What Makes Stadium Facilities Management Different?
Stadium Facilities Management specialist consultancy.
Stadium facilities management is different to normal facilities management due to several key reasons. At Rockvolt we work with stadium management and stadium facilities management service providers every day of the week, so get regular insight into how these incredible venues work from both sides of the fence.
We’ve got three decades of experience and have worked at some of the UK and world’s largest, most prestigious and exciting venues and events, including four Olympic Games. You’ll find our take below on what makes FM delivery so different in stadia.
Size and Complexity
Stadiums are typically much larger and more complex than typical facilities, with multiple levels, various types of seating areas, and many different types of spaces that require specialised management. The sheer size of a stadium means that the facilities management team must have a greater understanding of building systems, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems than for a typical commercial property.
Event Management
Stadiums are primarily event-based facilities, meaning that the facilities team must be skilled and highly experienced in event management and the extremes of fan flow. They need to manage the logistics of hosting events, including ticketing, crowd control and parking. They must also ensure that the facility meets the requirements of different types of events, such as concerts, sporting events, and trade shows.
Safety and Security
Stadiums have unique safety and security requirements that are not present in typical facilities. The stadium facilities management team must ensure that the facility is safe for both patrons and staff, and must have a comprehensive emergency plan in place to respond to any emergencies that may arise.
Fan Experience
In a stadium setting, the fan experience is paramount, so the wider FM team must work to ensure that fans have an enjoyable experience. This includes managing concessions, restrooms, and other amenities to provide a positive fan experience. The requirements for fans will differ across the venue, with fan flow volumes and expectations bringing their own unique challenges across areas such as top tier hospitality, Club levels, concourses and catering kiosks.
Diversity of Spaces
Stadiums typically have a variety of spaces that require different levels of facilities management. For example, the luxury suites and VIP areas require a higher level of service and attention than the general admission areas. The operating times and pinch points of these differing areas also require specific operating procedures to ensure sufficient operational support is on hand to keep the patron experience smooth during key periods.
Technology
Stadiums often have advanced technological systems, such as large video screens, sound systems, and digital ticketing systems. The facilities team must be familiar with these systems and be able to manage them effectively to ensure that events run smoothly. Specialist support must be present at events to immediately fix any issues that arise.
Seasonality
Stadiums often have a seasonal schedule of events, with the majority of events occurring during a specific time of the year. The stadium facilities team must be able to manage the facility during peak periods, while maintaining it during the off-season.
Partnership With Teams
In many cases, the facilities management teams work closely with the sports team or organisations that use the stadium. They must understand the team's needs and work to ensure that the facility meets those needs while also ensuring that the facility is profitable and well-managed.
Regulatory Compliance
Stadiums are subject to a variety of regulations and compliance requirements that normal facilities may not face. For example, there will be requirements related to food safety, crowd management, and accessibility that the facilities team must navigate.
Who Are Rockvolt?
We work with stadium management, event venue management and catering & FM providers to improve all aspects of stadium facilities management, building services and the customer experience at the UK’s leading venues.
Our stadium facilities management consultancy services cover:
Operational Improvements
Sustainability Development
Design & Build Support
Procurement & Tender Management (for the venue)
Bid Writing & Tender Support (for FM companies)
Service Benchmarking
