It can’t be denied that stadium safety is good for business but stadium facility managers are usually missing an opportunity to concern more about safety and prevent senseless accidents. Now let’s have a look at top six tips for improving football stadium safety.
- Stairs are the top cause of accidents in buildings and public spaces, and stadium is not an exception. So it is best to use slip-resistant materials at all edges, with visible markings on landings.
- If you are planning a new stadium, try to avoid areas which may be hit harder by Mother Nature, such as high seismic areas, wind corridors, fault zones, high wind valleys, waterways, or high fire-hazard areas. Consider structural and fire upgrades in order to bring stadiums up to code.
- Size requirements are important in case there is any emergency situation. It is recommended that exit paths should be sized and identified with signage properly. Moreover, longer fan waiting times pose some problems, including: hostility, impatience, or high stress situations where fans may interact negatively with other teams’ fans. So it is better to increase exit paths, doors, and overall load levels within minimum code requirements to minimize waiting.
- Seating must be a balance between views, ticket sales, acoustics, safety, and structure.
- Slips are deadly. When designing wet areas such as lockers, restrooms, areas near food and beverage, and wet circulation zones in areas with a higher rainfall, try to use slip-resistant materials as well as proper lighting and drainage. Have a maintenance plan which makes sure these areas are performing properly over time.
- Study fan behavior to understand when and where people may be putting themselves at risk and determine what they need to know about distances and directions. Apply labels on railings and other surfaces. Photoluminescent labels are a great idea for stadiums.