The Role of Facilities Management Teams in Concerts and Non-Sporting Events
FM teams play a crucial role in the successful execution of concerts and non-sporting events at stadiums.
Beyond the field of sports, these venues are dynamic spaces for a variety of events, requiring a different set of skills and preparations to ensure smooth operations and an exceptional experience for visitors.
From event setup and logistics, to crowd management, safety, maintenance and cleaning - it’s a whole different ball game to the normal stadium setup.
Event Setup & Logistics
The planning and setup for concerts and non-sporting events are complex processes involving coordination of various elements such as stage construction, lighting, sound systems, and seating arrangements. Facilities management teams are responsible for overseeing these logistical details – often delivered by a wide range of specialist contractors - ensuring that all equipment is properly installed and that the venue is prepared to host the event safely and seamlessly.
Crowd Management & Safety
One of the primary responsibilities of the FM team during concerts and non-sporting events is ensuring the safety and security of all attendees. This includes planning effective crowd flow, setting up barriers, managing the live crowd flow, and coordinating with security personnel to handle emergencies. Effective crowd management strategies are essential to prevent overcrowding and ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.
Maintenance & Cleaning
Maintaining cleanliness and order throughout the event is crucial. Facilities management teams ensure that toilets, seating areas, and concession stands are clean and well-stocked. Quick response teams are then on standby to address any maintenance issues that arise, such as spills, broken seats, or malfunctioning equipment, minimising disruptions to the event.
Technical Support
Concerts and non-sporting events often rely heavily on advanced technology, including lighting, sound systems, and video displays. Facilities management teams provide technical support to ensure that all systems are functioning correctly. This includes pre-event testing, real-time monitoring, and troubleshooting any technical issues that may occur during the event with specialist contractors.
Vendor Coordination
The FM team is also responsible for coordinating with vendors who provide services such as catering, merchandise sales, and concessions. Ensuring that vendors are properly licensed, have adequate space and utilities access, and are able to operate efficiently is crucial to the overall success of the event. Effective vendor management enhances the visitor experience by providing a variety of high-quality services.
The amount of people purchasing food and drink during concerts is much higher than that of a sports game, where traditionally there is only a short service period pre-match and at half time. Clever planning by learning from previous event spending patterns of concert goers reduced the chance of frustrated visitors due to long queuing times and the associated loss in revenue.
Post-Event Cleanup & Transition
Once the event has been successfully delivered, the role of the FM team moves to the post-event cleanup and transitioning the venue back to its standard setup or preparing it for the next event. This involves dismantling stages, cleaning and waste management, and performing any necessary repairs or maintenance to restore the venue to its original condition.
The role of FM teams for concerts and non-sporting events is complex, encompassing event setup, crowd management, maintenance, technical support, vendor coordination, and post-event cleanup. With excellent planning and effective live management of these deliverables, FM teams ensure that events run smoothly, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees while maintaining the integrity of the venue.
