The Best Seats
In The House

We’re no strangers to a unique challenge and when it comes to designing and installing custom arena bleachers, we’ve always got a few tricks up our sleeve. This tends to serve us well, especially when the project combines innovative seating with full accessibility in a brand-new community facility — which was exactly the case in one of our most recent projects.

Working closely with our First Nations is something we’ve been doing for a number of years now and on this project, we were proud to partner with the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. Construction on their new Nawash Community Arena in Neyaashiinigmiing, Ontario kicked off last summer and was supported by generous contributions from Bruce Power and Kinectrics. The arena is set to serve as a vibrant year-round hub for hockey, lacrosse, and community gatherings, featuring an ice pad, changerooms, concession areas, accessible washrooms, and more.

“Our community has always been very sports-minded, and the hockey team was well known in the area — they were called the Cape Croker boys,” said Councillor and outgoing Nawash Chief Greg Nadjiwon. “After all these years, everyone wanted an arena here, and we are over the moon that it’s finally being built so their grandchildren will have a place to play.

Something we’ve learned over the past 45 years is that no two bleacher projects are alike, and this one was yet another perfect example. For this project, our design team was tasked with delivering a two-row elevated bleacher in a relatively tight space while maximizing seating capacity and ensuring excellent sightlines to the ice.

The client wanted as many seats as possible without compromising the spectator experience, leading us to incorporate our custom Contoured Seat Modules for enhanced comfort. In addition, the design includes an entire corner of the arena dedicated to an elevated barrier-free viewing platform that follows the curve of the corner dasher boards. To ensure full access, we provided a custom ramp along with two staircases. The finished product features our signature custom vertical pickets, resulting in one of Ontario’s finest new custom arena bleacher installations.

Following the successful installation, this bleacher now provides seating for 170 people, with the elevated platform adding another 12 seats or additional standing room. The thoughtful design helps support the arena’s overall planned capacity of around 250 spectators while prioritizing accessibility and clear views for everyone in the community.

“Our Elders teach us that the Youth are our future. In order for them to thrive physically, mentally, and spiritually, they need opportunities for community-based recreation which will teach them teamwork, stamina, and strength,” said Nawash Chief Darlene Johnston. “These young ones, nurtured with the gift of sport, will find their place in the world with pride. Our community says ‘Chi-miigwech’ to Bruce Power and Kinectrics for their generous and timely donation.”

If your community, school, or facility is planning a new build or renovation and needs custom bleachers, elevated platforms, or accessible seating solutions, our sales and design team is here to help. We specialize in tailoring every detail to your space, sightlines, accessibility needs, and budget.

Contact a member of our team today — we’ll help you bring your project to life.