Europe’s first DarkSky Approved Outdoor Sports Lighting system installed in Germany

Kall, Germany

Respect for the environment and respect for the game guided the installation of Europe’s first DarkSky Approved Outdoor Sports Lighting system at Sportanlage Kall-Sötenich in Kall, Germany. In a country and across a continent where football is deeply rooted in community life, this municipal field demonstrates how modern sports lighting can support high-quality play while protecting the night.

The installation represents a milestone for DarkSky International’s Outdoor Sports Lighting program and sets an example for communities across Europe seeking to improve sports infrastructure while reducing light pollution that spills into surrounding neighborhoods, disrupts nearby habitats, and diminishes views of the night sky.

The sports complex sits in western Germany’s Eifel region, where communities have worked together since 2014 through the SternenLandschaft Eifel initiative to reduce light pollution, benefiting the nocturnal environment and encouraging astrotourism. The project reflects the region’s broader effort to balance community recreation with responsible lighting practices near Eifel National Park.

The lighting system was developed through a partnership between regional utility e-regio and Musco Lighting and was designed to meet DarkSky International’s science-based criteria for responsible outdoor lighting. Musco’s precision lighting approach carefully directs illumination onto the playing surface while limiting glare and unwanted light spill into surrounding areas.

“This project shows that communities don’t have to choose between quality sports facilities and protecting the night,” said James Brigagliano, Lighting Program Manager at DarkSky International. “With thoughtful design and the right partners, lighting can support athletes, serve communities, and reduce impacts on the night sky.”

Lighting designed for performance and responsibility

The new system delivers consistent, high-quality illumination across the playing surface while carefully controlling where light is directed. By reducing high-angle light and focusing illumination only where it is needed, the design improves visibility for athletes while minimizing glare and limiting impacts on the surrounding environment.

The LED system also significantly reduces energy use compared with conventional sports lighting, helping the municipality lower operating costs while supporting broader sustainability goals.

“With the new lighting system, we are contributing to the preservation of a livable region,” said Markus Böhm, Managing Director of e-regio. “Together with Musco Lighting, we are proud to achieve the first DarkSky Approved certification for a sports lighting system in Europe. This project sets an important example for responsible lighting technology.”

What makes it DarkSky Approved?

DarkSky International’s Outdoor Sports Lighting program provides a framework for designing lighting systems that reduce light pollution while maintaining the performance standards required for competitive sports.

Projects seeking certification must meet strict criteria grounded in the Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting at Night. These include precisely directing light where it is needed, limiting glare and light spill, reducing high-angle light that contributes to skyglow, and improving energy efficiency.

A model for sports lighting across Europe

The installation at Sportanlage Kall-Sötenich demonstrates that communities do not have to choose between well-lit sports facilities and protecting the night environment.

As municipalities across Europe continue to invest in new and upgraded sports facilities, this project offers a clear path forward. With thoughtful design and strong partnerships, lighting systems can support athletes, serve communities, and reduce impacts on the night sky.

About DarkSky Approved Outdoor Sports Lighting Program

DarkSky Approved Outdoor Sports Lighting is a DarkSky program proving that dark skies can coexist with modern outdoor recreation. Using advanced LED technology, thoughtful design, and state-of-the-art controls, DarkSky Approved projects reduce glare, spill, and skyglow that impact nearby neighborhoods, adjacent wildlife habitats, and the night sky. These projects show that we can protect the night without compromising play. Learn more about the program by visiting our website.