Originally developed in Mexico in the late 1960s, padel quickly gained popularity in Spain and Latin America before spreading across Europe. Played in doubles on an enclosed court about a third the size of a tennis court, Padel uses a solid racket and a slightly depressurised ball. The ball can bounce off the walls, adding a tactical dimension similar to squash. Padel has been rapidly expanding in the UK, with more courts being built across the country and increasing interest from players of all levels.
High-profile athletes and celebrities such as Andy Murray and David Beckham have helped drive the sport’s visibility, with former tennis professionals and even footballers backing padel facilities. The sport is also backed by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), and major clubs and leisure centres are investing in new facilities. The LTA has set a goal of increasing the number of padel courts to 1000 by 2026.
High quality lighting is essential for padel courts because it enhances visibility, safety, and gameplay quality.
Better Visibility – Padel is a fast-paced game, and proper lighting ensures players can clearly see the ball, their opponents, and the glass walls, reducing misjudgements during play.
Even Illumination – High-quality lighting minimizes shadows and glare, ensuring consistent visibility across the entire court, which is crucial for fair play.
Compliance with Standards – Many professional padel courts must meet specific lighting requirements (e.g., 300-500 lux for amateur courts and 500-750 lux for professional courts) to ensure high-quality play.
Night Play – Good lighting allows for extended playing hours, making the court usable after sunset, which is essential for clubs and recreational players.
The European standard for sports lighting EN 12193 sets the official requirements for padel and tennis courts
Class III – Recreational & Training Play ( 300 lux indoor / 200 lux outdoor )
· Public courts, community centres, and private clubs
· Casual and amateur play
· Training sessions
Class II – Club & Amateur Competition ( 500 lux indoor / 300 lux outdoor )
· Local club matches and leagues
· Semi-professional tournaments
· Higher-level training sessions
Class I – Professional & TV Broadcast ( 750 lux indoor / 500 lux outdoor )
· Professional tournaments (World Padel Tour, FIP events)
· TV broadcasting and streaming
· High-performance training
Whether you're planning to open a new padel centre or looking to upgrade the lighting at an existing facility, we’re here to help. Our team offers expert lighting design services tailored to your courts, ensuring optimal visibility and compliance with the standards required for your level of play.
The Padel Plus LED fitting is the ultimate lighting solution for both indoor and outdoor padel courts. With IP66 and IK10 ratings, it is built to withstand even the toughest conditions. Specifically engineered for padel, its custom-designed lens delivers exceptional light distribution across the court while minimising glare for players, ensuring an optimal playing experience.
Using the Padel Plus LED fitting, we can achieve Class III level of play with just four LED fittings mounted at a height of 6 metres. The total power consumption is only 960W per court, making it a highly efficient solution without compromising on performance.
Our lighting design not only meets recommended standards but also ensures consistent illumination and minimal glare.
For more information or to discuss how we can assist you on your lighting journey, please contact us at sales@nexislighting.co.uk. Our expert technical sales engineers are ready to help you design the perfect lighting solution tailored to your padel court requirements.
Book your free site survey today and discover how LED lighting can save you money, enhance your space, and reduce your carbon footprint. Our experts will assess your needs and provide a tailored solution to brighten your space.
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