Each stadium’s power systems should be designed to suit the match and broadcast needs of the events it will host, from major international matches down to community stadiums for development groups. Power supplies will need to be resilient and incorporate redundancy in order to provide back-up. The minimum resiliency and redundancy needed at a stadium for its foreseen uses and throughout its intended lifespan should be carefully considered at the design stage. Appropriate flexibility to allow for power redundancy to be increased (whether temporarily for events, or permanently) or decreased later should also be included. The stadium’s electrical systems should be designed around these needs and considerations.
Utility power will usually be the primary power source for a stadium. Utility power is usually the most cost-efficient and sustainable power supply to meet stadium demands, particularly in comparison to fossil fuel combustion-based local generation. The resiliency, reliability and quality of stadium power supplies should be carefully considered and understood. The stadium’s electrical systems should be designed within this context.
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Common characteristics to analyse include the following:
• Overhead and underground services supplying the stadium
• Dedicated or shared lines supplying the stadium
• High- and low-voltage equipment capacity, age and condition
• Utility outages (local past record)
Supply arrangements to a stadium will vary. Large stadiums may be supplied by very secure, dedicated, on-site and upstream switchable dual-redundant high-voltage utility power supplies. Small stadiums may be supplied by only a single low-voltage utility power supply with little upstream redundancy. Any permutation may be appropriate, depending on the needs and context of each stadium.
However, all stadiums will require some level of redundant power. Even the smallest of stadiums must ensure that life-safety systems that require electrical power continue to operate in the event of an emergency and power failure, to guarantee the safe evacuation of all occupants. For larger stadiums, the delay or cancellation of a professional football match due to the loss of power (see Sub-Section 5.6.2) is generally considered to be unacceptable.
Primary power could be wholly or partially backed up by on-site generation equipment. It may be appropriate for the back-up to be permanently in place, or temporarily rented for relevant events. Stadiums may wish to explore the most appropriate rental or ownership model for their circumstances. The stadium’s electrical design should take all of these factors into account. Similarly, and whether back-up elements are temporary or permanent, the order of precedence and control logic for all automatic switching (cascaded switching logic) must be carefully designed and implemented to ensure that all elements operate as and when intended. When looking at power supply and demand, all stadiums should strive to achieve outstanding energy and sustainability targets and be powered from on-site and/or off-site renewable energy sources to target a net zero carbon building (refer to Sections 2.7 and 4.8 for further information).
The types of loads should be classified to help determine the amount of redundant capacity, and the type and size of the back-up equipment that the design will accommodate.
A typical breakdown of loads, and therefore the electrical design which must serve them, is predicated on their respective need for power resiliency.
In the event of a primary power failure and outage:
Non-essential and normal stadium loads
These can and will go off, for example:
• Power to food concessions
• Small power in offices
• Non-essential technology and communications systems
Event continuation/technical loads
These may experience a very short outage but will be quickly restored so that the event can continue.
With event continuation resiliency operating, the match can be completed and spectators can remain in their seats. Stadium services will likely be restricted. Power resiliency must be designed to negate the need for evacuation, even if primary power fails.
• Media working areas
• Turnstiles
• Giant video screens and scoreboards
Floodlighting is obviously required for football to be played (and for spectators to be able to watch the action) when it is dark or light is poor, however, the design of stadium floodlighting systems is usually driven by the technical requirements for television broadcast of football or other professional sports because lighting in a stadium is fundamental to the production of high-quality television broadcast. These technical features can come at a high cost.
It is important for the stadium to consider the highest level of match that is likely to be played in the venue as significant changes or temporary overlay solutions to the floodlighting system can be challenging once the construction is completed.
The stadium project should first evaluate the likeliness of their venue being used for the broadcast of live matches. If the likeliness of broadcasting matches is low, then lower lighting standards are likely to be acceptable and more cost-effective.
In general, a floodlighting design should first account for providing a safe and comfortable environment for players, officials and spectators. Floodlighting should always minimise its effects
on the surrounding environment and should:
• provide enough illumination for players and spectators (horizontal illuminance);
• provide uniform, comfortable illumination without glare and with sufficient colour rendition;
• provide enough illumination for broadcast (vertical illuminance) from all anticipated camera positions; and
• reduce unwanted lighting spill to a minimum.
If a venue must provide good lighting for cameras and for television broadcast, the above extends to also include the following:
• Good modelling and uniformities (the right balance between shadows and highlights)
• Superior colour rendition and suitable correlated colour temperature
• No flicker
To provide good lighting, the stadium designer should carefully assess the installation geometry, the location where lighting masts or other structures will be positioned relative to the field of play, the type of lighting equipment used, the aiming angles and the lighting beams.
Depending on the category of the stadium, and therefore its size and configuration, floodlighting can be installed on the stadium roof (on the edge or underside), or on dedicated floodlighting structures such as poles, often found in the corners of the stadium. It is important that lighting poles are located outside of spectator sightlines and that they do not encroach upon the field of play.
Lighting system design and the range of criteria to be considered are set out in the following sections. The key factor is to ensure that the lighting solution is appropriate to the scale of the venue and the matches and events it will host. The FIFA Lighting Guide has been produced to define the minimum standards for FIFA (final) tournaments.
The FIFA Lighting Guide defines four lighting standards for venues in which broadcast of live events is required (Standards A to D). A distinction is then made with venues where television coverage is unlikely (Standard E). Each of these standard classes comes with a slightly different set of lighting requirements as a function of the event hosted, however, the main difference lies in the presence of specific television broadcast requirements for vertical illuminance.
Lighting systems should be based on solid-state LED products. These products have a much-improved beam control compared to the previous generation of high-intensity discharge lamp-based lighting systems; this improved beam control achieves higher efficiency. The increased efficiency of LEDs also provides a sharper light distribution.
These products require careful design to account for glare due to the higher lighting intensities within narrower viewing directions as opposed to softer lenses in the previous generations. Close attention should be paid to ensure that correct aiming angles and exclusion zones are observed.
The advantages of LED products largely outweigh the disadvantages.
LEDs can be dimmed to match the needs of specific events, for example reducing light levels during training, to further minimise the installation carbon footprint. LEDs can also be used in combination with DMX control systems to introduce scenic effects (chase, flashes, dimming, etc.) and light shows.
LED products offer the highest quality of light available, with higher colour rendition than metal halide systems, practically matching traditional incandescent light sources. LEDs do not cause flicker and have correlated colour temperature within the preferred range for sport.
LED products also use far less power to operate and have a longer lifespan than other products, therefore they are considered to be more sustainable.
The weight of the floodlighting elements should always be taken into consideration during the design stage to ensure that correct allowances are made by engineering teams.
The following standards should be considered in the development of any lighting system. Where inconsistencies are found, the guidance provided by FIFA should prevail. It is the responsibility of the lighting designer to seek clarifications from with the relevant bodies and ensure that the lighting system is fit for purpose.
• FIFA Lighting Guide
• CIE 067: – Guide for the photometric specification and measurement of sports lighting installations
• CIE 083: – Guide for the lighting of sports events for colour television and film systems
• CIE 112: – Glare evaluation system for use within outdoor sports and area lighting
• CIE 150: – Guide on the limitation of the effects of obtrusive light from outdoor lighting installations
• CIE 154: – The maintenance of outdoor lighting systems
• CIE 169: – Practical design guidelines for the lighting of sport events for colour television and filming
• EN - – Light and lighting – Sports lighting
• IES RP-6-15 – Sports and Recreational Area Lighting
• ILP GN 02: – Guidance Note 2: lighting of televised sporting events
• EBU R 137 – Television Lighting Consistency Index and Television Luminaire Matching Factor
• Lighting guidelines and regulations of regional and national football associations, and/or leagues
Stadiums should provide sanitary facilities for both men and woman and for disabled people inside the stadium. These amenities should include adequate washing facilities with clean water and a plentiful supply of towels and/or hand dryers. These areas should be bright, clean and hygienic and they should be kept in that condition throughout each matchday.
As there is a range of time that different spectators require to use these facilities, this should be reflected in the calculations of the provision. The growth in the number of women and children attending football games and other stadium events should be reflected in the design. Stadium projects should consider the installation of flexible toilet blocks that can be allocated on demand or quickly converted, along with appropriate changes in signage, depending on the event being hosted.
It is recommended that stadiums provide sanitary fixtures in line with the relevant national codes. As many countries do not have stadium-specific guidance, FIFA recommends a minimum number of toilets and sinks as shown in Figure 5.6.7.
To avoid overcrowding between spectators entering and leaving sanitary facilities, there should be a one-way access system, or at least doors which are sufficiently wide to permit the division of the passageway into in and out channels.
The ratio of male to female spectators will also influence the number of fixtures that need to be provided. This is a decision for each stadium project to take based on their projected attendance profiles. The ratio of 65% male, 35% female is typical of major international football matches and therefore should be used if no further guidance is available. If events are planned that have a more equal gender attendance (e.g. concerts), this should be taken into consideration. This total provision of 100% of the spectator population will need to be assessed by each stadium as it may not provide enough facilities during the half-time rush and comfort levels may be reduced at these peak times.
Baby-changing facilities, accessible for male and female spectators, should be included within WC blocks or in dedicated, private spaces.
Sanitary facilities should be provided for a range of needs, including at least one accessible cubicle within all large WC blocks along with low-level urinals, WCs and hand basins to cater for those of short stature. Wheelchair-accessible WCs should be provided at a ratio of 1 per 15 wheelchair positions and should offer easy access from the seating position within the bowl. A maximum of 40m from the WC to the access vomitory should be allowed, with all wheelchair accessible facilities provided on the same level as the seating positions they serve.
In addition to these facilities, stadiums should consider the provision of a Changing Places toilet with access from the concourse area where most wheelchair user places are located. This space should be 12m² and will be used as a unisex facility for those who may need multiple companions to assist them.
Family toilets with additional lower-level sinks and toilets could provide confidence that people of short stature or young children will be safe when using toilet facilities.
Water use is a critical issue for all stadiums and impacts a wide number of design and operational aspects. The stadium design and operating strategy should aim to reduce the use of potable water (see Sub-Section 2.7.1).
Water used in the operation of stadiums will vary significantly depending on the geographic location, the time of year and the scale of match being hosted. Consideration should be given as to how event overlay can be built into the base design of the facility to ensure that efficiency and water reduction strategies can be extended into those foreseen peak events (see Sub-Section 2.9.3).
The need for pitch irrigation, particularly on matchdays (see Section 2.4), will result in large demand for water during short periods of time, such as at half-time. This variability of water demand, from relatively low levels when the stadium is not being used for events, to large peaks in demand when fully occupied with spectators, will be significant. The impact of this on the water supply, sewerage and treatment energy networks should not be underestimated.
Stadium projects provide opportunities to show how water management can be at the forefront of development through efficiency and sourcing water differently.
The basic strategy for managing water across the stadium site should follow the established hierarchy:
• Reduce demand for all water – efficient measures
• Supply water from local sources – identify and quantify alternatives to potable supply
• Match non-potable supply to non-potable usage
• Metering and user awareness-raising
• Consider additional demand management measures
• Discharge processes – consider impacts on infrastructure and scope for re-use/recycling
Achieving low water usage in a stadium relies on the understanding and willingness of the stadium spectators, the stadium maintenance team and the stadium staff. Positive messaging around the water conservation goals of the project can help achieve this. Clear guidance for the stadium maintenance team will ensure they clean and maintain the building as intended. This is particularly important for the success of innovations like waterless urinals.
Water reuse, particularly by harvesting rainwater, is a key strategy that should be considered in the development of all new stadiums. Storage of rainwater in tanks within the stadium or immediately outside should allow site-wide irrigation of trees and grass. Inside the stadium, filtered and treated harvested rainwater can be used for laundry services, sanitary fitting flushing and any internal or pitch irrigation. By harvesting rainwater and using it efficiently on the site, the amount of water discharge from the stadium masterplan should be kept to a minimum.
After the water that is potentially required for the pitch, back-of-house water consumption is dominated by kitchens, particularly in stadiums that prepare food in permanent kitchens. Therefore, the design and operations teams should look to minimise water used for this purpose, particularly on matchdays.
One of the biggest uses of water in stadiums is for sanitary facilities to serve a large crowd. To address this, it is recommended that water-saving fittings be installed. Such fittings include WCs with limited flush capacities, taps with minimised flow rates and waterless urinals. Stadiums often have multiple WC blocks, and each one should be sub-metered so that excessive usage, often indicating a leak, can be quickly detected.
Free access to drinking water should be provided to spectators and staff throughout the stadium. This is commonly delivered through drinking fountains and bottle “fill-up” stations in the concourses. These should be fully accessible and placed in locations so that any queues that form to use them do not impact on circulation within the concourse.
For larger stadiums, it is common to include large central kitchens in the back-of-house spaces that are linked to horizontal and vertical circulation routes for the delivery of catering supplies to locations throughout the stadium. The main kitchen should be in the stand that has the largest demand for catering services in order to reduce the travel distances for food once it has been prepared.
For smaller stadiums, it may be possible to prepare food off-site and deliver it to the stadium on matchdays.
In all cases, the provision of finishing kitchens adjacent to hospitality spaces and skyboxes to plate food and control service should be considered.
Support spaces should be provided to allow for the delivery and storage of all catering supplies needed for matchday peak loads. These facilities should include dedicated delivery spaces, dry storerooms and spaces to store both chilled and frozen goods. These should all be located on the peripheries of the main kitchen space to reduce travel distances.
As kitchens are typically located at ground-floor level under the seating bowl, the need for ventilation, extraction systems and climate control should be identified at an early stage as it will impact the planning of upper floors and the location of vertical circulation routes.
Scullery facilities should be provided for the collection, cleaning, drying and storage of crockery, cutlery and other washable kitchen equipment and utensils.
The term ‘Friday Night Lights’ doesn’t only apply to one sport or day of the week. Sports teams of all types and ages are playing after dark with increasing frequency. The reason for the increase in nighttime sports is due to improvements in lighting technology that ensure players and spectators have a clear view of the field.
To ensure the playing field and stands have proper illumination, stadium lights are commonly used. Stadium lights are usually tall fixtures using bulbs with small angle lights. The small angles allow the light beam to remain bright and strong when it reaches the field. While most stadium light fixtures measure between 40 to 60 feet, some can be shorter and others up to 100 feet.
Stadium lighting is making the switch to LED or next gen LED and for a few good reasons. LEDs are easy to control, energy-efficient, and produce dynamic lighting that even looks great on TV.
Placing stadium lighting requires some creativity. The lighting serves a few purposes including improving visibility on the field and in the stands. Lighting can also help fans bond over their favorite teams. When it comes to placing the lighting, you have multiple options.
The lighting can be installed around the rim of the stadium’s roof or on towers. Some stadiums have lighting at mid-way points. You also want to consider the mounting position, the light’s focal point, the array, and more.
The height of the stadium’s lighting varies. A good rule to follow is to use 1 to 12 fixtures on poles measuring between 40 to 100 feet tall. 500-watt lights work best on 40-foot poles and you probably want to increase the wattage to 1,000 to 1,200 for poles 60 feet and higher.
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The beam’s angle will also vary depending on the pole’s height. For example, a 30-degree beam angle is best for a 40-foot pole.
Minimizing glare is an essential part of any stadium lighting design. Glare is caused by an incorrect lighting level that makes it difficult for players and fans to see the field. Shields and optic lenses can help prevent issues with glare. You also need an adequate understanding of lighting angles and intensity.
Flickering occurs when a shift occurs in the light’s brightness level. A common cause is a fluctuation in the voltage power supply. Thankfully, reducing glare in LED stadium lighting is relatively simple. Some ways to avoid the issue include,
CCT is the acronym for correlated color temperature. Measured in Kelvin (K), it refers to how cool or warm a light appears. Cool light has a slightly bluish tint while warm light is more yellow. Stadium lighting is commonly white but you can change the CCT to meet the arena’s unique specifications.
CRI is the light’s color rendering index or light quality. The CRI is noted using a score of 0-100. Higher CRI scores indicated better light quality. Most stadium lighting has a CRI of 75 or higher.
Watts and lumens go hand-in-hand. Watts refers to how much electricity the LED uses while lumens references the bulb’s brightness. While you don’t want to reduce lumen ratings, the higher the number the more electricity the bulb uses.
There is no shortage of options when you are looking at LED stadium lighting. Here are a few aspects you should consider before starting your stadium lighting retrofit.
Having adequate brightness without glare is a primary reason stadiums are transitioning to LED lighting. Most LED fixtures start with a brightness level of 60,000 lumens.
When you are considering optics design, a high-end lens is crucial. You get narrow optics that prevent glare while also illuminating the ground from fixtures mounted on tall poles.
The best stadium lights are durable. They have protection against power (voltage) surges, lighting, and wind. One aspect you do not want to overlook is surge protection. This way, regardless of the amount of electricity flowing from the grid the lighting level remains consistent.
Maintaining lights on poles measuring anywhere from 40 to 100 feet is a difficult task for stadium employees. LED lights have a long lifespan, reducing the number of times you need to replace the bulbs. Add in their durability, and you may go all season without needing to maintain the stadium lights.
When an LED does develop a problem, it is often due to a faulty driver. Investing in high-quality drivers can help prevent this issue from occurring.
To reduce glare, look for LED bulbs with a CRI rating above 70. This helps ensure colors remain accurate live on the field and on TV.
Led stadium lighting is designed for easy installation, saving both time and money.
Considering choosing LED products compatible with wireless controls. The controls allow you to adjust brightness levels and change the color intensity. Wireless controls can also increase the bulb’s lifespan and reduce overall energy consumption.
Action Services Group can help you plan and execute your LED stadium lighting retrofit. From locating the right products to the final installation, we can help you every step of the way.
If you are considering an LED retrofit for your stadium, let the experts with Action Services Group help. Call 610-558-, [ protected] or schedule a call to discuss your Turn-Key LED Retrofit options.
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