In late 2024, St. Matthew High School, part of the Ottawa Catholic School Board, took some big steps toward enhancing safety and spectator experience in their gymnasium. Looking to replace their outdated, manually operated, non-code-compliant bleachers with a new set of state-of-the-art motorized retractable bleachers, the school came to our team looking for solutions. 

The old bleachers at St. Matthew’s, like many in aging facilities, no longer met current safety codes and posed challenges for both spectators and staff. Navigating to the top rows was cumbersome, and manual operation placed unnecessary strain on school personnel. Recognizing the need for a modern upgrade, the school board enlisted our experienced team to design a solution.

Our team collaborated closely with key stakeholders from within the school board to develop a custom design that featured two banks of our popular Kodiak 2400 Series bleachers, each with eight rows and a total seating capacity of 262 fans (131 per bank). The bleachers include centre aisles with handrails, ensuring safe and easy access to the top rows—prime seating for cheering on the Tigers. The fully motorized system allows staff to set up and tear down the bleachers quickly and safely, streamlining game-day operations.

The project was put out for public bid by the Ottawa Catholic School Board to ensure competitive pricing and transparency and we were able to secure the project based on our expertise and reputation for quality, late last year. 

Following the manufacturing process, the installation was efficient: the old bleachers were demolished and responsibly disposed of, and the telescopic bleachers were installed in just three days. This rapid turnaround minimized disruption to the school’s schedule, allowing the gymnasium to return to full use in time for the next big game.

Our Kodiak 2400 Series bleachers are engineered for durability, safety, and user comfort. With code compliance becoming a major issue for a variety of institutions out there, it’s important to align yourself with a team that understands the current requirements. This along with the motorized operation and accessible features make our selection of retractable bleachers an ideal choice for schools looking to modernize their facilities while prioritizing safety and efficiency.

Ready to upgrade your athletic facilities? Connect with our team for your next project and enjoy our 45 years of experience in the athletic equipment industry.