Stadium Seating
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areas . We then have a range that goes down to our pre-fabricated Sports Stands that are very economical and quick to install at smaller clubs or training grounds .
Does the size of venue affect the type of seating required ?
The venue and setting will strongly influence the choice of seating . Rather than the seats themselves being affected it is the associated grandstand design . We design and install grandstands including broadcast studios , camera platforms , hospitality facilities , public , bars , catering concessions , retail units and toilets . Space and other existing facilities will steer our need to include these built into the undercrofts .
The space / size of the ground was the main challenge when we redeveloped the seating at Fulham ’ s Craven Cottage . They approached us to transform the old-fashioned , run-down stadium suffering from years of underinvestment , into a codecompliant , 22,000 seated facility for the first game of the 04 / 05 Premiership season . Throughout a seven year , £ 2.75million project , the seating system has been progressively upgraded to the club ’ s current Championship season 25,700 capacity , all whilst minimising the need for permanent concrete construction . Strict planning regulations limit the height we could go to and with roads and The Thames preventing expanding the footprint we had to be imaginative to engineer raked tiers that optimised the capacity , and thereby revenue generation , possible to the club .
On a smaller scale , Swansea City FC required improved training ground facilities to allow the increased fan base to support upcoming talent at training matches and events . Designed to fit between the existing floodlights around the pitch , three grandstands were installed , housing 501 tiered tip-up seats in the club ’ s colours , also allowing space for up to 6 wheelchair users . Most recently , we installed 438 tiered seats into three new stands at Leicester City ’ s Holmes Park , now the official home venue of the club ’ s under-23s development squad .
Location is not a challenge , we can deliver cost-effective seating solutions to large scale events the world over . 18,000 clearview™ seats were installed in two demountable grandstands of Arena de Sao Paulo ’ s North and South stands , the largest ever temporary structure built in Brazil for the World Cup 2014 . Both grandstands stood at 102m wide and 30m high , each with 54 rows of seats , offering football fans unparalleled views of the momentous sporting event .
What impact can seating have on the atmosphere at a stadium ?
The seating product itself is unlikely to have an impact on stadium atmosphere , however the proximity of the fans to the pitch itself plays a huge part . When stadium seating is situated right up close to the pitch it helps to create an intimate , electric atmosphere , whereas large stadiums tend to be further back , detaching fans more from the action . In addition to this ,
the steeper the rake angle gives fans the feeling of being immersed in the gameplay below . Our stadium seating stands can be designed and tailored to the grounds ’ specific requirements and to give the fans the best possible match day experience .
What are the main considerations clubs should be aware of when considering new seating ?
With so many variables to consider , from budget to design and aesthetics to timing , the starting point should be to talk to us . A club can save a lot of time and money by engaging us before they go down the permanent construction route – or at least get us in early if the architects are appointed . Make use of the expertise at your disposal , with our knowledge of the latest technology available coupled with a 50 year heritage of stadium and events projects , I ’ d like to think we can add a lot of value to a club . Gone are the days when the only option to expand stadium capacity was to put in a permanent , concrete fixed seating structure , so I ’ d recommend not jumping to the conclusion that it ’ s still the only way forward . Be forward-thinking and look to cheaper , more flexible , quicker to install modular options that provide the same high-quality end result ; all without the need for bringing in permanent construction solutions .
What are the main safety issues that need to be taken into account ?
All of our products and stadium plans are designed and installed conforming to the Green Guide Safety at Sports Grounds 5th Edition and Football Licensing
Authority safety regulations . These incorporate everything from ensuring that all guidelines for ingress / egress , accessibility , evacuation times , stairways , gangways , travel distances , load bearing capacities are all adhered to . During our build phase we work to stringent regulations and higher health , safety and logistics standards required by the nature of the construction .
How can clubs ensure they are getting the most costeffective solution to their requirements ?
By using a company like Arena Seating not only are you benefitting from a trusted range of seating products available , you also have the expertise of our 80 in-house seating professionals , CAD designers and engineers at your fingertips . Our dedicated specialists can provide options for all seating requirements from additional seats for one-off events through to a complete stadium seating upgrade , or very cost-effective stands at training grounds .
Football stadiums can enjoy ground expansions , training ground improvements and kit hire thanks to the grants available from the Football Foundation , offered when the club match the remaining half of the costs . All our products have Football Foundation grants as a possible funding partner ,
Is there anyone clubs can contact if they are looking for more information ?
Myself and the team are always at the end of the phone for a chat , so give us a call on 01488 674800 or email us at info @ arenaseating . com , or for more information visit www . arenaseating . com
10 Issue 69