U.S. Open Embraces Dark Sky-Friendly Lighting
As the U.S. Open kicks off, tennis players shine under innovative lighting designed to reduce light pollution. The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center has implemented wedge-shaped lamps that focus light on the courts while minimizing the spillover into the night sky.
This tennis complex stands out as the only professional sports venue certified for its commitment to preserving the night sky by a global organization. Schools and local parks across North America and Canada are adopting similar lighting solutions to protect stargazing and local wildlife.
Bright lights at sports fields are known to disrupt bird migration and confuse night creatures. Over the last decade, the U.S. Tennis Association has upgraded to shielded LED lights, earning the dark sky-friendly certification for both its tournament and practice courts.
Chuck Jettmar, the USTA’s managing director of capital projects, stated, “This event has a large impact on the community. We want to minimize that while ensuring everyone enjoys the experience.”
The U.S. Open matches are filled with the sounds of players competing and fans cheering. The lighting, which dims to a quarter of its brightness when not used for tournaments, has been approved by DarkSky International, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing light pollution. The organization now includes sports arenas in its certification program.
Renovating facilities with dark sky considerations typically incurs an additional cost of about 5% to 10% compared to traditional lighting. However, most venues are making these changes during routine upgrades, working with lighting companies to enhance the night environment.
In Apache Junction, Arizona, a park has replaced outdated lights with new, dark sky-friendly fixtures funded by both federal and local initiatives. This change allows residents to escape the city lights and enjoy a clearer view of the stars.
At Université Sainte-Anne in Canada, students utilize newly lit fields that have also received DarkSky approval, aiding in the study of local wildlife impacts.
While no lighting solution is perfect, experts note that every effort counts in reducing light pollution. The U.S. Open’s commitment sets an example for other venues to follow, promoting a balanced approach to nighttime enjoyment while respecting the natural environment.
