Last Updated on November 15, 2024 by UDC Sports
Outfitting a sports facility of any type requires careful planning and consideration. When you’re getting a sports facility up and running, there’s a lot that goes into it. You’re looking at everything from the type of turf or court surfacing to the goals, netting, and seating—and all of it has to meet some pretty strict standards.
It’s easy to overlook factors like how weather impacts artificial turf versus natural grass, or how improper surfacing installation can lead to expensive maintenance issues. In sports construction, these details matter. Cutting corners now can lead to bigger problems later, so every component needs to be built to last—and installed correctly.
Everything, from the equipment, to the sports surface, to the overall structure, must work together to ensure a sports field continues to perform well for years, not just on day one. Every part plays a role in the overall success of the project, and getting it right from the start will save a lot of hassle down the road. Working with reliable sports field equipment suppliers and installers can also ensure that those components are properly sourced and installed.
In the guide below, we’ll be taking a look at what it takes to outfit a sports facility with equipment and surfacing that will keep it performing well and looking great long after the ribbon-cutting.
Sports Field Equipment Installation
A sports facility isn’t complete without the right equipment. Below are some examples of some of the most important components in athletic facilities of all types:
Scoreboards
Scoreboards are essential for keeping everyone—players, spectators, and coaches—updated on the game’s progress. From simple manual setups at smaller venues to advanced digital systems capable of displaying real-time stats, advertisements, and even video replays, the type of scoreboard you choose should match the facility’s needs
For larger, professional-grade scoreboards, careful planning is required, including precise electrical work and protective enclosures to handle outdoor conditions.
With today’s scoreboards, the control systems can be practically as important as the displays themselves. As scoreboards have become digital, these control systems have become more complex, with features like remote control, integration with other facility systems, and real-time updates. Because they draw significant power and need to communicate with other systems (like lighting, sound, or broadcasting), it’s important to integrate them into the facility’s overall electrical plan. in professional or high-profile venues, backup power or redundant systems (such as UPS systems or secondary power sources) are often used to prevent downtime during games or events, which could be critical for time-sensitive functions like keeping track of the game clock.
Of course, if you’re adding a scoreboard to a smaller community, school, or church sports field, things don’t have to be quite as complicated. While you’ll still want to make sure the scoreboard is properly installed and integrated into your electrical setup, you most likely won’t need the level of complexity seen in large venues. A simpler control system, often operated remotely or through a basic panel, will meet the needs of most schools and churches.
Backup power systems might not be 100% necessary either, unless you expect big crowds and high-stakes events. In most cases, a reliable setup with basic protections against weather and wear should be more than enough to keep things running smoothly.
Goals & Field Equipment
Soccer goals, football uprights, basketball hoops, tennis nets—specialized, sport-specific equipment like these examples are essential for any athletic facility.
Galvanized steel and aluminum are common materials because they hold up well, whether it’s under the sun or through rainstorms, and can take a beating from regular use. You don’t want something that’s going to rust out after a couple of seasons. Correct installation is important for safety, as improperly-secured equipment can become a hazard. And, depending on the specific type of sports venue, you might also need to think about adjustability.
- For football uprights, professional and college-level fields often install fixed steel goalposts, which are securely embedded in concrete bases to withstand strong winds and impacts from the game. Smaller fields and multi-use venues might opt for adjustable or hinged goalposts that can be lowered for maintenance or moved for other activities. Some football fields install posts with bright yellow powder coatings, which improve visibility for both players and fans in all weather conditions.
- For soccer goals, you might opt for aluminum frames with a powder-coated finish for added weather resistance. If you’re working with a youth league, lightweight, portable aluminum goals are often the go-to option, as they can be easily moved and stored between games. On the other hand, for more permanent setups—like high school or college fields—goals made from thicker aluminum tubing with a powder-coated finish are preferred. These resist weather damage even better, and can endure the wear and tear of frequent practices and games. You might also consider anti-tip systems or counterweights for added safety, especially in youth or recreational leagues.
- For baseball or softball fields, dugout fencing and backstop nets need to be made from high-gauge, coated steel or aluminum to resist rust and handle impacts from balls or players. Chain-link fences with vinyl coatings offer extra durability and safety, reducing the chance of injuries from sharp edges. Consider adding foul ball nets with retractable systems if the space is used for other activities when the field isn’t in use.
- Basketball hoops can come with breakaway rims, which are ideal for preventing damage from dunking. For indoor courts, tempered glass backboards are great for rebound quality and durability, which is why they’re standard in high schools, colleges, and professional stadiums and arenas. Outdoor basketball courts might want to go with acrylic or polycarbonate backboards instead, as they are more resistant to the elements while still offering good playability.
- Tennis nets should be UV-resistant to maintain their strength over time. You could also add center straps and adjustable net posts to make sure the net stays at the correct height for different levels of play. For facilities that support multiple sports, like tennis and pickleball, having posts with quick-adjustment features makes transitioning between games much easier and keeps the net taut for both games.
Multi-use and community sports facilities often need systems that cater to various levels of play. For example, adjustable-height basketball hoops or portable soccer goals can allow a facility to host everything from youth leagues to professional-level tournaments without needing to invest in multiple sets of equipment. And for tennis, you might want to consider adjustable net heights if the courts will be used for both standard tennis and pickleball, which is increasingly popular.
Seating / Bleachers
Spectator seating varies depending on the size and function of the sports facility. Smaller fields may only need a few sets of portable bleachers, while large stadiums will naturally require more permanent seating arrangements that can accommodate thousands. Many other fields will fall somewhere in between.
Portable bleachers offer some flexibility, allowing for different seating configurations.
- For smaller venues, like community parks or elementary school fields, a 3- to 5-row portable bleacher might be sufficient, seating anywhere from 15 to 50 people. These can be moved with minimal effort using built-in wheels or dollies, which allows for quick reconfiguration based on the event. For example, you can position them closer to the field for smaller games or pull them back to accommodate larger crowds at tournaments or special events.
- Larger portable bleachers, with 10 or more rows, can seat hundreds of spectators and are often used for high school sports or mid-sized tournaments. These units usually come with safety features like guardrails, non-slip treads, and chain-link enclosures to prevent falls. While heavier, they’re still considered portable, but you may need specialized equipment like forklifts or trailers to move them safely. This makes them ideal for semi-permanent setups, where the seating can be relocated seasonally but not necessarily after every event.
One of the key benefits of portable bleachers is their adaptability. If your facility hosts multiple types of events—such as soccer games, concerts, or community festivals—portable bleachers allow you to adjust the seating layout based on the specific needs of each event. For instance, they can be arranged in a horseshoe configuration around a soccer field, set up on just one side for basketball games, or even placed on the sidelines of a track and field event.
Permanent seating structures are typically made of materials like aluminum and steel, and are built to endure heavy foot traffic and weather conditions. Proper installation should factor in accessibility, ensuring compliance with ADA standards. That means thinking about ramps, sightlines, and making sure every spectator has a good experience.
Most schools, communities, and churches typically do not invest in permanent seating unless they expect regular, large crowds or have dedicated, high-traffic athletic facilities. There are a few reasons for this.
Permanent seating, like fixed bleachers or concrete stands, is a significant upfront investment—not just in the seating itself, but also in installation, maintenance, and compliance with safety standards. Schools or organizations with smaller budgets usually can’t justify this cost if the seating won’t be used regularly. For example, a high school that only hosts a handful of home games per season or a community park with irregular events probably won’t need permanent bleachers. Portable seating is a more practical option for these cases because it’s more affordable, flexible, and easier to store or move as needed.
That said, there are exceptions. For example, schools with large athletic programs, communities that frequently host events, or churches with sports ministries might invest in permanent seating. These organizations often have a steady flow of spectators or users, making the cost of permanent structures more justifiable. In these cases, permanent seating can also add a professional, polished look to the facility and reduce the hassle of setting up and tearing down for every event.
Lighting Systems
Proper lighting is critical for evening games and indoor sports. LED lighting has become the standard due to its energy efficiency and long lifespan, and it’s essential to ensure even illumination across the playing surface without creating shadows or glare.
For outdoor venues, weather-resistant fixtures are a must, and installation requires coordination with electrical systems to handle high power demands. Lighting control systems can allow for dimming and adjusting based on specific game requirements or energy-saving needs.
Backstop Netting Systems
Backstop netting is one of those things you don’t really think about until you see a foul ball flying toward the stands. It’s an absolute must when you build a baseball field or softball field to keep spectators safe and protect everything around the field. The trick is getting it installed right.
The netting has to be properly tensioned and tailored to fit the field, whether you’re working on a small community field or a big stadium. It needs to be tough enough to handle constant hits but still allow clear sightlines for everyone watching.
Surfacing for Indoor & Outdoor Sports Facilities
Sports surfaces must meet specific requirements for performance, durability, and safety. The type of sports field surface installation will depend on the intended use of the facility—whether it’s indoor or outdoor, for general recreation or professional competition, and so on.
Artificial Turf
Artificial turf continues to become an increasingly popular choice for many outdoor fields due to its low maintenance and ability to withstand heavy use. Modern synthetic grass systems often include layers of padding underneath to reduce the impact on players’ joints and muscles, mimicking the feel of natural grass.
It’s commonly used for football, soccer, and lacrosse fields, and it can be customized to match specific color schemes and designs. Artificial turf sports fields should be installed with a drainage system to make sure water doesn’t accumulate on the surface.
Note: You can read more about grass vs artificial turf here.
Natural Turf Renovation
For facilities that prefer natural grass, field renovation can help keep the playing surface in peak condition. Over time, grass fields can become uneven or worn down due to continuous use. “Renovation” might include processes like sports field aeration, seeding, and top-dressing, all of which contribute to a healthier and overall better playing surface.
Professional turf management can include monitoring soil conditions and implementing custom sports field irrigation systems to maintain the grass throughout the sports season.
Unlike artificial turf, natural grass requires more consistent maintenance and can be affected by weather conditions, leading to challenges in upkeep, especially during heavy rain or drought.
Court Surfacing
Indoor courts are typically surfaced with materials like hardwood or cushioned vinyl, while outdoor courts might use acrylic or rubberized coatings to withstand weather conditions. These surfaces are typically used for sports such as:
- Basketball (indoor/outdoor)
- Tennis
- Pickleball
- Inline hockey
- Volleyball (indoor)
- Racquetball (indoor)
- Badminton (indoor)
- Squash (indoor)
- Handball (indoor)
Basketball and tennis courts require specialized surfacing materials that provide the right amount of grip, shock absorption, and durability. Ensuring a flat, even surface is critical during installation, since imperfections can affect ball bounce and player safety.
Sports Facility Extras & Custom Add-Ons
Beyond the basic equipment and surfaces, many sports facilities need custom solutions to fit specific requirements. Here are a few examples:
Padding & Protective Barriers
For sports like football or hockey, where player collisions are more common, padding and protective barriers are essential. Stadiums often require padding around goalposts, walls, and other hard surfaces to reduce the risk of injury. Custom padding installations can be designed to fit the exact specifications of the facility, including branding with team logos or school colors. Installation must prioritize player safety while ensuring the materials can endure constant wear and tear.
Fencing
Fencing serves multiple purposes in a sports facility. For baseball and softball fields, chain-link fences are used to mark boundaries and protect spectators. In soccer and football stadiums, higher fencing might be needed to keep balls contained. For tennis courts, windscreens can be added to the fencing to reduce the impact of wind on gameplay. Proper fencing installation is important for durability, particularly in outdoor environments where weather exposure is constant.
Custom Turf & Flooring Logos
Beyond functionality, many facilities want a personalized touch that reflects their team or community spirit. Custom logos or graphics can be added to turf or hardwood floors, creating a unique look for basketball courts, football fields, or gymnasiums. These logos not only enhance the facility’s aesthetic but also add to team branding and school pride.
Assuring Quality
When constructing a sports facility, there’s no room for shortcuts. Every component—whether it’s the netting or the playing surface—needs to be carefully installed by professionals to ensure that it meets the required safety standards. Regular sports field maintenance is also necessary to extend the life of both equipment and surfaces. That can include resurfacing worn-out courts, replacing torn netting, and conducting safety inspections of goals and bleachers.
If you’re looking at new sports field construction or renovating an existing facility, choosing a firm with experience in sports facility construction is important. An experienced team will know how to handle the details that can make or break a project—making sure everything’s done right the first time. That way, you avoid costly problems down the road. Plus, when the equipment and surfaces are properly installed, it’s going to improve the experience for both the athletes and the spectators.
Final Thoughts
Every detail, from the materials to the installation, plays a key part in making sure an athletic field or other sports facility can handle heavy use while maintaining high performance. Precision and attention to detail are critical, and with a qualified team taking care of the equipment and surfacing, you can rely on the facility to run smoothly for the long haul—letting you focus on operations and putting on great events.
Sports Field Equipment Installation
As industry leaders in sports field construction as well as turf and surface system installations, UDC Sports delivers high-performance solutions tailored to your facility’s requirements. We supply and install everything from netting and scoreboards to bleachers, padding, and equipment—ensuring your facility is ready for game day.
We supply and install everything from field surfacing to equipment installations like scoreboards, goal posts, backstop netting, and stadium padding. But we don’t just install—we provide full construction, design, consulting, and end-to-end project management services, working with the best sports field designers and craftsmen in the country. We make sure the job gets done right, on time, and on budget.
Get in touch with us today to learn how we can elevate your facility with the best sports field surfaces and equipment available. Call us at 828-518-5787 or click here to contact us via email.
