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Sports Facilities Technology

Top Design Renovations Modernizing Sports Arenas

November 02, 2022

(SPORTS TECHNOLOGY)



If you've been in the sports arena for a while, you know that some aspects of these arenas are beginning to show their age- and that isn't a good thing. It is essential to update them, and a significant renovation can include everything from new installations to changing the flooring.


Sports arenas are not easy to design. The design of an arena needs to be thoroughly scrutinized to ensure that it meets all requirements and conforms to industrial standards on par with innovative sports technology. It is essential to consider several factors, including the history of the site and the amenities offered to fans.

Some common design upgrades for sports arenas include updated seating and concessions. Color-changing facades, lighting features and huge brand name letters elevate the stadium branding and add a contemporary emphasis to these arenas and stadia. Each renovation offers its own set of benefits, so it's important to choose the right option for your arena. 

Almost every year, more and more sports arenas are remodeled to the highest standards to provide a better experience to both fans and athletes who compete there. These renovations always seem to leave everyone speechless, whether gorgeous new seating, state-of-the-art lighting systems or luxurious bathrooms. 

The following are some of the most impressive sports arena renovations that have taken place in the last few years.

Madison Square Garden

Madison Square Garden, a sports and entertainment complex in Manhattan, offers a slew of new features and updates for the New York Knicks and Rangers fans. In 2011, Madison Square Garden underwent a $1 billion renovation funded entirely by the Madison Square Garden Company. 

The renovation of this magnificent NBA stadium took over two years to complete and started by removing the old seats and installing new ones. The new seats were made of fiberglass and designed to be more comfortable and durable. The flooring was replaced, and new LED lighting was installed throughout the arena.

The renovated Madison Square Garden is now one of the most technologically advanced venues in the world. It features state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems and an enormous video screen that can be seen from anywhere in the arena. This renovation was completed in two phases. The first phase involved renovating the arena's facade, entryways, and concourses. The second phase consists in renovating the interior of the arena. Despite the challenges that were encountered, it was deemed successful. 

The O2 (News - Alert) Arena

The O2 Arena is a multi-purpose indoor arena in London, Ontario, Canada. It is the home of the Toronto Raptors of the NBA and is also used for music concerts. This arena has undergone a renovation that included a completely new roof and scoreboard, as well as updated amenities such as upgraded locker rooms and training facilities for players. The facility also has a retractable roof and four central public squares for seating. 

This property was renovated using cutting-edge technology that greatly simplified and sped up the renovation process. The new roof, constructed of steel and glass, provided a stunning view of the cityscape. This stadium has a state-of-the-art scoreboard, which fans can use to track their favorite team's scores on the big screen. New food and beverage options are available during the renovation, making it easier for fans to enjoy a night out without having to leave the arena.

The Staples (News - Alert) Center

The Staples Center, located in downtown Los Angeles, is currently in need of significant renovations. The project, scheduled to be completed by 2024, will cost approximately $1 billion and include the construction of a new arena for the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers as well as renovations to the Staples Center itself.

The new arena will have a maximum capacity of 20,000 spectators and feature state-of-the-art technology. 

Among the most important things that need to be undertaken in order to renovate the Staples Center are rejuvenating the center court and replacing not just the playing surface but also locker rooms and other parts of the building. As part of the renovation upgrade, there are plans to remove the current seating arrangements and replace them with a more open configuration. This will make it easier for fans to get close to the action on the court.

Millennium Stadium

The Millennium Stadium is the world's 4th largest stadium and hosts the annual Six Nations rugby tournament. The Welsh Government decided to renovate one of their most treasured pieces of architecture to improve its functionality for rugby fans. 

The stadium underwent a £15 million renovation project in late 2017. The project involved the construction of a brand-new stand that increased the stadium’s capacity to almost 74,000. The redevelopment also included the installation of a synthetic pitch, new lighting, and updated seating.

One of the most notable changes was converting the main stand into a stadium with an upper and lower tier. This has allowed spectators an excellent range of views and reduced congestion outside the frame during matches. In addition, more concessions and toilets are available for fans, as well as new LED screens used for advertising and other purposes.

Estadio Nacional

Estadio Nacional was initially built to host the South American Championship in El Salvador's capital, San Salvador. The stadium has undergone renovations and now seats 80,000 fans. It will soon get a facelift as president Nayib Bukele is set to approve a $500 million project to expand the stadium to 105,000 seats. New LED screens and a new training ground and commercial center will also be installed.

 The stadium will become the country's primary football arena, home to the Salvadoran national team. In addition to football games, the facility will host a full range of other events, such as exhibitions, festivals, and concerts. 

The stadium's design is inspired by postmodernist architecture from Zaha Hadid to Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron. Featuring a unique circular structure with a rhythmic circular marquee in the form of a water drop, the Estadio Nacional allows spectators to feel like they are on top of the stadium.

Conclusion

Sports arenas have been around for a long time, but they've evolved to keep up with the changing times. In this article, I have put some of the top design renovations currently being undertaken in sports arenas worldwide. From updated scoreboards and seating configurations to state-of-the-art audio and video systems, these dramatic updates will give your arena a modern feel that will put customers at ease while offering state-of-the-art technology that today is imperative for sporting events. So if you're in charge of renovating your sports arena, don’t forget these top-rated updates.

Andy Xu is a London-based expert in sports arena technology who was involved in the tech development of the arenas for the Olympics, most notably the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London.