Which type of light is typically used for oval tracks and stadiums?

The correct choice, Metal Halide, is commonly used for illuminating oval tracks and stadiums due to its ability to produce bright, high-quality light that is essential for ensuring visibility during sporting events and other activities. Metal Halide lamps generate a natural daylight effect, which enhances the color and texture of playing surfaces, making them appear clearer to athletes and spectators alike.

Additionally, Metal Halide lights provide good color rendering, which is important in environments that require a precise perception of colors, such as in sports. They also have a relatively high luminous efficacy, meaning they provide a powerful output of light while consuming less energy compared to some other options, making them an economical choice over time.

Other lighting types, like fluorescent lights, are generally not suitable for outdoor sports venues due to their lower output and performance in colder temperatures. Low-pressure sodium (LPS) lamps, while energy-efficient and used for street lighting, produce a monochromatic light that can distort colors, which is not ideal for sporting environments. Mercury vapor lights are less commonly used in modern applications due to their poorer color rendering and efficiency compared to Metal Halide options.