance | Playing level | Lighting class | Uniformity | Glare rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200lx | Training, school and recreational sport | Class III | U 0.7 | GR ≤ 55 |
| 200lx | Regional and local competition | Class II | U 0.7 | GR ≤ 50 |
| 500lx | National and international competition | Class I | U 0.7 | GR ≤ 50 |
Lighting requirements by league: from training to the Bundesliga
What do the values mean?
Lux tells you how much light reaches the pitch. Uniformity shows how evenly it is distributed, and the glare rating how strongly the floodlights cause glare.
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Illuminance (lx): How much light falls on a surface. 1 lx equals 1 lumen per square metre. For sports facilities, the average horizontal illuminance on the playing area is usually given.
Uniformity (U): Lowest divided by average illuminance. The closer the value is to 1, the more even the light.
Glare rating (GR): Assesses how strongly floodlights cause glare at outdoor facilities, on a scale from 10 (no glare) to 90 (unbearable glare).
Suitable floodlights
For hockey pitches with few masts, the STL1443 is usually the right choice, as its modules can be aimed individually.
- Series 12
STL1443
Larger pitches with few masts: football, hockey, athletics.
- Colour temperature
- 3000 K, 4000 K, 5000 K
- Power
- 1,440 W
- Weight
- 27.5 kg
Datasheet as PDF (436 KB) - Series 12
STL1500
High requirements from about 500 lx: competition, higher leagues, stadium.
- Colour temperature
- 3000 K, 4000 K, 5000 K
- Power
- 1,500 W
- Weight
- 28 kg
Datasheet as PDF (333 KB) - Series 12
STL963
Smaller installations and few masts: tennis, padel, training pitches.
- Colour temperature
- 3000 K, 4000 K, 5000 K
- Power
- 960 W
- Weight
- 20 kg
Datasheet as PDF (459 KB)
Frequently asked questions
How is glare assessed in floodlighting?
With the glare rating GR on a scale from 10 (no glare) to 90 (unbearable). For hockey, DIN EN 12193 sets a maximum of GR 50 in competition and GR 55 in training or recreational sport.
How many lux does a hockey pitch need?
According to DIN EN 12193, outdoors at least 200 lx for training, recreational sport and regional competitions (Classes III and II) and 500 lx for national and international competitions (Class I), each with a uniformity of 0.7. Indoors it is 300, 500 and 750 lx.
Why does hockey need more uniformity than football?
The hockey ball is small and fast. In darker zones, speed and flight path are harder to judge. That is why the standard requires a uniformity of 0.7 for hockey even in training, whereas football in Class III needs only 0.5.
May Bundesliga matches take place under floodlights?
Yes, but according to the rules of play of the Hockeyliga e.V. (as of June 2023) only by arrangement with the Bundesliga match committee.
Can the existing masts stay?
Often yes. However, mast height and position determine what uniformity is achievable. We calculate the light distribution using your details on the masts, for which you are responsible. We only check structural stability during an on-site visit.
Enquire about hockey floodlighting
Location and contact are enough. We will get back to you with an initial assessment for your pitch.
One-pager for the board (PDF)One-pager for administration and committees (PDF)
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