Technical challenges involved with designing the vertical transportation in a large football stand

This paper discusses the vertical transportation aspect of a project of replacing the main stand of a stadium for a Premier League Football Club, from design concept to completion. It looks at how the design incorporated the multi-use of lifts and the Vertical Transportation (VT) requirements for both general admission and corporate hospitality guests. Compliance with The Accessible Stadia; Sports Ground & Stadia Guide [1], firefighting and wheelchair evacuation provision was required. The paper examines the implication of time constraints when moving passengers with vertical transportation. Where appropriate these were evaluated against overcrowding, potential pinch points within the access and egress times. In addition to this Local Authority requirements were addressed in regard to non-ambulatory attendees and evacuation procedures in case of emergency. The design development included working with football club officials to ensure that the lifts were only used as directed. A fundamental aspect of the project design brief was to minimise the number of lifts in the stand. The project included working with the club and the main contractor to ensure all vertical transportation equipment was installed and commissioned in time for test events and first match. The project was completed successfully within the set timeframe and budget with no significant issues at completion. The vertical transportation system has operated successfully since it’s installation.