The Best Seats
In The House

As part of one of the largest real estate developments in the Middle East, we were invited by our partners in the region to participate in the project of developing The Pearl Qatar.

Comprising of nearly four square kilometers, The Pearl Qatar is a stunning artificial island designed to resemble a string of pearls, recalling Qatar’s history of being one of the world’s top pearl traders prior to the region’s oil boom.

As part of the development, the United Development Company, continues to add amenities for residents of this premiere community. In addition to the community’s luxury villas, apartments and townhomes, it is also home to an award-winning marina, beautiful beaches, and a number of gyms, in addition to the region’s premiere soccer pitch, the Temba Arena.

The truth is, we never actually left. Instead, we pivoted, shifted and adjusted. We kept our employees safe. We provided them with the external resources required to do their jobs and they did just that.

While the hallways of our office were empty and our manufacturing facility quiet, we were active in our homes. Creating make-shift home offices, we took to our kitchen or dining room tables to take phone calls and answer emails from customers, partners and team members.

Much the same as everything else we have been through in our 40-years in the athletic infrastructure and equipment industry, we made it work.

When it comes to outdoor products, how they stand-up to not only the test of time but up to the inherent weather conditions is ultimately how we evaluate their effectiveness. With structures such as bleachers, which are left outdoors through12 months of the year, much care has gone into the construction and finish of these products.

Aluminum is an incredibly durable material and fares well with extended outdoor use. While the material is great, it is the finish used to protect it is often what makes the difference in the long-term. These coatings and finishes allow these seating systems not only the ability to withstand extended outdoor conditions but also allows them to look ageless through the process.

With that in mind, below are three of the most common finish options for outdoor bleachers and ones you should consider before purchasing your next bank of outdoor seating.

 Throughout history, facilities, sports leagues, and special events have traditionally used stationary seating systems to accommodate spectators. Bleacher seating was ordered specifically to fit a specified space – typically along the sidelines of a sports field - and was never to move again.

In an ever-changing industry such as athletics, the needs and wants of facilities have changed and the bleacher market has adapted accordingly. In addition to improved accessibility seating options, reduced bleacher sizes and all-steel frame construction, there has also been a dramatic rise in the use of portable bleachers.

These seating structures can come in a couple of different configurations. The first being a bleacher that was designed and manufactured to be portable or transportable from the beginning. The second is the availability of tow kits that can easily be installed on existing bleachers, making them instantly mobile.

So aside from the obvious, what is it that keeps facility managers and operators ordering these versatile bleachers?  Let’s dig into it…

When it comes to planned expenditures, our friends over at Recreation Management Magazine conduct annual research that is helpful in more ways than one. Their annual report takes a deep dive into annual trends for spending with regards to colleges and universities across the United States.

While the 2019 edition of their annual survey indicated little to no changes with regards to planned features and upgrades, there was certainly some movement up the ranks for certain products such as bleachers and seating.

While planning for the development of synthetic turf sports fields remains at the top of the list for the second consecutive year, bleachers and seating took honours in the third spot for the most planned additions to colleges and universities. Jumping up from sixth position in late 2018, it is no secret that the building boon for planned seating will continue through 2020.

Working again with our partners at Tadeos Engineering LLC, we recently joined forces on a unique project. Operating as a structural and civil engineering firm founded in Miami in 2015, Tadeos Engineering offers a range of Structural Engineering Services for new construction, additions to current buildings, remodeling, legalization and more. The opportunity to remove old, outdated wooden telescopic bleachers and replace them with new, state-of-the-art telescopic bleachers was presented to our team by Tadeos and we were quick to reply. Organized by the City of South Miami, the project was scheduled to take place at the Gibson-Bethel Community Center. Opened in 2003, the center serves people of all ages in the community of South Miami, offering a fitness center, basketball and volleyball courts, arts and crafts rooms and much more.

As a company with a global footprint, we’ve been closely monitoring the developments surrounding COVID-19. As such, we felt compelled to inform you of what we are doing as a company to safely navigate through these complex times.

We would like to begin by extending our sincere regards to all those who have been directly affected by COVID-19. We are keeping those affected in our thoughts and are wishing them all a very safe and expedited recovery.

With less than a month until the official beginning of the spring season here in the Northern Hemisphere, municipal planning for parks & recreation and outdoor athletics is well underway.

Operators, managers, and maintenance crews are planning, inspecting and making checklists, verifying and highlighting where the necessary improvements or upgrades are required.

Beyond the obvious sports equipment requirements, amenities are also a very important part of the planning process, ensuring visitors have everything they need while enjoying their outdoor recreation this summer.

With Major League Spring Training already underway, it won’t be long before the boys and girls of summer are back on diamonds across North America. With the anticipation of warmer weather and the impending spring and summer seasons, facility operators, league managers and volunteers are looking forward to the 2020 season.

As such, depending on your geographical location, field conditions are being assessed and as we approach another season, any needs that weren’t taken care of last year are likely at the top of the list (or will be quite soon!).