Illuminated backboard

Apparatus for playing a basketball game comprising:

• a. a translucent planar front panel having the outline of a basketball backboard;
• b. a frame attached to the front panel and cooperating therewith to define a cavity, the frame having an outline of a basketball backboard;
• c. a hoop joined to the frame;
• and
• d. light means in the cavity for illuminating the front panel.

In combination with a basketball backboard, an illuminated backboard comprising:

• a. a frame having a peripheral surface with an outline that is substantially identical to the outline of the basketball backboard, the frame being attached to the basketball backboard;
• b. a translucent planar front panel attached to the frame and cooperating therewith to define a cavity;
• c. light means inside the cavity for selectively illuminating the front panel;
• d. a basketball hoop;
• and
• e. bracket means secured to the basketball backboard for supporting a hoop at a predetermined location relative to the illuminated backboard,
• so that the illuminated backboard is not subjected to any stresses from the hoop.

A method of illuminating a basketball backboard comprising the steps of:

• a. providing a conventional basketball backboard with a hoop;
• b. removing the hoop from the conventional basketball backboard;
• c. attaching a frame to the conventional basketball backboard;
• d. attaching a translucent front panel to the frame and forming a cavity by the cooperation of the front panel with the frame;
• e. securing a bracket to the conventional basketball backboard;
• f. joining the hoop to the bracket proximate the front panel;
• and
• g. energizing a source of illumination in the cavity and illuminating the front panel.