Category: Bleachers and Grandstands

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Get to Know the Different Types of Bleachers

Learn About Your Bleacher Options!

Bleachers aren’t just for sitting. The greatest sports moments have been cheered, revered and idolized from these bleachers and grandstands! Having quality stadium seating is essential to creating a top notch athletic field. These aluminum bleachers provide you with the safety, high-quality and durability that are crucial to ensure your sports fans are enjoying a game or event the way it should be enjoyed…safely!

Our bleacher and grandstand collection makes it possible for us to fit whatever your stadium seating or grandstand needs may be. Whether you’re looking for an economical ‘speedy bleacher’ or a more permanent bleacher you will find it here!

Tip N’ Roll: Indoor basketball tournaments are great fundraisers for your school or indoor recreational facility, and it’s even better when more participants and spectators show up than expected! making sure that you have extra seating on hand for this type of situation is always a good idea! Portable bleachers are perfect for your temporary seating needs and allow you to move from one event to the next with ease! These Tip N’ Roll bleachers are easily tipped up onto swivel casters, or attached wheels, for movement while caster brakes keep the bleacher from rolling while in storage. They also have non-marring rubber foot pads that run the depth of the bleacher on either side of the frame which protect your hardwood floors when in use. Portable Tip N’ Roll bleachers are constructed with an aluminum frame to reduce the weight, making for easier lifting. Casters aren’t made for all terrains so Tip N’ Roll bleachers should be used indoors. They require a capable adult to ensure that bleachers are moved safely, and larger units require more than one person to transport them.

Non-Elevated: A non-elevated bleacher is a basic seating system with a first seat height of 16 inches. When seating on the first row, your feet are at ground level, requiring no additional walkways or stairwells. They are an outdoor seating system that should be anchored to resist hazardous wind conditions. These bleachers are available in standard, preferred, or deluxe and may require additional options:

  • Ground Sills: These treated 2×6 boards are suggested to be attached to the bottom of each bleacher frame when a bleacher system is placed on any surface other than concrete. They run the depth of the bleacher frame and prevent the frames from settling into the surface.
  • Auger Anchors: Used to anchor bleacher frames to any surface other than concrete (asphalt, crushed gravel, soil, etc.)
  • Concrete Anchors: Used for anchoring the bleacher frames to concrete.

Transportable: Transportable non-elevated bleachers are designed to withstand the rigors of movement at a top speed of 5mph, however they are not intended for use on public roadways. They are beneficial for moving bleacher systems from one field of play to another within the same park or recreational area. These bleachers can be moved from field to field according to where your athletic event is taking place. They are fitted with a galvanized steel lifting brace and have extra bracing to stabilize the bleacher during transport. All transportable bleacher units include ground sills, but may need to be anchored to resist hazardous winds. Each seating system includes wheel attachment brackets and horizontal lifting braces. A transport kit (which is not included with the bleacher system) is necessary to move the bleachers, however one kit will move several sets of bleachers. Transportable bleachers are available in standard, preferred or deluxe models and are the perfect solution for adding temporary seating where permanent year round bleachers are not required. All of the above options can be manufactured with either an aluminum or galvanized steel frame. You can also choose a vertical picket or chain-link guardrail with any option as well. The vertical picket guardrail is recommended if being used by small children due to the inability to climb the guardrail and less chance of children getting stuck.

Stadium: You’ve spent weeks preparing your football field for the big game. Fans are starting to file in and you realize that the patrons seated on the first row are only able to see the back of the championship team! Stadium bleachers are an elevated seating system that provides better viewing for your spectators, solving this problem. When seating on the first row of these bleachers, your feet are at the height of the elevated walkway. Stadium seating systems come with a standard elevation of 36″ but can be customized to fit your specific needs. These outdoor seating systems are available with or without ADA seating, and are manufactured with a galvanized steel frame providing protection and longevity.

When ordering bleachers we advise you to check your local requirements for such things as aisles, guardrails, ADA, or other conditions. Check your local building codes before purchasing, and request our Bleacher Safety Guide to ensure your seating is 100% safe. Give us a call to speak with one of our sales managers to choose the perfect bleacher to meet your specific needs!

ParknPool | Lexington, VA | sales@parknpool.com | 877.777.3700

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Tips for Staying Cool on a Hot Night of Sports

Summertime is almost here and with it comes outdoor sports, hot temperatures, heat, humidity, and sweat. Keeping cool when temperatures reach record highs isn’t just about comfort. Dangerously high temperatures can result in heat-related illnesses ranging from heat cramps to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Remembering basic tips can help you prevent heat-related illness during hot weather.

The following tips can help you keep cool all summer long:

  1. Wear loose clothing, preferably, of a light color.
  2. Cotton clothing will keep you cooler than many synthetic material.
  3. Fill a spray bottle with water and keep it in the refrigerator for a refreshing spray to your face after being outdoors.
  4. Fans can help circulate air and make you feel cooler even in an air conditioned house.
  5. Try storing lotions or cosmetic toners in the refrigerator to use on hot, overtired feet.
  6. Keep plastic bottles of water in the freezer; grab one when you’re ready to go outside. As the ice melts, you’ll have a supply of cold water with you.
  7. Take frequent baths or showers with cool water.
  8. Combat dehydration by drinking plenty of water along with sports drinks or other sources of electrolytes.
  9. Some people swear by small, portable, batter-powered fans.
  10. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as these will promote dehydration.
  11. Instead of hot foods, try lighter summer fare including frequent small meals or snacks containing cold fruit or low fat dairy products.
  12. Use common sense, if the heat is intolerable stay indoors when you can and avoid activities in direct sunlight or on hot asphalt surfaces.

While the players will be getting breaks in between plays, it is just as important for the fans to take one themselves. The blazing sun has been beating down on the bleachers all day. Don’t let the heat dim your Friday Night Lights!

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Three Main Types of Bleachers and Their Benefits

Whether you are shopping around for a high school or college stadium, athletic facility, a grandstand, or community venue, there are many styles and features to choose from. Bleacher seating is an important part of events, from Little League games to commencements, to school or work events – spectators need a place to sit at all of these but a one size bleacher does not fit all needs! Though bleachers come in many styles, they are most commonly made from quality aluminum. This is a safe, durable and cost-effective way to meet seating requirements at practically any occasion.

Why is aluminum so popular? The process of anodizing aluminum helps protect the bleacher seat planks from harsh elements, repetitive seating, and delivers a quality finish that’s easy to clean. Anodizing is a process that gives aluminum a protective, corrosion-resistant finish – used on a bleacher’s seating planks and end caps to increase durability and longevity.

ParknPool’s aluminum bleachers are manufactured to withstand years of substantial use and are known for their superior load strength. Each situation is different. Here are some details about the three main styles of bleachers – and the benefits of each:

  • Tip N’ Roll Bleachers

Sometimes permanent bleachers aren’t the right solution and sometimes you don’t need tons of seating to accommodate a stadium-sized crowd. Tip and roll bleachers are smaller, aluminum units for those who want fully portable seating – and need extra flexibility. They are typically offered with no more than four rows of staggered seating and come with built-in wheels.

The wheels (or the “roll” part of “tip and roll”) make this bleacher style not only easily moved from location to location but also ultra-easy to maneuver into the desired position. Set on swivel caster, non-marring wheels for floor protection, the movability of this type of bleacher make the style a great fit for temporary needs, indoors or outdoors, as long as the surface is flat.

Tip and roll bleachers are not only relatively lightweight when in motion but stable and sturdy for years of dependable seating use whenever needed. Ground stabilizers and brakes are included for added stability and safety. These bleachers are great to have on hand because they can be simply rolled in to storage after active use, and safely locked into place with in-built brakes until next time!

  • Transportable Bleachers

On some occasions, you need to transform a field into a viewing area for a special event. Other times, the expected crowd size is larger than the seating capacity of your permanent units. During times like these, movable bleachers are a great solution. These units can be put to use on-demand, moved from field to field, set up when overflow seating is required, then be broken down and taken away so your space can be returned to as it was pre-event.

Transportable bleachers are easy to set up and are a good match for those looking to meet a seating crunch since they can be placed alongside existing permanent structures. They can be used in multiple ways and repositioned to ensure unobstructed sightlines or special configurations when desired. The ability to be moved with a riding lawn mower or tractor, transportable bleachers are not intended to be transported on the highway. They are ideal for city park departments with multiple sports fields.

  • Elevated Bleachers

If you are needing permanent, long-term seating for big, anticipated crowds, fixed bleachers are usually the perfect answer! These units, also manufactured from aluminum, are durable and sturdy. In addition, they are built for frequent, high-volume use.

It’s all about safety with elevated bleachers. ParknPool’s elevated bleachers are manufactured to IBC (International Building Code) standards. This, for example, means that a guardrail system must be provided when the back height of the bleachers is 30′ or above. Openings between the seat and footboards can’t allow the passage of a sphere greater than 4″ when footboards are more than 30″ above the ground – this required feature helpfully blocks items from falling through.

There are many other safety specifications when it comes to elevated bleacher units. Let Parknpool help guide you through them!

When evaluating your bleacher project, ask yourself the following questions:

  • What are your specific needs?
  • What are your state or local codes for bleachers?
  • Do you need portable bleachers to seat spectators for a one-time event or permanent bleachers to seat crowds of visitors at an athletic field?

Whatever your needs, ParknPool offers a full range of top-quality, aluminum bleachers that are code compliant. We have a trusted reputation and extensive experience working with all situations. We are competitive with our pricing, provide recommendations based on your requirements and will happily answer any questions you may have!

ParknPool | Lexington, VA | sales@parknpool.com | 877.777.3700

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Learn the Facts and How to Prevent Bleacher Injuries

Did you know?

} Over 20,000 people are hurt annually in accidents involving bleachers.

} A large percentage of bleacher accidents are a result of a person falling from or through the bleachers.

} Many bleacher accidents involve children.

} Falls from bleachers typically occur when guardrails are missing from the back or sides of bleachers, creating openings.

} Many bleachers in facilities today were built and installed prior to CPSC guidelines, creating potential hazards.

To prevent falls, your bleachers should meet the following criteria:

} A bleacher should have a guardrail along the back and surrounding the open ends where the drop is more than 30″ to the ground below.

} The guardrail should be at least 42″ high and, if using a vertical picket guardrail, all openings should be small enough that a 4″ sphere cannot fit through.

} If a chain link guardrail is used, it is recommended to use chain link that has 1.25″ (or less) mesh to discourage kids from climbing.

} Where visibility would not be significantly impaired, use solid materials to block openings.

Maybe RETROFITTING your existing bleachers is more feasible for your budget:

} The current condition and structure of your bleachers will determine the materials and methods needed to retrofit.

} Make sure that the materials and methods being used for the retrofit do not introduce any new hazards.

} Features such as aisles, handrails, and surfacing should be added to any retrofit project.

} Rigid materials, such as aluminum, should be used to close any openings between the seating and footboards.

} Using chain link fencing material can introduce new hazards and encourage children to play or climb on it.

} Consult your local building officials to determine if a permit is needed in order to retrofit bleachers.

Whether you’re retrofitting current bleachers or ordering replacement ones, they should be carefully inspected at least once every three months to identify any damage to the structure.

ParknPool offers numerous bleacher options that fall into three categories:

} Permanent Grandstands:

} Portable (Stationary):

} Temporary (Tip N’ Roll):

It is crucial to follow CPSC’s guidelines. No one’s safety is worth risking by leaving outdated bleachers in place! Give us a call today!

ParknPool | Lexington, VA | sales@parknpool.com | 877.777.3700

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Key Design Factors for Outdoor Bleachers

Before the overlength pallets arrive on site, there are several key points to consider well in advance. Though mobile and transportable bleachers are available, most outdoor bleachers or grandstands are permanent in nature. This means some important factors need to be addressed so that the proposed site can handle the structure for both immediate and long-term use.

When planning for bleachers on your sports fields, here are the key points to take into consideration:

Budget

The custom and complex options involved with any standard bleacher unit can have an impact on how much money you should allow for your project. Early determination of these options during the budgeting process will not only ensure the proper amount of funds is allocated but will also allow you to create a more accurate cushion for any unforeseen circumstances that typically arise. Examples of some of these options include, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. Accessibility options such as wheelchair ramps
  2. Press box additions
  3. Aisles and handrails
  4. Guardrails
  5. Shade Structures

ParknPool’s sales staff will gladly work with your organization to ensure all options are explored during the pricing process.

ADA Accessibility

One of the first questions you should ask yourself is, how many wheelchair spaces are required and where should they be located? There are specific requirements for both the number of spaces and the number of space locations. A wheelchair space is defined as a space for a single wheelchair and its occupant. Wheelchair space locations are a space for a single wheelchair and the companion seating. Wheelchair space locations can include multiple wheelchair spaces and companion seats.

Criteria for where wheelchair spaces should be located is determined by both the sightline (the spectator’s ability to see the field of play) and dispersion (side to side view). In many sports venues, where the crowd will typically stand in excitement, those in wheelchairs should be provided seating with views over the standing spectators in front of them.

What is considered the best seats for wheelchairs varies depending on the placement of the bleachers around the field. This means that the layout of these can change from field to field and venue to venue.

ParknPool’s sales staff can help you determine how many and where these wheelchair spaces should be placed within your proposed bleacher or grandstand structure.

Soil

Though not always required, it’s smart to have your soil tested prior to your bleacher installation. Much like any structure, a bleacher or grandstand unit is only as strong as it’s foundation. You want the ground to be able to sustain the weight of not only an empty set of bleachers but, more importantly, a fully occupied sporting event. Proper stability testing of the proposed site will help determine the base that your bleacher structure should be built on and how they will need to be anchored. It is recommended that bleachers be attached to either a concrete foundation or anchored with auger soil anchors.

Lead Times

We want to make sure that the delivery and installation of your bleacher or grandstand falls within the project’s timeline. Depending on where you are located, the design, preparation and installation of your unit is timely. For those locations that experience a winter season, like us here at ParknPool, installation during those months is just not an option. Most commonly, these types of field renovations are planned during the winter months with the execution being scheduled for Spring, Summer and even Fall. Lead times can vary drastically based on availability of raw materials, time of year, current production schedule and order volume. Please be sure to consider all of this so that a properly timed delivery can be made.

In short, bleacher designs vary by field location, purpose, and usage. They range from large structures enjoyed by major sports fans to small 3 row models used by the family members of little leaguers. Whichever option you are searching for, ParknPool will help make sure your spectators view the field on a whole new level.

ParknPool Corp. | Lexington, VA | sales@parknpool.com | 877.777.3700