There is often a tendency to think of alternative uses for sport pitches when they are out of use in the summer months. The large, open and generally level spaces seem to be ideal venues for concerts, fairs, festivals and car boot sales. All have the added attraction of bringing in often much needed cash. But, do they mix? Steve Gingell, STRI Southern Area Manager, says careful management is essential
Delivery vehicle damage off roadways. This will need lifting out, topdressing and seeding
Festivals, Conc T
his article looks at the successes and problems often associated with such events and builds on our experience of the aftermath of large festivals such as the Isle of Wight festival (120,000 people over three days) to concerts in sports stadia. The article focuses on open space sites rather than those hosted in sports stadia.
Why use a sports pitch?
The most obvious reason for using a sports pitch area is the size, which is able to accommodate large audiences and, therefore, generate significant income. However, there are other reasons that
are more subtle. The environment of a sports pitch, in a mature parkland setting or attractively landscaped area, gives a significant ambience. The location is, invariably, as essential as the need for space. There is nothing more appealing than a summer evening of jazz outdoors with well designed lighting on trees, background architectural features and historic houses. I digress.
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Large stadia also have great presence and make excellent venues for concerts, boxing and the like. Much of the existing seating in a stadium also provides ideal viewing of the stage, this being appropriately supplemented with imported seating for the pitch area. Sometimes, open spaces, as often found in many public parks, are used for fairs and circuses. Such sites can tend to be less controlled, which may result in concentrated wear in certain locations such as some walkways.
Management
It is probably worthwhile, at this stage, to talk about site management. Most large scale events would be managed by a specialist company. Essentially, the site is “rented” to the company for a set up period prior to the event, and returned after break down. For the privilege, the company pays a fee, which could be set or related to the number of tickets sold. Of course, the requirements of the local authority, the utility companies, the police and emergency services, and other
government agencies will have to be met and ensured - a key requirement which must be satisfied. Assuming there are no problems in an event going ahead as long as statutory requirements are met, a clear contract needs to be carefully prepared to ensure that the pitches are returned to the same state as they were received, with the hiring company being responsible for all costs and works necessary to achieve this. If such restorative works and costs by the hiring company are overlooked there may be large costs that would have to be borne by the site owner, and that could devastate the profits. It would be well worthwhile employing an agronomist prior to and after the event to identify the risks and to provide remedial advice. This would be best done with both the concert company and the site owners in attendance to agree and document actions.
As an aside, comprehensive insurance will be needed to cover third party and cancellation risks, and often insurances are taken out to cover possible weather
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