HOW PRODUCTS AND COLLABORATION DELIVER ON TRENDS IN SPECTATOR SEATING
A Conversation with Jim Lewis, Vice President of Sales and Preconstruction Services at Dant Clayton
With 500+ sports facilities under his belt, Jim Lewis has developed a keen sense of trends that owners, architects and construction managers are facing today. Below, he shares how customer expectations are evolving and why having a singular vision for a new or renovated sports venue is essential.
Jim Lewis can be reached at jlewis@dantclayton.com.
Fan Expectations Drive Quest for the Best in Product Quality
According to a recent story in Sports Business Journal, more than 280 stadium and arena projects are in progress with a total construction cost estimated at $31.4 billion. Mixed-use districts, customized suites, VIP seating, curated networking areas, solo-friendly seating, more leg room, drink rails and party decks are being specified into jobs.
Jim recognizes that “the quality of the fit and finish of our product needs to be on par with these desirable new areas, and we work hard to make that happen. Owners are focused on making sure that every area surprises and delights the spectator. Our products are designed and built to deliver a premium experience.”
Dant Clayton’s combination rise/run (above) is built as a continuous level that allows spectators to walk safely on both sides of the aisle that separates the Reserved Seating section from the bleacher side, offering a more elegant solution compared to other seating company’s standard solution.
Sustainable Solutions
Carbon footprint scores are driving changes in material selection and building practices. “Architecture firms, builders and venue owners are increasingly prioritizing health and environmental considerations for stadia and arenas. Materials are being sourced based on ethical and sustainable procurement methods. Client preferences are moving products made from recycled materials and those that offer an increased lifespan.
Dant Clayton’s Long Span Aluminum product—featured above at Rupp Arena— is a popular alternative to precast. It’s made from recycled aluminum, is lighter weight than concrete, has sustainable infill options and looks sharp.
Begin With the End in Mind
“What do you want the press to say about your new or renovated stadium on opening day?”
This is the question the Dant Clayton team asks customers early in the process. Jim recalled a kick-off meeting with key stakeholders for an SEC university before the project began.
The athletics staff, architecture firm, engineering firm, and facility manager each had different answers to the question. They ranged from ‘fantastic sightlines’ to ‘increased ticket sales’ to ‘maximize spectator comfort.’ By the end of the work session, everyone in the room was aligned to a single vision.”
The most valuable thing we do as stadia pros is understand the customer’s vision for the end product. Everything we do from that point forward points back to the single idea made clear by the customer.
University of South Alabama felt it was important to design their new stadium with expansion in mind.
“We brought Dant Clayton in to advise us very early in the process several years prior to actual shovel in the ground. And they worked to advise us on different seating designs, seating options, the rise and the run, the materials. To have a company that is part of your team that is willing to listen and provide options and stay within the parameters defined and be with you from the beginning to the end, that is Dant Clayton.”
To learn more about our partnership with the University of South Alabama on Hancock Whitney Stadium, visit our Stadia page.