Flutlicht

Flutlicht is the term used in German for floodlighting, a high-intensity outdoor lighting system designed to illuminate large areas such as sports fields, stadiums, and outdoor event venues. It enables nighttime play, spectator visibility, and television broadcasting by providing strong, uniform illumination over the surface.

Technology and design

Flutlichten systems consist of luminaires mounted on towers, poles, or rooftop positions, equipped with various lamp types and optics to shape the beam. Historically, metal halide and high-pressure sodium lamps were common; more recently, LED fixtures have become prevalent due to higher energy efficiency, longer life, and better control. Modern installations emphasize light uniformity, glare reduction, and selective beam control to avoid spill light outside the playing area. Color temperature and color rendering are chosen to meet broadcast and spectator preferences, with LEDs often delivering cool white light around 5000–6500 kelvin and good color rendering.

Applications and performance

Flutlicht is widely used for football and other outdoor sports, athletics tracks, concerts, and large public events. Lighting design aims for consistent illumination of the entire field, adequate contrast for players and officials, and compatibility with broadcast cameras. Operators increasingly employ dimming, zoning, and smart controls to adapt to events and reduce energy use, while also addressing concerns about glare and light pollution.

Standards and history

Stadium lighting follows international and national standards for safety, efficiency, glare control, and color quality, with guidance from bodies such as CIE and sport federations. The technology evolved from traditional HID lamps to LED systems in the 2010s, improving energy efficiency, control, and maintenance intervals.