A Guide to Building a Stadium: A Comprehensive Review of the Process

The construction of stadiums is a process filled with unique challenges. Unlike office or apartment buildings, stadiums must cater to the needs of a single user group and accommodate massive crowds for only a few days out of the year. As an added difficulty, stadiums are also often located in urban areas where real estate is at a premium. Given these obstacles, it’s easy to see why so few stadium projects are successfully completed each year. To help you avoid some pitfalls when planning your own stadium project, we’ve compiled this guide to everything you need to know about building stadium facilities from design to completion.

The basics of stadium construction

Stadium architecture is a broad term, covering a wide range of building types. However, many stadiums, particularly those in North America, tend to fit most comfortably under the rubric of being “structure-led”. This means that the primary architectural “feature” of the building will be its structure – the roof type and seating layout, for example – and the surrounding architectural environment will be much simpler due to its supporting nature. Structure-led buildings are generally built using steel-frame technology, with a single large truss comprising the primary architectural feature and providing a large, column-free space. The stadium’s architectural environment – i.e., the exterior walls and interior finishes – are then built around the steel to create the stadium structure.

Selecting a stadium contractor

When selecting a contractor for your stadium project, you want to find someone that understands the unique challenges posed by stadium construction. Stadium projects are often complex, requiring a team comprised of specialized contractors for each aspect of the project. As a result, the best stadium contractors are often those with significant experience in a particular area. A good stadium contractor will have strong relationships with all of the necessary sub-contractors and a proven track record for delivering projects on time and on budget. They will also understand the unique needs of stadium construction and be willing to work within the confines of a strict timeline. For most stadium projects, the contractor will also be responsible for scheduling and managing the various design and engineering consultants necessary to complete the project. This includes scheduling pre-construction design reviews and managing the consultant documents necessary for obtaining building permits.

Stadium design and development process

Before selecting a stadium contractor or architect, it is important to establish the design process for your stadium. This process will vary based on the project needs and the experience of the design team, but will likely include the following steps: - Pre-design - Pre-design activities typically include the selection of the stadium location, the determining of the demographic of your target audience and planning for future stadium expansions. - Schematic design - Schematic design is the phase in which the project is broken down into the individual components necessary for its completion. This includes the selection of the stadium architect and contractor, the design of the overall stadium layout and the design of any major architectural features to be incorporated into the structure. - Design development - Design development marks the point at which the project transitions from purely conceptual to a more detailed design. During this phase, the design team will finalize the overall stadium design and start designing any major architectural elements. - Construction documents - At this point, information about the project has been finalized and is ready to be presented to the building authority in order to obtain construction permits.

Facilities to be included in your stadium design

While stadium design is primarily focused on the layout of the facility and the architectural style of the building itself, it is important to also consider the various functions that take place within the stadium during a typical event day. This includes the needs of the team, stadium operations and the stadium visitors. Assuming your stadium will host sporting events, you will want to ensure there is adequate space for the team locker rooms, training facilities, administrative offices and equipment storage. Additionally, you will need to plan for team equipment access during events, as well as space for a suitable media center for press conferences and interviews.

3D Modeling for stadium construction

Many stadium projects will require the use of 3D modeling software to assist with design. Stadium modeling software is used to visualize the final project and help identify potential issues in the design. This includes visualizing site conditions and understanding how the building will be seen from surrounding areas. A 3D model will help you visualize your stadium design under a range of circumstances, providing information on the overall aesthetics and enabling you to identify any potential issues in the layout. As an added benefit, a 3D model can help convince public officials that your project is the right choice for the location.

Determining the final building location

The first step in the design process is to select the final building location. This is often a decision made early in the design process, with architects working closely with local planners during schematic design to ensure the stadium is appropriate for the site. Although stadium location is often a political decision, it is important to keep in mind that stadium siting can have a significant impact on the design process. For example, you may decide to locate the stadium on a waterfront site, but this could create issues in the design process if the site is unstable and requires significant preparation before building can begin.

Building permit acquisition

Obtaining the necessary building permits for your stadium project will differ from region to region, but there are some essential steps you should take to make sure your project is approved. First, make sure the stadium design is complete and appropriate for the site. Then, work closely with your architects and engineers to ensure the design documents are complete and meet all applicable building codes. This includes additional documentation required to get building permits, such as soil and hydrology reports, floodplain studies and traffic studies. Finally, schedule pre-construction review meetings with local authorities to make sure your design is approved and meets any local code requirements. This ensures any necessary changes are made before the stadium project moves into construction.

Final Words

Stadium construction is not a project you should undertake lightly. It is a massive undertaking that requires a significant investment of time and money. However, the payoff is a structure that will bring people together and become a source of pride for your community. When you are ready to begin construction, make sure you have the right team on board to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible.