Sports Lighting

Lighting Services for Athletic and Recreational Facilities

Volkert brings deep technical expertise in designing high-performance lighting and electrical systems tailored for sports and recreational facilities. Our team partners closely with leading sports lighting manufacturers to develop precise, bid-ready lighting and electrical plans. From photometric analyses that optimize pole placement, aiming angles, and luminaire counts, to detailed electrical service designs and voltage drop calculations, our engineers ensure compliance with the National Electrical Code while maximizing safety and efficiency. We’ve supported projects across ball fields, stadiums, and parking lots, including lighting retrofits and new installations that enhance athlete performance and spectator experience alike.

Serving as trusted client representatives, the program management team delivers large scale sports and recreation capital programs with efficiency, quality, and control. The team offers full-spectrum expertise in budgeting, consultant coordination, construction scheduling, and contract management. Acting as a single point of contact, we streamline project execution while safeguarding the client’s vision. With deep experience in construction management, sustainable practices, and design build delivery, Volkert ensures that every phase from concept through completion meets the complex needs of stadium and sports lighting projects.

Relevant Lighting Project Experience

Legions Field | Birmingham, AL

As part of a major stadium improvement effort, Volkert partnered with Holophane, a sports lighting manufacturer, to deliver lighting and electrical plans tailored for bidding and construction. Holophane conducted the photometric analysis for the football field, determining pole locations, pole heights, luminaire counts, and aiming diagrams for each light fixture.

In addition to field lighting, updated lighting was designed for the stadium’s pedestrian ramps, restroom and concession areas, and surrounding parking lots. Electrical services and circuitry were planned based on manufacturer input to ensure full system compatibility. Volkert performed voltage drop calculations to properly size conduit and conductors to serve the sports lighting control cabinets as well as the light poles. The design also included overcurrent protection device sizing, in accordance with the National Electrical Code, including disconnect switches and circuit breakers.

Foley Sports Complex Phase 1 and Phase 2 | Foley, AL

Lighting and electrical plans were developed in partnership with MUSCO, a sports lighting manufacturer, to support project bidding. MUSCO conducted the photometric analysis for the ball fields, identifying pole locations, pole heights, luminaire quantities, and aiming diagrams for each fixture. Using this data, the electrical services and circuitry were designed to support the lighting systems. The team also performed a photometric analysis to assess and optimize parking lot lighting.

Volkert performed voltage drop calculations to properly size conduit and conductors to serve the sports lighting control cabinets as well as the light poles. Overcurrent protection devices, including disconnect switches and circuit breakers, were sized in accordance with the National Electrical Code.

Robertsdale Sports Complex | Robertsdale, AL

Future phases of the project include a men?s softball field; football field; five soccer fields; a tennis complex, with four courts; two basketball courts; and a junior Olympic-size pool.

To support bidding efforts, lighting and electrical plans were developed in coordination with a leading sports lighting manufacturer. The manufacturer performed the photometric analysis for the ball fields, determining pole locations, pole heights, number of luminaires per pole, and aiming diagrams for each light. Based on this analysis, the team designed the electrical services and circuitry needed to power the sports lighting systems. Volkert performed photometric analysis for the parking lot lighting.

Voltage drop calculations were performed to properly size conduit and conductors serving the sports lighting control cabinets and light poles. The design also included sizing of overcurrent protection devices in compliance with the National Electrical Code, including disconnect switches and circuit breakers.

Santa Rosa County Sports Complex | Santa Rosa County, FL

Spanning multiple design phases from 2020 through 2024, this upcoming sports complex was planned in partnership with MUSCO, a sports lighting manufacturer, to prepare detailed lighting and electrical plans for bidding. MUSCO conducted photometric analysis for the ball fields, determining pole locations, pole heights, luminaire counts, and aiming diagrams tailored to the facility layout. Electrical services and circuitry were designed to support the lighting systems based on the manufacturer’s specifications. Additional photometric analysis addressed interior roadways and parking areas to ensure consistent lighting coverage across the site.

Volkert performed voltage drop calculations to properly size conduit and conductors to serve the sports lighting control cabinets as well as the light poles. Overcurrent protection devices, including disconnect switches and circuit breakers, were also specified in accordance with the National Electrical Code.

Relevant Program Management Experience

Alabaster City Schools Capital Improvement Program – Thompson High School

This $120 million capital improvement program included a new 380,000 square-foot high school along with renovations to existing facilities across the district. Volkert served as the program manager for the multi-year effort, which encompassed both academic and athletic infrastructure. The new Thompson High School campus includes extensive athletic amenities such as an indoor practice facility with field houses, a track and field stadium, baseball and softball stadiums, indoor batting cages, tennis courts, and a golf driving range. The program also provided five dedicated practice fields for football, soccer, band, and ROTC use. A 2,220-space parking lot was included to support student and faculty needs.

The academic side of the facility accommodates 2,000 students across 74 classrooms, 14 science labs, a 1,250-seat auditorium, a black box theater, a career academy center, and a 100-seat lecture hall. Upon completion in 2017, the campus became a model for modern education, combining state-of-the-art athletic, career tech, and fine arts facilities in a single, integrated environment.

City of Baker School System – Capital Improvement Program (CIP) – Baker High School

Volkert was selected to manage a district-wide capital improvement program focused on upgrading Baker High School and other system facilities. The work began with a facility assessment, capacity analysis, and stakeholder interviews, which were summarized in a formal report delivered in 2012. Following the assessment, Volkert provided program management services for facility upgrades and continues to support the district’s maintenance program on an as-needed basis. Recent work has included chiller replacements at the high school and middle school, as well as the renovation of a newly acquired building to serve as the district’s central office.

The scope of work included stadium enhancements, lighting retrofits, and various renovations such as window and door replacements, auditorium upgrades with asbestos abatement, interior lighting retrofits, and ceiling tile replacement. Additional improvements included new campus-wide security and intercom systems, renovations to stadium concession stands and restrooms, roof repairs, exterior painting, and the installation of new home-side stadium seating with a press box. The capital program was completed in January 2019.

Madison City Schools Capital Improvement Program – James Clemens High School

Volkert served as Construction Manager Agent for the development of James Clemens High School, overseeing seven prime contractors and managing all phases from construction through post-occupancy. Responsibilities included coordination of furniture, fixture and equipment procurement, owner move-in logistics, and management of the one-year warranty period.

The 328,000 square foot facility was built on an 83-acre greenfield site and designed with sustainability and long-term adaptability in mind. The building’s design will allow the facility to remain modern and capable of adapting to developing teaching styles and technology through the utilization of multi-use classrooms and laboratory space. The total program cost was $62 million, with completion in summer 2012.

City of Saraland Program Management – New Saraland High School

The Saraland Board of Education planned to construct a new school facility to accommodate approximately 900 high school students within the City of Saraland. This new high school project consisted of a 158,000 SF two-story building of masonry and steel construction, brick veneer and other finishes, with some shingle roof areas and some low slope roof areas. The project also included related site improvements. The facility included classrooms, science labs, administrative areas, kitchen/cafeteria, band/chorus rooms, and a media center.

The facility was designed for a future expansion that would accommodate 1,200 students. The facility includes a new competition gymnasium (capacity 1,000) and a physical education (PE) gymnasium. The new auditorium seats 750 people. There are also areas for athletic fields/P.E. fields, parking lots, and support facilities. An access road to the school, parking facilities, and all utility services were also provided.

Volkert was responsible for construction/program management services which included roadway design, utility improvements, electrical design, permitting assistance, and survey services all performed by Volkert.

Tinsley Park – Sports Complex for Bossier Parish, LA

Volkert provided comprehensive surveying, engineering, and construction management services for the development of the Tinsley Park Sports Complex. The project encompassed the design of five state-of-the-art baseball/softball fields, complete with modern bleachers and concession stands. Additional amenities included a full-sized football field, a soccer field, a modular playground, a covered pavilion, and restroom facilities.

The design integrated functionality and accessibility to serve athletes, families, and the community, creating a versatile recreational hub capable of hosting local leagues, tournaments, and community events.