Tue Aug 26 10:00:34 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The U.S. Open tennis tournament is using shielded LED lights that are DarkSky International approved to reduce light pollution. This makes the stadium the only professional sports venue certified by DarkSky. Other places, like schools and local parks, have also switched to dark sky-friendly lights to protect local wildlife and preserve the view of the night sky. While no lighting system is perfect, these measures are important for engaging responsibly with the night-time environment.

**News Article:**

**U.S. Open Serves Up Dark Sky-Friendly Lighting, Cutting Light Pollution**

**NEW YORK, NY (August 26, 2025)** – The U.S. Open is making a serve for sustainability, illuminating its courts with shielded LED lights designed to minimize light pollution. The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows has earned certification from DarkSky International, becoming the only professional sports venue to receive this recognition.

The new lighting system directs light precisely onto the playing surface, reducing glare and spillover into the surrounding environment. This not only enhances the viewing experience for fans and broadcasters but also protects local wildlife and preserves the night sky.

“This is an international event that has an impact on the community,” said Chuck Jettmar, the USTA’s managing director of capital projects and engineering. “Let’s minimize that and make sure that everybody’s happy with it.”

DarkSky International has been working with sports venues across North America to adopt similar lighting solutions, certifying over 30 venues since 2019, including schools and parks. James Brigagliano, who runs DarkSky’s outdoor sports lighting program, said renovating a field with dark skies in mind can cost about 5% to 10% more than traditional sports lighting.

While even the best shielded lighting systems create some level of light pollution, experts emphasize the importance of incremental improvements. As Travis Longcore, an urban light pollution expert at UCLA, noted, “I think you have to make improvements from where you are.”

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