Guest post written by Cameron Connelly, Content Marketing Intern, The Sports Facilities Companies.
When designing a new sports facility, it is easy to get carried away with the design of the structures, courts, and fields that you are providing to your community. The design of those areas is often the most fulfilling. However, there are many design considerations that are vital to the day-to-day operation of the facility that are sometimes overlooked. The type of equipment used for indoor multiple-sport courts, the placement of trash and recycling collection areas, and the cash handling process are three design considerations that can drive efficiency and effectiveness in facility operations.
Multi-Sport and Multi-use Spaces
Multi-use sports courts are a great way to minimize the footprint of an indoor venue while maximizing its use. However, trying to fit in too many uses can quickly backfire if the transition process from one activity to another requires a great deal of time or manpower. If the transition process is complicated, it may be difficult to maintain multiple sports or events in an area during a short period of time. Operational efficiency can be achieved in indoor facilities with the use of drop-down basketball hoops and volleyball nets that are suspended in the ceiling. When it’s time for a tournament, league, or practice, one of the appropriate apparatuses (hoops or nets) can be lowered (some with iPads) and placed into action. They can then be raised to accommodate non-sports events. These tools allow for a seamless transition between events because it can be operated quickly with only a few employees.
The indoor facility at Sand Mountain Park and Amphitheater in Albertville, AL hosts countless events including basketball and volleyball tournaments, leagues, trade shows, proms, and concerts. In particular, when it comes time for basketball action, an automated system using touchscreens to raise and lower basketball hoops and backboards can make the venue “tournament-ready” in two hours or less, depending the previous activity.
Cash Handling at Sports Facilities
When designing a new facility, it is important to make sure that food and beverage areas, retail stores, and all cash handler routes are visible to surveillance systems. We also recommend the use of drop boxes to securely store the cash at concession and merchandise locations. This ensures that the cash is secure and cash-handling employees are safe.
Trash Collection
Another area to consider when designing a new facility is where to put recycling and trash bins. It is recommended to always place the two bins next to each other to avoid people throwing their trash away in a recycling bin, or vice versa. Bins should be placed close to areas where they will receive the most use, such as concession stands and exits. It’s also recommended that these bins are placed in any outdoor area to discourage littering.
If you are interested in bringing a new sport facility to life in your community it is important to think about every detail. Here at Sports Facilities Companies, we have a specialized team dedicated to the development, design, and planning of sports facilities and they can use their knowledge and experience to help guide you through the process and ensure that your sport facility thrives in your community for many years to come.
If you are interested in getting help with the facility development process, feel free to look over our venue planning services or call us at 727-474-3845. If you are ready to start planning your community’s state of the art sports facility, click the button below to provide more information about your project.
