Overview
Exeter Rugby Club had an existing semi-permanent stand with a limited capacity of 3,800 standing positions for spectators. In 2021, the Stadia by GL events team undertook a major project to provide a new permanent grandstand, complete with concessions and toilets, that increased its capacity to accommodate over 5,800 fans.
Challenges
The site at Exeter Rugby Club posed several additional challenges, as it backed onto the busy M5 motorway and featured a 10m sloping bank with a sharp gradient.
Consequently, Stadia by GL events’ considered design involved cantilevering the entire structure over the bank. This innovative solution required structural reinforcements in the shape of concrete auger pile foundations, which had to be sunken 20m deep into the ground.
Innovation
In addition, fabricated beam sections were introduced to carry the cantilevered seating structure and concessions over two floors. The structure above the ground level consisted of a galvanised steel, bent metal frame.
The ground floor comprised of a concrete metal deck floor to hold the walls in place and a full internal fit out of toilets, bars, and restaurants.
Timeline
Taking 10 months to complete during the Covid-19 pandemic, the full scope of works at Sandy Park included: demolition of existing structure, excavation works, pile foundations, galvanised steel frame, concrete flooring, internal fit out, toilets and concessions, cladding and general admission seating installation.
Futureproof
To incorporate the original design, the roof height, mid-tier walkway, and profile of the new grandstand was constructed to mirror the opposite side, with a view to expanding the stadium to a bowl-type structure in the future. All seating installed is Stadia by GL events’ GL-P general admission seat.
”Stadia by GL events were committed to helping us increase capacity at Sandy Park. We chose their services as they offered the most viable, cost-effective solution.
Mark IsaacsStadium Operations Director - Exeter Rugby Club
Returning to Sandy Park
Overview
Following the success of the East Stand development, Exeter Rugby called on our services once more, to deliver long term hire of temporary seating. As a result, we returned to deliver over 2,500 general admission seats, housed in an impressive temporary structure from Spaciotempo.
Installation
Installation took just 3 weeks and comprised of numbered seating that falls in line with the ticket manifest. The temporary stand features seven openings at the rear, two to the front, and a lateral tunnel that traverses the length of the structure. The new seating arrangement provides fans with improved access and enhanced comfort.
The unique aspect of the stand was that it was designed to maximise seating capacity within the space provided by Spaciotempo. Also, additional access to the stand was provided throughout the full length of the structure via the lateral tunnel. The extra entrances were added to the front and rear of the tunnel, giving safer access especially at well-attended games with high volumes of traffic.
Working with Spaciotempo
Operating in partnership with Spaciotempo was key to the project’s success. As one of the leaders in the temporary building sector, deadlines, safety, and quality of workmanship was of the highest standard. This, in turn, allowed Stadia by GL events to complete its work on time, without interruption.
Communication
Clear and effective communication was important for the seamless progress of this project. Ensuring maintenance of open dialogue with all parties was essential. After Spaciotempo had finished constructing the temporary building, Stadia by GL events moved in to complete the stand fit-out. This collaboration ensured the completion of this project in time for the start of the new rugby league season.
