DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
SFM : We have seen increased popularity of safe standing sections . What has led to that growth ? What overall design / build trends have you seen with regard to creating safe standing sections ? And what are some features of those types of sections , as well as any unique considerations that go into the planning ? Bauer : The popularity of safe standing sections can be attributed to the explosive growth of Major League Soccer and its venues . However , other sports are jumping on the trend , especially college football venues that want to provide student sections as a secure place to enjoy the action . Overall , the trend is about creating a safe space for fans to enjoy games while being in areas that promote that gameday energy and allow them to stand up , cheer and chant without disturbing others behind them .
The main feature of safe standing sections [ from our standpoint ] is Sightline Commercial Solutions ’ Seating Rail , which incorporates seats directly into a railing system . This gives fans , and more importantly venues , the option to turn a seating area within the bowl into a standing room only section without needing to remove seats . The system also adapts to steep rakes with the help of its ultra-slim seating profile . The angled frame not only creates a comfortable lean rail for standing supporters , but also provides a safe boundary to prevent energetic fans from falling into the next row and increases headroom for patrons during seated events .
Bauer : Utilizing materials like aluminum , which is far superior when manufacturing railings compared to traditional stainless steel , allows us to be flexible with designs . We can develop and extrude different and unique shapes , as well as provide a variety of different finishes . Investing in 3D scanning units and a variety of laser equipment has afforded us the ability to be extremely accurate and nimble enough to produce final products in a timely manner . We ’ ve developed these techniques over the course of several decades because how a railing looks is as important to us as how it functions . Since 2003 , we ’ ve partnered with architects and provided railings for major sports venues . Prior to that , we were heavily involved in designing and manufacturing portable seating and VIP spaces for commercial , athletic , live entertainment and performing arts venues .
SFM : What trends are you seeing with regard to sports stadium design and construction ? Bauer : We are seeing sports stadiums trend toward providing unique fan-engagement spaces throughout their venues rather than simply typical suites . From rooftop or elevated patios to large club areas and branded seating sections , field-level suites and other special seating , all the areas are being designed with a unique flare and distinctive look that mixes metals , glass , wood and even stone . We are also seeing large stadiums being built in the digital world first thanks to 3D software , which can coordinate trades and materials before any actual production is completed or single yard of concrete is cast . SFM
For more information about Sightline Commercial Solutions ’ projects , visit https :// www . sightlinecommercial . com / projects .
SFM : Venues such as GEODIS Park are utilizing a wide range of solutions , including cable rail , aisle rail , grip rail , anodized aluminum rail and stainless-steel clad glass guardrail . In addition , you used 3-D laser scanning and tube lasers to engineer all aisle railings . What can you tell us about the advanced materials , technologies and techniques that go into not only creating a safe fan experience , but also an optimized design aesthetic ?
sportsfieldmanagementonline . com June 2023 | SportsField Management
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