a backlight device includes a plurality of fluorescent lamps each having a tube and lamp electrodes formed at opposing ends of the tube arranged parallel with each other along a first direction , a lower lamp fixing assembly of a first height having a first plurality of grooves disposed along a second direction for holding the ends of the plurality of fluorescent lamps , and an upper lamp fixing assembly of a second height , the upper lamp fixing assembly having a second plurality of grooves , a first end portion have a first width facing the lower lamp fixing assembly , and a second end portion having a second width smaller than the first width , wherein portions of the ends of each of the tubes are exposed at an exterior of the lower and upper lamp fixing assemblies .