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:
- Accessibility options such as wheelchair ramps
- Press box additions
- Aisles and handrails
- Guardrails
- 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