HOW OVERBUILDS GIVE NEW MEANING TO THE ‘BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE’

A Conversation with Dan Fjeldheim: How Overbuilds Assist in Creating Premium, Elevated Seating

Dan Feldheim, Business Development Manager with Dant Clayton, shared insights with sports construction industry insiders at the Stadium Managers Association about how overbuilds can play a key role in venue updates that drive revenue for the owner.

Ticket holders want options that go beyond sitting in their seat the entire game. Fans are amenable to paying a premium for the option to move from their seat to a community space or party deck with drink rails to meet up with friends.

It’s not unusual today for owners to replace seats with terraces where fans can gather or reduce the number of seats to add more leg room and chair backs. Fjeldheim said that in a sports facility you don’t want to feel like you’re walking on tinny aluminum.

"Both Long and Mid Span Aluminum have channels that are filled with rubber pellets, an excellent sound deadening material. They feel more substantial, like you’re walking on concrete," said Fjeldheim.

Long Span Aluminum at CPKC Stadium, Kansas City, MO

There are many benefits for the company’s Long Span Aluminum, but primarily, it’s about what it feels (and sounds) like when you walk on it.

Overbuilds Help to Improve Sight Lines

Long Span was the ideal product for Rupp Arena where the primary challenge was to improve sight lines and add comfort and safety. Once the old wooden seating was removed, new steel framing was laid over existing concrete to accommodate the addition of chairs. While the overall number of seats was reduced, they’re able to charge more per seat, as they offer an elevated spectator experience.

Cost and shortened lead times are additional benefits. Long Span can be installed over top of existing concrete without substantial demolition. Because it’s lighter weight, small cranes can be used during installation, giving contractors the ability to reach locations that might not otherwise be accessible.

How Overbuilds Match Up to Existing Seating Structures

The owners of Camping World added more seating to drive additional revenue.

Most existing precast doesn’t have the capacity to take the load of additional seating structures. A version of our Long Span Aluminum was the ideal solution for the Camping World renovation because its lighter weight makes it possible to attach to the existing precast.”

Explore our Long Span Aluminum product line to learn more about its key benefits, performance advantages, and wide range of applications.

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