In the past, renovating an existing stadium or stand would have involved substantial demolition/removal of the stands and facilities below, resulting in a complete rebuild from the bottom up. SPS Technology’s stadium decking system provides the opportunity to save money and gain a substantial reduction in installation time using SPS modules as an over-deck. SPS allows the architect to easily re-profile the existing stands for more comfortable and wider treads for the fans.

Our steel composite decking system gives a solution that is kinder, both on budget and the environment. Minor modifications to existing rakers result in upgraded sightlines and an improved 21st century spectator experience. Examples include Delaware Stadium, University of Delaware USA and Ascot Racecourse in the UK.

The current requirement to upgrade facilities with the addition of fan platforms, ADA platforms, standing bars, VIP sections and press boxes increases project cost and complexity. No matter the shape or size of the existing structure, areas can be levelled using SPS panels to generate new usable spaces. Previously underutilized areas are now made available for in-service. For those using wheelchairs, facilities can be reached from the concourse with the retrofittable SPS ADA platforms.

This exciting offering from SPS Technology provides the opportunity to reconfigure and adapt limited spaces easily and with minimal disruption. The low weight of SPS means that installation is easier, faster, and safer than other solutions. The end-product is a solid platform that feels just like walking on the ground. Such platforms have been supplied to the USTA, MLS EarthQuake’s Avaya Stadium,  University of Delaware’s Delaware Stadium and others.

SPS Technology has the best lightweight, engineered solution to easily mount digital ribbon displays or video banner boards onto the fascia of elevated seated stands in new or existing venues. For these first seating rows, an SPS ‘Bathtub’ provides an integrated, rigid, vertical surface (sized to suit requirements) with zero restriction to the fans, seated or standing. A multitude of different banners can be mounted to the field side of the fascia. The SPS Bathtub stadia treads are normally sized for riser-mounted seats but can also be configured with wide treads up to 10 feet [3 metres], to accommodate the architect’s design for stand-up crowd gatherings, ADA access or custom companion seating. Safety handrails are secured directly to the fascia using simple fastening techniques, meeting all OSHA safety design criteria. Integrating stand-up service or press tables is also possible.

SPS stadium surround panels are also available to enclose the field level ground floor-to-first row vertical faces. Used at both outdoor and indoor venues these panels provide a perfect simple-to-install surface to which all types of advertising media can be attached for both permanent or single event use.  The SPS surround panels also available with hinges to swing open and provide access beneath the stands.

Walls in stadiums have traditionally been made from concrete or concrete masonry units. SPS walls – fabricated using slender but strong and lightweight SPS panels – have factory drilled holes for easy fitting of attachments like handrails or electronic sign boards or advertising panels. SPS walls can be installed anywhere providing new opportunities for advertising, increasing revenue, or improving stadium appearance. Team personalization is easily achieved with factory applied branding. Manufactured to any size and shape, SPS walls, parapet and vomitory walls include the hardware needed for other stadium components and incorporate swivel eye lifting points to ease installation.

Manufactured offsite, these lightweight steel stairs are fabricated to your project’s specifications. SPS Speed Stairs arrive on-site finished and painted with non-slip coatings and nosings applied. Fitting holes and those required for handrail attachment have been pre-drilled with the precision that factory fabrication affords. Reduced stair weight results in less site transport as many flights of stairs can be stacked on one truck and only a light-duty crane is required for unloading and installation.

Tight access, weight restrictions and high acoustic performance requirements for such facilities are solved with as SPS decking system.  SPS components are manufactured to match venue requirements. At 26 psf, SPS units can be easily installed using small mobile cranes or telehandlers. SPS is a steel product but final finishes for the ultimate fan experience can have fancy hardwood planks or ceramic tiles or directly applied carpeting depending on the architects’ vision.  SPS was used in this way at Studio City, Macau, China and RoxyTheatre at the Atlanta Braves’ Battery complex.

Temporary riser units are designed and supplied to maximise seating capacity for one-off events, such as the Olympics or Formula 1 races. These can be taken down when the event is completed and the venue is remodelled for future use, such as the Aquatics Centre for LONDON 2012 . Demounted stadium decking units can be sold on for future use at other venues as part of an environmentally friendly building strategy.

Head height limits and weight restrictions raise issues for terrace, or stand, expansion projects. The thin through-thickness of the SPS stadium decking system enables seating capacity to be optimized with a shallower elevation than is achievable with concrete. SPS solved such issues at Anfield and West Ham stadiums in the UK.

Large, open suspended floor areas benefit from the weight savings, fast installation, and easier logistics of SPS. SPS panels permit longer spans with shallower and lighter beams. They are installed quickly and provide immediate 100% design-load capacity and come with proper OSHA approved anti-slip surfaces.

In general, SPS terraces will retain integrity after a blast event. SPS modules form a complete bay, are bolted to each other, and to each stool using high strength bolts. The system is inherently ductile and has tested and proven blast resistance with a variety of incendiary devices. SPS can withstand extreme loads and absorb impact energy very efficiently without cracking, spalling, separation or creating shrapnel.

The ballistics resistance of SPS has been determined in a series of independent third- party tests for various SPS plate types. SPS terraces and associated SPS products can be designed to achieve the ballistics protection that is required to protect fans and staff.

Designed for venues that may be in tornado or hurricane zones, SPS safe rooms can easily be installed under terrace stands and, depending on their size, can be pre-assembled to reduce trades’ time on site.

SPS vehicle barriers offer an extra level of venue protection. In testing, SPS vehicle barriers brought a 40-ton truck to a complete standstill. SPS column protectors are proven to absorb energy from radial impacts or glancing blows without contact or damage to critical columns.