Stadium Seat Buying: What to Expect
Whether you are developing a new stadium for the city's local sports franchise, or you are investing in new stadium seating for the beloved high school stadium, it's important to know where to buy stadium seats. Selecting quality stadium seating is important not only for the overall look and appearance of the stadium, but also for the comfort and experience of the spectators.
There are many factors that you need to weigh as you consider different stadium seating options, and this guide will walk you through each step of the process.
Assessing Your Needs
Before you purchase new stadium seating, you will want to review the facility specifications and analyze your needs. You can effectively assess your needs by evaluating:
Audience Demographics
Knowing your target audience can help you select stadium seating that is right for your facility. For example, the crowd at a professional tennis match may care more about seating than parents at a kid's recreational football game. It is important to evaluate the age of your audience, the sports that will be played at your facility and the overall price point for tickets before you choose your stadium seating.
In addition to considering audience preferences, you also will want to make sure that you include enough ADA seating to meet requirements and ensure that every guest has a comfortable seat to enjoy.
Capacity Requirements
First and foremost, you need to determine the maximum capacity of your stadium. Capacity will determine how many seats you can put into the stadium, which can affect your overall budget and the style of seating that you choose. As you evaluate the current capacity limits of the facility, also keep in mind the possibility of future expansion. You will want to invest in versatile stadium seating that could accommodate an expansion in the future.
Type of Events Hosted
Most stadiums are designed with a specific purpose in mind, though there are some multipurpose facilities in major metropolitan areas. As you begin to look at your options for stadium seating and discover where to buy stadium seats, you will want to think about the types of events that you host at your stadium. Whether you host sporting events, concerts or conferences, you will want to make sure that your stadium seating meets the specific requirements for different events.
Types of Stadium Seating
After you have assessed the individual needs of your facility, you can begin looking at the different types of stadium seating available. These are the most common options:
Bleachers
Bleachers are a common stadium seating option, particularly for outdoor venues. High capacity bleachers are one of the most innovative stadium seating solutions available, because they allow venues of all sizes to accommodate higher capacity levels while still providing comfortable seating options.
In particular, elevated bleachers are ideal for stadiums that host sporting events. With bleacher-style seating available for specific sports, you can choose a seating option that is best for your individual facility. These elevated bleachers offer excellent sightlines for all guests, allowing anyone to see the action, no matter where they are sitting in the stands.
Generally speaking, bleachers are considered an affordable and durable stadium seating solution, and they can allow you to maximize capacity at your facility. However, it's important to keep in mind the needs and preferences of the audience, and ensure that you purchase enough seating to accommodate everyone comfortably.
Fixed Seating
Fixed stadium seating is another popular solution for stadium developers. This type of seating is often seen at large-scale arenas that bring in crowds for professional events. There are a wide range of styles and materials available, allowing you to select budget-friendly fixed seating or luxury seating intended for those who pay the highest price for tickets.
Material and Design Options
Regardless of whether you decide to go with bleacher-style seating or fixed stadium seating, you will find that you have various material and design options to choose from.
Seat Materials
When it comes to stadium seating, the most common material options are plastic, metal and wood. Each offers their own range of benefits and disadvantages, with most developers selecting the material that aligns with their budget yet maximizes the comfort of their guests. For outdoor stadiums, plastic and metal bleachers are often ideal, because they are durable, can withstand the weather conditions and can easily be maintained for years to come.
Ergonomic Design
Selecting seats that offer both comfort and support should be a high priority, as this has a direct impact on the experience that guests have at your stadium. Ergonomic features that you should look for include:
- Armrests — In addition to comfort, armrests offer a sense of privacy and security for spectators.
- Cushions — Cushioned seating provides additional support, allowing guests to feel comfortable and relaxed for the entire duration of the event.
- Back Support — This is crucial in venues where spectators are primarily adults, as most guests are looking for comfortable seating that won't leave them aching at the end of the evening.
Aesthetics and Customization
When the budget allows, it's always preferable to select stadium seating that can be customized to meet your specific needs. Stadium seating with various color choices and design options available allows you to improve branding, coordinate with the aesthetic theme of the venue and create a dynamic experience for all spectators in attendance.
Compliance and Safety Standards
When it comes to selecting stadium seating, compliance and safety standards must be considered.
Regulatory Requirements
There are both local and international standards in place, particularly when it comes to ADA compliance. You will want to be aware of all local regulations and international standards so that you can select compliant seating for your facility.
Safety Features
It is important to select stadium seating that can easily be evacuated in the event of an emergency. Other safety features to prioritize include:
- Fire-resistant seating.
- Stable seating.
- Structurally-sound seating.
Budget Considerations
Naturally, you will also ask, how much does a stadium seat cost? When considering your budget, it's important to keep in mind both the initial cost of seating and the maintenance costs over the course of its lifespan.
Initial Costs
The initial cost of your seating will vary based on the type of seating you prefer and the options that you select for your seating. For example, high capacity bleachers without backrests will cost less than those that have backrests or cushions. In many cases, you can receive a bulk discount for a high-volume order.
Long-term Investment
While it's easy to be enamored with the most affordable option, you also have to look at the durability and lifespan of your stadium seating, as well as the maintenance repair costs that you could incur over time. Investing in high-quality seating can help you reduce your maintenance costs over the course of its lifespan.
Financing Options
Depending on the needs of your facility, you may decide to lease or buy your stadium seating. You may also be eligible for financing or grants that will help offset the costs.
Installation and Maintenance
Once you have decided on the right stadium seating for your facility, you will want to develop an installation and maintenance plan.
Installation Process
The timeline for installation will vary based on the scope of your project and the type of seating that you choose. In general, most project managers coordinate the seating installation along with other upgrades and enhancements in order to keep stadium construction moving forward.
Regular Maintenance
In order to maximize the lifespan of your stadium seating, you will want to prioritize regular maintenance. Seating should be cleaned after every event, and any wear and tear should be promptly addressed in order to avoid more significant repairs in the future.
Upgrading and Replacing Seats
While you are still delighting in the purchase of your new stadium seats, you will want to plan for future updates and replacements. This will help you balance the cost of your stadium seating with the improvement costs over time.
Contact National Recreation Systems for Stadium Seating
At National Recreation Systems, we offer customized stadium seating solutions that will perfectly meet the needs of your next project. Learn more about our high capacity bleachers and request your free quote today.