The Final Product: The University of Western Ontario's New Stadium

    Posted by Ryan Wilby

    Dec 1, 2022 3:15:00 AM

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    We officially got started on this project towards the end of 2020. In what was a tendered project we were proudly awarded, we worked closely with key stakeholders at the Unversity of Western Ontario who were looking to us to bring some of the energy, design and flair that was so prominent when we were tasked with upgrading Richardson Stadium at Queen's University.

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    Topics: Stadium Seating, Bleachers, Grandstand Seating

    The Continued Evolution of DC West

    Posted by Ryan Wilby

    Nov 4, 2021 11:18:05 AM

    DC West Banner-01

    The midwestern region of the United States is often associated with open land, hearty meals, unique accents, and friendly, hard-working people. When it comes to education, however, the school systems in these states have historically been regarded as mediocre. Disproving this assumption, however, are the schools found in Valley, Nebraska.

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    Topics: Stadium Seating, Press Boxes, Accessibility, Grandstand Seating

    How LEDs Transform the Game

    Posted by Ryan Wilby

    Sep 20, 2018 4:00:00 AM

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    One of the fastest growing trends in stadiums and sports arenas today is the popularity of LED lighting, which is replacing the old-school metal-halide lights. What initially sparked the interest of professional sports venues was the estimated 70% energy cost savings. However, the fans immediately noticed that the LED lighting enhanced the look of the game immensely.

    Why LED Lighting?

    While stadiums across the nation are switching to the LED systems, they are becoming the standard during the construction of new stadiums as well. Why? These systems use less energy and they are much more cost efficient to maintain. The LED lights offer longer burn time, they are brighter, they do not require “warm-up” time like the older metal halide lights did, and they do not flicker, due to the higher level of energy efficiency.

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    Topics: Stadium Seating

    When It Comes to Stadium Upgrades, Here’s What the Fans Want

    Posted by Ryan Wilby

    Mar 30, 2018 4:00:00 AM

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    The sports world is evolving at a rapid pace. While the product on the field, ice or pitch is still inherently important, today’s savvy spectators are looking for so much more when it comes to the spectator experience.

    With the rise of high-definition televisions, PVRs and online streaming services, professional sports franchises are doing more than ever to entice fans into stadiums across Canada and the United States.

    As the research continues to be compiled, industry pundits are emphasizing spectator experience paired with the talent on the field to create the perfect combination of the live sport experience. While avid fans are still looking for the win, the stadium experience is becoming equally important.

    As a number of major stadiums have undergone or are set to undergo massive renovations, some franchises and organizations are forgoing dated stadiums and instead are opting to start from scratch. With a focus on the spectators’ increasing importance, just what do the next generation of sports fans expect from their favourite venues?

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    Topics: Stadium Seating, Fan Experience

    Three Factors to Consider When Planning a New Seating Project

    Posted by Ryan Wilby

    Nov 2, 2017 4:02:00 AM

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    Whether it be a new build or a renovation to an existing facility, when it comes to planning prospective seating, there is much to take into consideration. While to some, it might seem as easy as picking a number out of thin air in reality, that could not be further from the truth.

    With the changing needs of many facilities, the question could be answered using a subtraction or an addition type of formula. With many stadiums, arenas and other locations opting for lower seat counts in hopes of a better spectator experience, the answer has progressed beyond the “go big or go home” mentality of not long ago.

    As you prepare to plan seating for your new or existing location, here are a few key factors every planner should take into account before placing an order on new fixed seating.

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    Topics: Stadium Seating, Seating Solutions, Fixed Seating

    The Evolution of Stadium Seating

    Posted by Ryan Wilby

    May 26, 2017 7:21:02 AM

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    Rising from the landscape like the great coliseums of ancient Rome, many stadiums of today and of years past bear resemblance to these large structures designed to house as many spectators as possible with archaic seating configurations.

    As the years have gone by, we have seen some of the most iconic stadiums and iconoclastic sports venues fall to the ground as newer, fancier, stronger and more spectator-oriented structures are erected in their place (or somewhere close by).  As more and more of these structures become obsolete, there is a growing trend in the stadium and seating industry that is transforming these structures into completely inclusive experiences for those who enter them. 

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    Topics: Stadium Seating

    Current Trends in Sports Facility Design and Construction

    Posted by Ryan Wilby

    Mar 2, 2017 4:02:00 AM

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    Whether we would like to admit it or not, the times are changing more rapidly than most of us ever thought possible.  As many of us continue to adapt and change course to reflect the demands, needs and wants of both the public and athletic communities, exciting things are happening in our industry on a daily basis.

    With new stadiums being erected all over Canada and the United States, these new design trends are not strictly reserved for professional sports. Collegiate, community and private facilities are all being swept into this massive wind of change as well.

    With this in mind, here are a few of the biggest trends sweeping the athletic facility industry and how many planners, designers, and fabricators are keeping pace.

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    Topics: Stadium Seating

    Phase 3 of the Richardson Stadium Revitalization at Queen’s University

    Posted by Ryan Wilby

    Sep 13, 2016 8:21:01 AM

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    Here we are a mere few days ahead of the kickoff of the Queen’s Gaels home opener football game slated for this Saturday, September 17, 2016 in Kingston, Ontario.  It feels like just yesterday that our crews began to break ground at this historic site at Queen’s University and what has been erected is nothing short of breathtaking.

    The 8,000 seat stadium, which rose from the demolition over the past few months will arguably stand to be Canada’s premier collegiate athletic stadium, boasting an innovative top-loading bowl seating design.

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    Topics: Stadium Seating, Bleachers, Our Work

    How Bowl Seating Guarantees the Best Spectator Experience

    Posted by Ryan Wilby

    Aug 12, 2016 3:00:00 AM

     

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    Bowl seating concept our team designed for Richardson Stadium at Queen's University

    Browsing through the sports column of your favourite newspaper or website these days, we can’t ignore the amount of stadium builds and re-designs being covered.  What used to be strictly an issue of safety for outdated facilities has now morphed into a crowd-focused undertaking by many amateur and professional sports clubs and franchises.

    Today’s sports fan places a great deal of emphasis on attaining the most memorable experience possible. Where ticket stubs were once the only souvenir many got to take away from viewing a game, spectators are now leaving with the unforgettable memory of feeling like they were a part of the action.

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    Topics: Stadium Seating, Bleachers

    Sport Systems Awarded the Richardson Stadium Grandstands Contract at Queen’s University

    Posted by Ryan Wilby

    Dec 11, 2015 4:00:00 AM

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    An architect’s rendering of what the revitalized stadium could look like, c/o Queen's University

    Sport Systems Canada Inc. is pleased to announce they have been awarded the Richardson Stadium Grandstands contract by Queen’s University.

    Richardson Stadium is a historically significant sports venue for Queen’s, Kingston, and Canada. The stadium played host to national and regional games as well as a Roosevelt speech. The third edition Richardson Stadium will be an important competitive sports venue and recreational facility for Queen’s and the broader local and regional community.

    Demolition at the site began in late October, at which time a number of architectural designs were released to the public displaying the future of Richardson Stadium.

    “As part of this large revitalization project, we will design, fabricate and install the new grandstands that will house approximately 8,500 spectators. One of the main goals of this project is to drastically improve sightlines and provide seating that is closer to the field of play. To achieve this goal, we are designing an elevated first row of seating consistent with current stadium design, allowing spectators an unobstructed view, as well as moving the entire seating bowl closer to the field to enhance the spectator experience,” said Jeff Hurrle, Vice President & General Manager, Sport Systems Canada Inc.

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    Topics: Stadium Seating, Bleachers, Our Work

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