Here is what you need to know before you buy a mobile light tower. Portable LED field lighting can refer to temporary and DIY solutions. First, we are going to see what makes a movable flood light so useful. Then, why it is so important on the soccer field. Including DIY ideas to bring light to the stadium or small pitch for practice.
The main goal is to give you every crucial info to better enjoy your soccer practice. Read on to find out what sports lighting you specifically need. Plus, what to expect if you are planning to rent foldable lighting towers. As well as how much the stadium lights could cost you.
What are portable soccer field lights?
In brief, they are a temporary lighting solution for a soccer field consisting of:
1. High power LED sports flood light
Of course, most football fields are different in size. So, LED sports flood lights adapt the light output to provide adequate lighting.
The typical portable flood light provides anywhere from 400W to 1500W LED lighting.
Basically, the ideal lamps for a soccer field contain LED bulbs with white light. Whether it’s 5, 7, or 11 players on the pitch, it makes no difference.
In short, a movable LED flood light combines a longer life with the ease of use in any open area. Plus, it offers a bright, uniform, and pleasant beam.
2. Retractable light pole
Without a doubt, the light should come from above to not blind the players. So, a mobile light tower uses a retractable light pole.
Most extensible poles range from 6 to 20 meters in height. Generally, they have a truncated conical shape. This shape helps to light the football field.
Different LED towers may also offer different colors and materials for the pole. A steel frame is quite common because it is a durable option.
Similarly, a retracted light pole may take up some space. Besides, depending on the model, the mast can tolerate a maximum wind resistance.
Remember to consider these last two details. They are critical for choosing the right movable LED flood light. In fact, a stadium usually has less wind resistance problems that a soccer field in open country. The same goes for the available storage rooms.
3. Generator
Like any portable machine, even a LED light tower requires electricity. But not all temporary LED flood lights come with a generator.
Of course, more powerful LED bulbs consume more power. For the most part, a generator must have a robust shape, such as to ensure correct and safe positioning.
The constructive elements of the appliance must guarantee electrical safety. Especially for those who handle its components during a match. So, look for the IEC and EEC classifications on the available devices. These acronyms guarantee the required electrical protection is in place.
Next, a generator is essential to zero out a common LED lighting problem. That is, flickering.
Usually, a high-quality generator converts AC (alternating current) voltage to DC (direct current). As a result, this conversion solves the flickering issue.
4. Solar panel
You might find a portable light tower with a solar panel. In detail, the solar panel is used to recharge a battery.
Mobile solar light towers can generate a fixed amount of watts. So, it is critical to use LED bulbs that do not exceed the nominal power.
On balance, the number of solar panels and the overall structure matter. Each product data sheet lets you know how many hours the battery needs to fully recharge. As well as the running time.
Aside from the solar panels, these models still maintain the same rotating telescopic mast. But, you need to plan where to put them carefully to recharge the power bank with sunlight. Be aware that if the battery is empty, you can connect them to the utility grid.
5. Movable tower
You can pull and move a mobile LED light tower across the soccer field. Also, it can be tugged behind the truck for easy transportation.
In a stadium, being able to move a light and small movable light flood has its advantages. On the other hand, a too flimsy structure will not serve you well.
Dimensions and weight can hinder you every time you move numerous sport flood lights. So, choose an appropriate lifting system that goes well with your truck.
Most products require a little assembly on your part. At the end of the day, the design is always the same for most products. But, be sure that the feet of the trailer are suitable for your pitch.
6. Lighting control system
Portable flood lights offer a full lighting control system. Usually, you can control more than the on/off function remotely. For example, you can adjust the brightness or the LED color temperature. That is, the cool or warm white on most models.
In detail, you can use the brightness control by smartphone, DMX controller. Or physical buttons. Generally, a control panel ensures access to the main functions.
Optional functions and features can include:
- a programmable digital timer
- auto power off
- dark or light sensor(s)
- anti-glare system
- battery status indicator
On a soccer field, you strictly need waterproof models. Portable soccer field lights provide safe access to the controls in any weather conditions.
Why do we need mobile soccer stadium lights?
In many cases, we need mobile soccer stadium lights for specific purposes. In detail:
1. For soccer fields without light poles
When a football competition is held with artificial light, the degree of illumination must be distributed evenly. More precisely, the right intensity is of the uttermost importance on the soccer field.
Of course, the proper lighting is not always available for local cup or trophy tournament. Especially for soccer teams of the lower leagues.
Whenever a standard light pole is not an option, a portable light tower can take its place. On some pitches, no light mast exists.
Specific stadium lights allow for the official parameters to be respected. As a result, the temporary light solution provides enough light. At the same time, it avoids direct glare for both athletes and spectators.
2. As a temporary lighting solution
Without a doubt, they are more flexible. If we only need to use a half-court, we can easily arrange the light tower to light half of the court.
When the light masts need repairs, a movable flood light provides enough support. Sometimes, power goes out when it rains in old football pitches. In these cases, the battery offers enough running time for the whole match to begin and end.
On cloudy days, an extra lighting system can be useful. Of course, soccer field floodlights consume a lot of energy. During the day, temporary LED sports lights reduce consumption. This means you will receive a lighter energy bill.
3. For emergency
Bad weather can contribute to all sorts of problems. For instance, the conventional light source may go off without notice. With the use of a portable soccer field light or more, the match can continue seamlessly.
Depending on the type of pitch, many different rules may apply. An amateur football pitch must only comply with the lighting requirements. In detail, for good vertical and horizontal lighting. But this also means that football clubs must ensure the safety of the players and spectators.
You can place a mobile LED light tower in a safe zone to turn it on in case of an emergency. If your model came with remote control, you use the controller to instantly light the area.
4. No hassle
Think about what it takes to install standard light masts. All around the soccer field, you need to create an electrical system. Then, you need to provide enough energy and regular maintenance for the LEDs to work correctly.
A temporary light tower does not require maintenance. Plus, you have nearly $0 installation costs. You can even get mobile solar flood lights to exploit the open space nature of a stadium. Thus, cutting on the electricity necessary to recharge the batteries.
Above all, you can rent the required units any time you want. And because you plan each soccer match in advance, that is quite a convenience!
5. Adjustable light tower height
On the soccer field, you have to install LED bulbs on light poles at a height of at least 1.5 meters. In the case of indoor pitches, you must fix the lights on rings with perimeter frames.
In essence, you need to consider three factors. To avoid glare and ensure uniform light are, these factors are:
- height
- angle
- positioning
A portable LED flood light lets you place the lights anywhere in the stadium or indoor area. The telescopic mast ensures you comply with the rules and protect the players’ wellbeing. Plus, you can modify the brightness depending on the type of activity carried out (i.e. training, amateur or competitive matches, etc.).
How to DIY soccer field lighting?
1. Power and lumen selection
The lighting requirements and soccer field sizes change accordingly to governing bodies such as UEFA.
Each league requires a minimum lux value. The LED bulbs in the flood lights have various lumen values. So you need to convert from lumen to lux. To do it yourself, you need to think about the whole area you are going to light. In short, the lumen value of your LED lamps counts for 1 sq. meter. So, 500 lumens spread out over 1 sq. meter equals 500 lux. Instead, to make an example, 500 lumens over 10 sq. meters equals 50 lux.
Be sure to select the right lumen output to illuminate your soccer field correctly. Of course, the more lumens, the more power is necessary.
2. Beam angle
The standard DIY layout starts with four mobile light towers in each corner. From there, you can consider the use of varying beam angles.
Basically, different mobile light tower models present varying solutions. Depending on the design, a narrower beam angle usually increases the output lux. For more details, you should search for the luminance indications in the product specs.
Then again, you might need a wide beam angle to provide a soft light near the stadium entrance or the exit. When doing training activities, the lighting is almost solely for players. But later, it is good practice to provide lighting for soccer fans in the stands too.
3. Portable soccer field lighting layout
A do-it-yourself soccer pitch lighting layout considers the total amount of lux necessary. For one thing, you can count on lighting engineering surveys for verification.
Lighting calculations evaluate the performance of a sports lighting system before its installation. Photometric measurements are vital to verify suitability. That is, the lighting system complies with the requirements after installation.
4. How many portable soccer field lights do you need? –
For practical purposes and for a fairly accurate calculation, consider small groups of light towers arranged at a single point on each corner. In this way, you can buy an adequate amount of flood lights.
Alternatively, think 6 or 8 light towers, which is quite similar to the basic light pole layout. Just replace the light poles with light towers.
5. Portable field light pole height
Height adds to the versatility of LED light towers on a soccer field. In short, the DIY lighting system must cover the:
- playing field
- stands
- changing rooms
- security lighting
In a stadium, the minimum height near the soccer field is 1.5 meters. Four towers are the minimum amount. For lighting the stands, the higher is, usually, the better. Two on each side are enough for a small football pitch. Even for the changing rooms, a broad beam angle with a 2 meters height is, generally, great.
A guide of portable soccer field light rental
1. Rental cost
You might be wondering what does it cost to rent a bunch of sports LED light towers. Is it better an hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly rate? Often, the minimum charge for this equipment varies per quantity.
Most equipment rental companies will charge you a daily or weekly fee. Standard mobile telescopic flood lights can cost you anywhere from $10 to $50 per day. On the other hand, renting more powerful lighting towers starts from $350 per week.
For a shorter or longer period, or rental in areas close to the headquarters, they could give you a special price.
Related article: Cheap soccer field lights for sale
2. Looking at the retractable pole height
Before you sign a lease, be sure to check each part of the movable flood light. Especially the retractable pole height.
You want to make sure that the maximum and minimum height comply with your needs. Most importantly, think in terms of wind resistance.
The insurance might cover accidental damages to the rented light tower. But it will not help you to cope with the lack of proper lighting on the soccer field. Also, consider the necessary assembling and instruction manual.
3. Electric or manual adjustment of pole height
Some professional models might let you adjust the pole height via remote control. More often, they only provide electric adjustment.
Leasing a LED sports flood light with a manual coupling of the light fittings could be cheaper. But you also need to think about the overall convenience.
On rainy days, changing the pole height could be a pain in the neck. Often, you can rent a portable light tower with electric regulation with just a little something extra.
Moreover, manual regulation relies on product design. So, make sure that everything else fully satisfies your every requirement.
4. Light source
When consulting for the rental, you might hear the seller talk about different light sources. Of course, they could even impact on the final cost of the leasing. So, which is better: LED, metal halide, halogen, or HPS?
For a stadium, pitch, or soccer field, LED is the best solution. In brief, it is energy efficient. This means that you get uniform lighting throughout the whole battery running time. Besides, LED diodes have a longer life span. In other words, LED bulbs are more reliable and durable for continuous use.
LEDs also let you change the color temperature and do not overheat easily. The other variants might be cheaper to rent, but they consume more energy if you connect them to the grid.
5. Lighting control
In remote areas, setting a standard floodlight might be impossible. Then, you manage to get a great rental deal for temporary substitutes. But is it controlled by a smartphone? Or do you need to push a physical button on the mobile light tower?
Most recent models allow you total control via an app. And since you are deciding on what contract is best, you should rent the most suitable equipment for your needs.
For safety reasons, changing the color temperature of the lights might be ideal. Remote control lets you adjust that and many other things. For example, you can turn on and off a single tower during half- or full-day tournaments.
6. Generator capacity & wattage
Surely, you need enough power capacity to properly light the pitch. Different portable soccer field light models may not come with a suitable generator for your need. That is, the wattage may not reach the desired amount to grant you the necessary lux in official sports events.
Each generator may lack a favorite setting or feature. For one thing, you need to make sure if your model is for outdoor or indoor only. Of course, you will find models optimized for 5-a-side football pitches. Usually, mobile stadium light towers are the heaviest and bulkier of all.
7. Using solar energy
Lucky football field owners can count on the sun to recharge the batteries. But buying a solar lighting mast can be really expensive. So, renting a solar alternative to a standard generator can be smart.
Related sports lighting knowledge: Can you use solar lights in soccer field?
Solar energy may benefit from government or state incentives, so be sure to give it a look. Also, some models with solar panels might be lighter than standard mobile flood lights.
On the positive side, these models use the latest tech in the renewable energy field. Innovative and practical ideas can further simplify the installation and removal of the tower. Plus, foldable designs can make it easier to transport them in high numbers.
8. Movable wheels
Mobility is what makes portable LED flood lights so versatile. And as you can see, different models offer bigger or smaller movable wheels.
The trailer of the movable light tower has feet to hold the ground. No matter what weather condition strikes the trailer, the feet will ensure the correct functioning of the inner generator.
But the wheels are critical for reaching the prefixed destination. You should rent your LED lighting system after you designed the soccer field lighting. Usually, bigger wheels give you plenty of space for any maneuver. Then again, futsal only requires you to move the tower on an indoor court, so smaller wheels might not be a problem.
9. Safety
Football stadiums need safety precautions. And so do movable lightings. Before you sign a rental contract, think about these safety issues:
- Does the base of the mobile light tower fit the hardness of the pitch soil?
- Is it stable enough to withstand the wind?
- Is the model 100% waterproof?
- Can you dim the LED lights to avoid glare?
- Will the total amount provides enough anti-panic lighting for spectators as well?
10. Weight distribution
On a side note, also think in terms of weight. If the base is too narrow, it may damage the soccer field grass. If not, make sure that you have enough space to correctly place the temporary flood light without any safety issue.
The average cost of temporary sports lighting
Buying a standard four set of mobile light towers (500W each) can cost you around $2000. That is, if you get a really good deal on RGB movable soccer stadium light towers.
Most likely, you will pay a little extra for every single product outside the occasional deal. The average span life of these machines is around ten years. Generally, maintenance is minimal or zero.
Sometimes, even a mobile LED flood light breaks down. I suggest you consider a good product warranty or an extension in case you need to buy more than one.
Conclusion
Now, you should have the right info to solve any problem that requires portable light towers. First of all, check your association rules, and take note of the necessary lux values.
You should plan the lighting layout well before deciding to rent or buy the actual equipment. Also, double-check to ensure you are getting cost-effective LED bulbs with the tower.
Finally, remember that you can always ask specialists for precise measurements. In this way, you can save on your money while optimizing the use of various portable soccer field lights.
