The defining characteristic is the fixture it holds: a floodlight. These are rugged, weatherproof housings containing powerful lamps—historically metal halide or high-pressure sodium, but now overwhelmingly LED—that project a wide, controlled “wash” of light. The fixtures are mounted on adjustable brackets or arms, allowing precise aiming. This adjustability is key, enabling technicians to direct the light exactly where it’s needed, whether that’s across a tennis court, onto a warehouse loading dock, or away from neighboring properties to prevent light trespass.

While a high mast pole is a singular, towering giant for illuminating acres, a flood light pole is often more modular and tactical. Multiple poles can be strategically placed around a perimeter or field to eliminate shadows and provide overlapping coverage. The design is straightforward: a robust foundation, a pole of necessary height, and one or more powerful, directional lights aimed to serve a specific practical purpose, making the unseen seen after dark.