What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a sporting event? Chances are, it’s the thrilling action on the pitch, the electric atmosphere or the roar of the crowd – and not the grandstand seating!
These seats are an often overlooked element of sporting events but they help to play a pivotal role in the spectators’ experience overall. From providing clear sightlines and comfort, to ensuring safety and managing crowd flow, portable grandstand seating is an indispensable aspect of any successful event.
In this latest article, we thought we would shine the spotlight on grandstand seating and the benefits it brings for spectators and organisers alike.
What is Grandstand Seating?
Grandstand seating is a collective term for the tiered structures of seats that surround a sporting/event stadium and provide the crowds with somewhere to sit. They are much more than that though: they play a vital role in ensuring that spectators can enjoy, and fully engage with, the game/event.
The structures can either be permanent installations, such as those you see in stadia and arenas, or portable grandstand seating that can be erected and dismantled as needed for key events. The permanent structures are designed for durability and often form part of the venue’s overall architecture. However, temporary grandstand seating can be constructed specifically for the amount of spectators expected, transported and set up in different locations, making them ideal for events in open fields or temporary arenas.
What are the Benefits of Grandstand Seating at Sports Events?
No matter what sport is being played, grandstand seating forms an essential part of the fan experience and there are a number of significant benefits that this seating can provide:
Visibility for Fans
The biggest advantage of incorporating grandstands for your sporting event is that they offer superior visibility for fans. The tiered arrangement ensures that every spectator has a clear line of sight to the playing field, stage or event arena. Unlike flat seating arrangements, where line of sight can often be obstructed, grandstand seating elevates each row to ensure every moment of action can be enjoyed.
Comfort
Comfort is another major benefit of grandstand seating. Well-designed seating should incorporate ergonomic features that enhance the overall spectator experience by ensuring that they feel comfortable throughout the duration. Ideally, seats should be contoured to fit the body and they should also have adequate spacing to ensure that spectators do not feel cramped.
Enhanced Atmosphere
When fans are feeling comfortable throughout the event, they are more engaged with what’s going on which, in turn, contributes to the overall atmosphere. The tiered seating allows fans to feel closer to the action, fostering a sense of community and shared excitement.
The heightened atmosphere not only enhances the spectator experience but can also positively influence the performance of athletes/players as they feed the energy of the crowd.
Safety
Of course, it’s not just about the comfort and sightlines of the spectators. Grandstand seating also plays a major role in the safety of the event. Modern grandstands include sturdy railings, non-slip surfaces and well-marked aisles to ensure safe movement within the structure and their tiered design helps to manage the crowd and prevent overcrowding.
Capacity and Scalability
Portable grandstand seating offers a significant advantage over permanent structures by allowing event organisers to scale and adjust the seating arrangement based on the expected attendance. This is particularly beneficial for events held in varying locations or with fluctuating audience sizes. Portable grandstands can also be configured to fit around permanent structures already in place. Portable grandstand seating is scalable and can be cost-effective, helping to provide a good return on investment.
Flexibility
While primarily associated with sporting events, grandstand seating is a very versatile solution that can also be used for a variety of other events, including concerts, parades and outdoor festivals. Whilst primarily being associated with outdoor events, portable grandstands can also be utilised in indoor spaces, such as basketball stadiums, arenas and convention centres. The portability allows them to be transported to different locations with ease, making them a valuable option for organisers who host many different events throughout the year.
Marketing and Sponsorship Opportunities
Grandstand seating offers unique marketing and sponsorship opportunities. The large, visible surfaces are ideal for advertising banners, sponsorship logos and promotional materials, which can help generate additional revenue and improve brand recognition and engagement.
Accessibility Features
Modern grandstands include features that improve accessibility for all spectators, such as ramps, tilt seating, designated seating areas and easily accessible entry and exit points. This not only ensures that everyone is able to enjoy the event but also ensures that organisers are meeting all legal requirements
Importance of Proper Grandstand Design
A well-designed grandstand ensures that spectators can move freely and comfortably, reducing the risk of bottlenecks or areas of congestion. Correctly placed entry and exit points are also essential for efficient crowd movement, especially in the event of an emergency.
The design also plays a role in sightlines and it requires careful planning and execution to ensure that every spectator can enjoy the spectacle. The angle and height of each tier must be calculated to provide the best view in the smallest space. The gradient of stairs is also important to reduce tripping risks. Additionally, the size and shape of each chair along with adequate legroom is also critical.
Looking for Grandstand Seating for Your Event or a More Permanent Solution for Your Venue?
If you are looking for high-quality grandstand seating for your next sporting event, then our team here at AKA Events Hire is on hand to help you! Operating throughout Perth, our experienced team utilises innovative methods to design and construct temporary seating that ensures your guests will be able to enjoy the show in comfort.
If you are looking at a longer term seating solution, AKA Events Hire is also the Australian distributor for Pakar Seating and can offer permanent solutions for indoor or outdoor grandstand seating.
We embrace the latest techniques and technology to create innovative grandstands, ensuring you can hold your event on grass or sand, in rain or sun!
Want to learn more about our wide range of seating options? With options ranging from 50 and up to 5,000 seats, we can help find the perfect solution for your needs. Get in touch today to learn more!