PANSTADIA & ARENA MANAGEMENT AUTUMN 2013
Pitch potential S
ports turf, natural or synthetic is the stage on which stadium tenant
teams perform and venue managers can’t afford to damage this surface because of the lead times involved in replacement or substantial repair. However, this needn’t deter commercial departments from pursuing pitch-based events when the sport is resting. The technology that makes this possible is temporary fl ooring, also known as portable fl ooring. It’s forklifted as tiles in and out of the venue and clipped together on site to form a seamless fl oor.
“We have provided our turf protection systems for stadium concerts, music festivals, college, university and high school graduations, private and corporate events, boxing matches, the NHL Winter Classic (an outdoor ice hockey game), almost anything you can think of that takes converting a facility while protecting the turf or track,” says Jason Frew, Vice President Rentals & Stadium and Arena Sales, Signature Systems Group.
Terraplas plc Chairman, Robert Else, advises: “A well-protected fi eld can host many types of events, including sports like tennis, basketball, ice hockey, football, karate, handball, netball, boxing and wrestling. That’s in addition to concerts and festivals, religious and political gatherings, exhibitions, boat
International Stadiums Poker Tour on Terraplas fl ooring at Wembley Stadium.
and car shows, motor-X and monster trucks and graduations.”
The pitch is an attractive proposition for non-sporting events because it provides a large secure area surrounded by customer facilities such as toilets and concessions. For some events, the kudos of the team pitch is also an allure. The right temporary fl oor will take care of the turf. “Using Terraplas allowed us to implement and witness valuable changes, including increased play on the pitch and an increased number of concerts,” recounts Kevin Gramoney, Head Groundsman, Moses Mabhida Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa. “Moses Mabhida Stadium is very popular and a ‘lush green pitch’
is one of the many factors that attract customers. You are not judged just on ‘how good your pitch looks’ but by ‘how good your pitch looks and plays after a game or event’. Terraplas are highly professional and help us maintain international standards.”
Depending on how many days are available for pitch-based events, a stadium can choose to hire or buy a temporary fl ooring system. “If a facility only plans to do one or two non-sporting events per year, then renting is probably the right option,” advises Else at Terraplas. “Another option would be for them to purchase 1,000m2
that can be
used for galas, parties, functions, brand launches etc. Then rent the balance as
“ArmorDeck fl ooring has demonstrated versatility and endurance from our high profi le charity events to our concerts like Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift, Kid Rock and many other events. Signature’s commitment to ‘making it happen’ shows our clients, promoters, guests, that anything is possible to make their event successful. Your staff have proven to be an asset in getting the job done when we need it. We will be utilising your resources and products for many years to come.”
Bob Gardner, Sr. Director Facility management, Detroit Lions / Ford Field
The revenue earning potential of hosting events on your pitch may remain untapped. An essential ingredient is a temporary fl oor that protects the turf.
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stadium operation using the pitch
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