The Stadium Business Design & Development Summit 2018
Last week I attended The Stadium Business Design & Development Summit 2018 held at the Wembley Hilton Hotel, London.
Two days, more than 30 speakers and a record number of 400- delegates at Wembley in the shadow of the stadium’s famous arch.
Here are just a few of the key notes:
- You need stakeholder buy-in to smart or digital innovations The 3D environment for the stakeholder journey and still a lack of buy-in.
- Give spectators breathing space
Stadium venues are bringing fans closer to the action and fans are being given more room to breathe, especially in concourse areas, where there are enhanced commercial and concessionary opportunities.
BIM there, done that
BIM is playing an increasingly important role in reducing risk and optimising design processes that inevitably evolve due to multiple factors, including value engineering. BIM provides fully coordinated solutions to engineering problems. RJ Gonzalez, BIM information manager at Espai Barça, outlined how FC Barcelona is shifting towards an “OpenBIM” strategy, prioritising the use of long-term data to underpin decision-making – not just for construction but for future operational efficiencies.
No time to waste
Timelines for major developments appear to be getting even more optimistic – but Grimshaw partner Kirsten Lees warned that such aggressive schedules could leave insufficient time to fine-tune a project’s technical specifications.
An authentic representation Football teams build on three elements; the crest, the shirt and the stadium. The stadium, therefore, must offer an authentic link to its location and the history of the club.
Reinvention keeps things fresh
Commerzbank-Arena’s Patrick Meyer outlined how the home of Eintracht Frankfurt could be considered “old” just 13 years after opening, with fresh ideas required to maintain and enhance fan engagement. Retail, accommodation, hotels, restaurant all playing their part to drive a proper long-term economic strategy.
Networking opportunities with; KSS, AECOM, G&T, RLB, T&T Wilson Owen Owen, Populous.
Pictured above: d&b audiotechnik director Stephen Hogg, Harman senior business development manager Ryan Penny and Mike Hedden, chief steward of Danley Sound Labs, in discussion with Lisa Knights, chief of media, Ashton Gate Stadium