Up to 35 million children play sports every year and spectators sit on a variety of outdoor seating to watch their children play these sports. Furthermore, middle schools, high schools, colleges, and professional football stadiums have bleacher systems set up to accommodate their fans as well. There are many different types of bleachers depending on what type of event you are hosting. Portable indoor bleacher systems are available as well as commercial outdoor seating systems. The first thing to think about is where your bleachers are going to be located and how many people they need to hold. After that, there are a few other things to consider when choosing the right outdoor seating.
Code Requirements
The most important thing to think about is the local code requirements. Most bleacher manufacturers offer assistance with this to ensure you comply with your local codes and ordinances. If you have any questions, it is important to go to your local city office for more information. The last thing you want is to purchase a large set of bleachers that are not up to code.
Permanent or Movable
The most common type of permanent outdoor seating is aluminum bleacher seats. These are commonly seen at sporting events and come in various sizes, options, and features for you to choose from. Elevated and non elevated units are available, depending on how your area is set up. If you need to increase the seating over time, the aluminum bleacher seats can be easily added to whether you need to double or triple it in size. In addition, ramps are available to make them wheelchair friendly bleachers and ADA compliant.
Movable bleachers come in varying lengths, which can be between two and five risers. These are constructed in various materials, including aluminum. A tow package is available for ease of delivery to your destination. In addition, a tip and roll package is available to easily move bleachers from the outside to the inside. Railings are available as well to so you can comply with code requirements.
Elevated Bleachers vs. Non-Elevated Bleachers
Elevated bleachers are set on a framework that is raised above the ground. The elevation varies from 30 inches to 48 inches. The first seat is normally set at 47 inches or 65 inches above the ground. Elevated outdoor seating has front walkways, stairs, wheelchair areas, accessible ramps, and press boxes which make them ideal for outdoor sporting events.
Non-elevated bleachers
Non-elevated bleachers sit on the ground level and have between three to 15 rows each. The first seat of the row is 17 inches high. From there, each row increases eight inches as the rows rise. These types of bleachers have ten inch wide seats making them versatile for a indoor or outdoor seating.
When choosing bleachers, consider the area your spectators have to see. If it is a large field, consider elevated bleachers. If it is a smaller field, consider non-elevated bleachers. In addition, consult your local city ordinances before purchasing bleachers so as to properly follow the city code.
