Balancing Cutoff, Playability, and Innovation in Sports Lighting 

Ask the Expert

(Sponsored) Lighting a sports venue isn’t just about turning on the lights, it’s about protecting athletes’ performance, respecting the surrounding community, and optimizing investment. Our experts at Ephesus Sports Lighting share how to balance visibility, compliance, and innovation for winning results.

How should schools and municipalities think about lighting cutoff versus playability? 

The Ephesus team emphasizes that while athletic performance and visibility on the field must remain the top priority, lighting systems must also respect the surrounding community. Playability ensures athletes perform safely and confidently, but solutions must also address light spill and glare. Ephesus systems use advanced photometry, aiming strategies, and modular shielding to deliver both, lighting the field precisely while protecting night skies and nearby properties. 

What are the key considerations when choosing between systems? 

When deciding between a system optimized for cutoff or one focused on playability, the experts point to several key factors: proximity to residential areas, local ordinances, sport type (aerial vs. non-aerial), and whether events are broadcast. Systems with greater cutoff may require more fixtures and tighter aiming in comparison to systems that prioritize playability. Ephesus supports facilities through this decision-making process, helping clients weigh environmental concerns, safety, performance, and budget. 

How does Ephesus design for various levels of play? 

Versatility is a core design principle across the Ephesus portfolio. Whether lighting a professional venue, a municipal complex, or a high school stadium, systems are designed to meet required light levels and classifications while maximizing performance and efficiency. Every Ephesus product is engineered to scale, ensuring it performs to standard without unnecessary complexity. This flexibility allows facility managers to select the right product for their unique system needs, without overpaying or underperforming. 

What questions should stakeholders be asking? 

The Ephesus team recommends that facility managers begin by identifying the primary level of play and any compliance standards they must meet. Additional considerations should include fixture layout, energy costs, potential for community feedback, and long-term maintenance needs. Retrofitting existing infrastructure is often possible, and multiple options are available depending on goals and budget. Most importantly, lighting should be viewed as a long-term investment in safety, experience, and facility reputation. 

What sets Ephesus apart? 

Ephesus was the first to bring LED technology to sports venues and continues to lead with a commitment to purpose-built design. With the backing of Cooper Lighting Solutions and Signify, the company offers unmatched engineering resources, service support, and product versatility. Ephesus systems are tailored to each venue, sport, and community, supporting everything from performance lighting to entertainment and environmental impact. 

We can help with your lighting project, Contact Ephesus, EphesusInfo@CooperLighting.com or 1-800-573-3600

© 2025 Ephesus

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