Download The new grandstand capacity

New stand capacity: Review of Akkeron drawing.
Every stadium has both a net capacity, a gross capacity, and Safe capacity.
Net capacity
This is the number of seats that are available for sale or complimentary use for a given event.
Net capacity requirements stipulate that all seats must have an unimpeded view of the pitch, meaning
that they must not be in any way obstructed by advertising hoardings or any other permanent or
temporary structures that could interfere with a spectator’s enjoyment when seated.
The net capacity of a stadium includes seating for:
• ordinary spectators;
• VIP and VVIPs;
• officials (from FA, UEFA, FIFA, etc.);
• disabled spectators and their companions.
The number of seats allocated to each category, and hence the overall net capacity, will vary from
competition to competition. The net capacity will also be affected by the special seating and facilities
required for different types of tournament. For example, for UEFA or FIFA competitions increased
media seat allocations, additional camera positions and larger advertising hoardings located
closer to the pitch can all significantly reduce the total net capacity.
Gross capacity
The gross capacity of a venue refers to all of the seats within the stadium, including those for the
general public, VIPs, media and officials.
Safe capacity
The safe capacity is a mandatory requirement which focuses, as the name suggests, on ensuring
maximum safety for spectators. Safe capacity can broadly be defined as the maximum capacity that
will allow for a full and safe evacuation of the stadium via dedicated access.
Within the existing stand the following areas of seating will be lost to the overall net
capacity available, all these could be located in the clear area in front of the
banqueting hall at first floor area (where I have shown them), however this may not be
acceptable as it may be the intention to keep this area clear so the game can be
viewed through the glass from the hall.
A TV camera position, would be required, and is currently not shown on the official
drawings. If this is the case, and a seating area has to be lost, based on the Exeter
Chiefs proposed design which I have access to, this would result in the loss of approx 2
rows of seats in 1 block: i.e. about 56 seats.
(Note Sky TV are also developing 3d TV for their sports coverage, so should this be
successful and Argyle play at a higher level a further 150-200 seats may be lost to
accommodate this.)
The directors box (40 seats minimum by league requirements, but likely to be more
than this minimum figure)
Media positions (radio predominantly at the moment). Also if premium seating is
introduced this may have a more generous spacing which will further erode overall
capacity.
The small upper tier currently shown has no means of access detailed. To access this
safely at least one complete row of seats will be lost, as I have shown.
This gives a net capacity of 4591. This is 400 seats below that stated on the
consultation plans.
This could reduce by a further 100 if TV cameras, directors and media are to be
accommodated in the seating area.
Plymouth Argyle Supporters Trust have proposed an alternative two tier proposal for
the new stand. This stand has a net capacity of approximately of 7000 seats, and will
therefore preserve the existing ground capacity to a suitable level for the Football
League Championship based on previous gates when we last played at that level.
This arrangement also has the considerable advantage of removing the internal
columns which are shown on the current scheme. The columns area in the middle of
the main hospitality area which would certainly detract from the space and make it
less desirable for conferences or other functions which may be held there.
This proposal would preserve the footprint of the stand already developed and the
internal layouts, and fit between the adjacent proposed buildings. As a result this
significant increase in capacity could be achieved at only a small additional cost to the
overall scheme and a fraction of the cost of any future expansion that has been
discussed.
The seat spacing shown is 840mm on both the Akkeron design and our alternative, as I
have tried to replicate what they have already done.
Closing the seats could be a good way to make some additional capacity, the 840mm
currently shown seems way over the current guidance. See table below. If the seats
were closed to a still generous 800mm that would create 20 x 40mm = 800mm on the
lower tier or room for an extra row of seats (224). Closing to the recommended
760mm could create two extra rows or 448 seats on the lower tier.
The upper tier would probably need a wider access horizontally which is currently
tight, however moving to 760 spacing on the upper tier could still accommodate an
extra row. So in total there is potential for up to 672 seats. It may be decided to
reserve one area as premium seats (say upper tier), where there could be a bit more
legroom, possibly padded seats etc and sell tickets at a premium price.
There may knock on effects such as a necessity to change the angle of the stand, but
more work would need to be done to determine this. At the moment I would think
suggestion need to be put to the club for consideration.