Sports Facilities for the New Millenium Are More Than Just a Place to Grab a Hot Dog
 Sports venues have evolved—they extend well beyond sports applications. Now used for a variety of spectator events, modern sports facilities enhance community activities and stimulate economic development. Precast concrete provides a broad range of design options to help realize each stadium's potential. Precast concrete provides a variety of distinctive, durable, affordable choices.
On Top of the Game:
Sports facilities are being constructed all over the country to meet the demands of owners, fans and corporate box holders. Whatever the venue, precast concrete provides durability, efficiency, comfort and cost-effectiveness. Precast concrete also offers a wide range of structural and architectural shapes to provide design flexibility and aesthetic value.
Be An Early Bird:
Single, double or triple riser units may be used, depending upon the overall seating height and quantity of rows required. Triple riser units offer the fewest construction joints and fewest pieces to erect. However, single and double units are often used at transition areas. By consulting with MAPA early in the game, the design can be expedited by the use or modification of standard forms. Review the rise and run of your seating units early; the forming costs can be assessed to avoid late game surprises. Consult with MAPA early in the game to avoid late game surprises.
Precast Even Offers Fan Support:
Floors, ramping and mezzanine systems are also designed with precast products. Double tees, prestressed solid slabs and hollow core plank are commonly used for their ability to span greater distances between intermediate beam bracing. These products are also utilized to minimize the structural depth of the floor system.
Other structural supporting elements include precast columns, raker beams and other support beams. Columns, which can support the precast raker beams, are generally located at a typical span to maximize production repetition. Raker beams produced in a quality, controlled plant environment can greatly minimize chance of error. The rakers, which support the seating, set the elevation for the rows. Rectangular support beams can be used to support flooring systems, stairway areas or to brace the raker beams.
On the Outside Looking In:
Design flexibility. No other system gives you more than a precast/prestressed concrete system. Architectural precast concrete products—in a wide variety of finishes, colors and contours—provide designers with an ever-widening array of choices for the facility's exterior. Whatever your stadium's look, precast concrete can achieve it.
 Because MAPA producers cast and finish their architectural precast concrete products in a factory-controlled environment, the finish is consistent throughout. It looks good—plus it's strong and durable, requiring little maintenance. And precast systems continue to save time and money throughout the life of your structure. When you choose architectural precast concrete for your sports facility, the value is built right in. get into the game Precast concrete offers a wide array of structural and architectural shapes for an aesthetically-pleasing arena. Precast concrete from a MAPA producer offers:
- Durability—resistance to weather, corrosion, punctures; strength for heavy loads
- Flexibility—endless design choices to meet every need; a myriad of finishes, colors and shapes
- Value—efficient and cost-effective options; reduced labor costs; speedy erection; low maintenance
- Design Aid—help with connection details and more! MAXIMIZE TO MINIMIZE
By using a complete precast system, timely construction of your arena or stadium can be performed year 'round. Maximizing the size of precast pieces and minimizing the jobsite labor force will not only reduce jobsite labor costs, but will also expedite your schedule. One or more erection crews can be employed to install the precast frame. Construction can be restricted to the building footprint, allowing for other areas such as parking or outside retail areas to be built concurrently with the stadium.
PCI Means Quality and Longevity:
All of our MAPA producer members are certified members of PCI (Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute), which provides a quality product with strength and durability. Study after study has proven that precast concrete resists corrosion better than other materials. In general, our stadiums and arenas are designed to last far beyond overtime.
Add Precast to Your Roster
When getting into the game of designing a new sports facility, our team of committed and experienced producers will be happy to assist you. For more information, details, project success stories and design assistance, call MAPA at 1-800-453-4447. Build year round with precast; save time and money. Get into the game.
Why the Mid-Atlantic Precast Association?
- Quality—all of MAPA's producer members are certified members of PCI
- Consistency—factory-cast and factory-finished precast concrete means a great-looking structure
- Experience—our producers know and understand the construction of sports facilities and arenas
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