Our History
In the world of stadium manufacturing, where every fan’s experience matters, our journey has been one of relentless innovation, marked by patents that have reshaped the way audiences enjoy live events. Since 1979, our mission has been clear: to collaborate with our clients to re-imagine the spectator experience through cutting-edge seating solutions that blend comfort, accessibility, and immersive engagement.
So whether it’s a 50,000-seat stadium or revamping bleachers on an athletic field, we’re excited to continue our journey — manufacturing the stadiums of tomorrow, today.
We constructed a 15,000-square-foot building in Louisville, KY, and opened our doors for business.
We introduced the first all-aluminum tube and channel understructure bleacher in the marketplace. It’s five times stronger and ten times stiffer than the conventional angle frame bleacher.
We became the first company to enable aluminum grandstands to provide water control with this new product.
In a move that more than doubled our previous space, manufacturing relocated to a 40,000-square-foot facility in Jeffersonville, IN.
We introduced the first ergonomically designed, one-piece stadium chair.
Created to provide spectators with a comfortable, contoured upgrade to the traditional aluminum bleacher, this chair also defined seat space and allowed for a more aesthetically appealing product within a grandstand.
Steel production relocated to a new 110,000-square-foot facility on Bernheim Lane in Louisville, KY, complete with all new equipment.
In an effort to appeal to more architects and also increase excitement and fan experience, powder coating was introduced. This provided color options in an industry previously dominated by galvanized material finishes.
Until this time, the only stand rails available were chain link fence or multi-line rails. This product was originally used in commercial/institution construction. Its progression to the stadium industry seemed a natural fit and offered a more aesthetic solution for grandstands.
To enable company growth and to modernize manufacturing processes, aluminum production moved to a 200,000 square foot facility on Algonquin Parkway in Louisville, KY. This move expanded total production space to 350,000 square feet.
After continuous customer feedback and concern that bleachers became slippery when wet, we sought a solution to the problem. Following 12 months of research, we developed and introduced a walking surface with the same slip resistance as broom-finished concrete.
On recognizing the demand for this product in the industry, we introduced a premium closure system that mirrored the look and feel of masonry — at a fraction of the cost.
We took the Colosseum-One chair to the next level by providing increased ventilation and enhanced seat drainage with this updated version.
We recognized a performance and price void in the marketplace between conventional precast and steel/aluminum stadium structures. Our Hybrid Precast Stadium System provides all the benefits of a complete concrete stadium at a significantly reduced cost.
Taking our slip-resistant decking to the next level, this textured thermo-bonded deck finish option creates not only a skid-resistant surface, but one that eliminates oxidization staining as well. Applied in a single process, this feature can be provided at a manageable cost and yields an attractive finish that addresses all the important decking needs.
Continuing to supply the marketplace gap between conventional precast and steel/aluminum stadiums, we introduced the lightest and most durable stadium riser package available. Weighing 25% less than precast, this system generates simplicity and cost savings within any stadium or arena structure. Its sleek, clean, and modern look from all sides helps this system to stand out aesthetically, providing for new design opportunities not typically considered with other systems.
In an effort to provide clients with a more complete premium stadium product offering, Tuttle Railings Systems, a leading fabricator specializing in non-ferrous handrails for commercial and industrial construction projects, was acquired. A portion of the production for the railing product line was relocated to the Dant Clayton Aluminum Plant in Louisville, KY.
Further progressing our alternative stadia products, we introduced this riser system which took another 10% of the weight out of the overall structure while maintaining durability and quality with reduced cost and production time. Perfect for taller riser applications, this product features non-visible fasteners and offers further sound-deadening qualities.
Increasing product speed to market, our railing division launched the Elite Designer Series, a flexible modular railing line. This pre-engineered, component-based offering has reduced installation times and greater accuracy of engineering and strength of assemblies at a lower price point than custom options.
Seeking a solution for restricted budgets in the education sector, we created a line of pre-engineered I-Beam modules comprised of the same quality components as our custom grandstands, that could be easily added on to in the future. Including our most popular features, these modules offer speed, predictability, and quality at a lower price point, ensuring our clients are game ready!
Expanding on our Game Ready Grandstand line, we launched pre-engineered press box in six of our most popular sizes. As these boxes can be built from stock in a modular fashion, they offer cost savings and reduced lead times to the market.
This was the first product in our industry that provided an architectural method of enclosing the areas around a grandstand. Prior to this, aluminum extrusion was the only option available for customers.
Looking to create a more substantial and continuous railing option with favorable sightlines, we launched our newest rail option, Apex, which offers a continuous rail across fully welded 18′ assemblies.
Our Patents
Because we’ve demonstrated a strong track record in
developing patents for unique stadium solutions, we can
provide our clients with the competitive edge.
U.S. Patent Number: 9,366,018
U.S. Patent Number: D446984
U.S. Patent Number: 8,266,842
U.S. Patent Number: 8,266,842
U.S. Patent Number: 8,869,461
Our Products
Complete a new construction or enhance a renovation project with a customized system. From design and fabrication to manufacturing and final installation – Dant Clayton meets the full range of project needs.
View ProductsA team united for a single purpose: unrivaled stadium experiences.
Bruce founded Dant Clayton Corporation in 1979 and has guided the company through expansions and acquisitions to become a driving force in the sports construction market. Considered a thought leader in the field, Bruce’s expertise has frequently been sought out by sports architects, construction managers and owners’ representatives at the “napkin” phase of a project, and he has instilled this collaborative mindset into the Dant Clayton culture. Bruce’s insatiable curiosity has driven him to invent new products, five of which have U.S. Patents.
Bruce has held leadership positions in professional organizations, including Chairman of the Kentucky Chapter of Young Presidents Organization and the World Presidents Organization. He has held leadership positions on several boards including Western Kentucky University, Kentucky Performing Arts Executive Committee, the Speed Art Museum, and Actors Theatre of Louisville.
Since joining Dant Clayton in 2023, Rob has led improvements in business planning and manufacturing processes that have garnered efficiencies and enhanced speed to delivery. Capabilities and capacities are being developed in multiple areas to support the Dant Clayton vision and growth objectives over the coming years.
Rob has held several Sr. Leadership roles as Division President, General Manager and Plant Manager in complex manufacturing settings in the U.S. and Europe.
Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Technology, Purdue University
Six Sigma Champion, Green Belt
Amber stepped into the CFO role at Dant Clayton in October 2024. She has 20+ years of executive level Finance/Accounting experience including 14 years as CFO of Louisville Water Company where she managed $100M+ of capital improvement projects per year. Halloran also served as Chief Financial and Operations Officer for Kentucky Performing Arts (KPA) and supported the Foundation overseeing all back of house operations including Finance, Security, Information Technology, Production, and Facilities. Amber was also the Project Manager for KPA’s successful $12 million new build of Old Forester’s Paristown Hall entertainment venue, where she oversaw design and construction.
Master of Business Administration at Bellarmine University Rubel School of Business
Bachelor of Science, Accounting and Finance at University of Louisville
Jim joined Dant Clayton in 2000 and has built a career in project management and sales in construction projects. Jim oversees customer contact and contract awards, leads regional sales representatives and dealers, and empowers his team to collaborate with clients and partners to deliver high quality and low-cost solutions.
Jim has been involved in over 500 grandstand and stadia projects, and has over 30 years of experience in the construction industry in project management and business development roles.
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, Eastern Kentucky University
Amanda joined Dant Clayton in 2008 and is the driving force behind the company’s marketing functions. She plays a pivotal role in promoting its products and services, including the introduction of the company’s innovative Longspan Aluminum Riser and Hybrid Precast Stadium Systems, both of which have been game-changers in the sports construction market. Additionally, Amanda oversees the Estimating Department to ensure precision and efficiency in project planning and budgeting. She also serves as the Corporate Secretary for Dant Clayton.
Bachelor of Science in Marketing, University of Louisville
Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
Jamie joined Dant Clayton in 2000 and oversees design coordination, site construction, and budget management for all clients. His impressive work history includes managing high-profile baseball projects at Tulane and Michigan State Universities, a design-build stadium replacement in Fort Hood, TX, and the construction of MLS soccer stadiums for the Houston Dynamo and Montreal Impact.
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, University of Kentucky
Licensed general contractor in West Virginia
Designated as a design-build professional
Joining the Dant Clayton team as Director of Human Resources in 2023, Dan brings over two decades of HR leadership and expertise across various companies, as well as a strong focus for best practices in recruitment, retention, succession planning, and team member learning and development.
Dan has served as VP of Human Resources at Donan Engineering Co. and Chief Human Resources Officer for Alpine Intel.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration & Management and Human Resources Management, Bellarmine University
Master of Legal Studies, Arizona State University
Quinn is the third-generation leader of Tuttle Railing, a company founded by his grandfather in 1955. With 30 years of experience in the commercial railing industry, Quinn has managed all aspects of the railing division including production, engineering, project management, and sales. More recently, he has focused on new product development to give architects and construction managers safe and beautiful options for their railing projects. He leverages his business acumen to drive operational improvements and market expansion, and believes a positive corporate culture is the key to success.
Prior to his time at Tuttle, Quinn was the President at Western Metal Fabricators.
Bachelor of Science in Business, Xavier University
Guiding projects to success through seamless coordination and meticulous planning.
Dan has 20 years of experience in the sports construction industry and has served as a Project
Manager and Account Executive. Dan joined Dant Clayton in 2022 and is the company’s primary
contact and liaison for architects and construction managers throughout North America. Dan's
responsibilities also encompass coordinating design and engineering efforts for structural
support, in-bowl seating systems, and integrating railing systems.
Prior to joining Dant Clayton, he worked for Daktronics, a world leader in digital LED display
technology, audio systems, and scoreboard structures. His impressive portfolio includes high-
profile projects for the Toronto Blue Jays, Dallas Cowboys, San Diego State University, Texas
A&M, and University of Texas.
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, South Dakota State University
Adam B. Zahn, P.E., is a seasoned Structural Engineer and Engineering Manager with 20 years of experience designing and estimating projects from conceptualization to construction documents. Adam collaborates closely with owners, architects, and contractors to craft cost-effective solutions for structural framing and foundations. He actively contributes to product development initiatives, managing the engineering efforts for multiple projects from initial design to final submittal drawings. His skills encompass Technical Sales, Structural Engineering, Project Management, Conceptual Design, Value Engineering, Construction Issue Resolution, Design-Build, and Design-Assist. Notable projects include the Northwestern Welsh Ryan Arena Renovation, Rupp Arena Renovation, Georgetown University Football Stadium, Evansville Ford Center, University of Central Florida Football Stadium, and Iowa Speedway.
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Specialization in Structural Engineering, University of Cincinnati.
American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC)
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Careers at Dant Clayton
Please check the link below for a list of current openings:
Open Positions at Dant Clayton
For questions about open positions, please contact our Human Resources Department:
PHONE: 800-626-2177 | EMAIL: [email protected]