Charlotte Fernández
UKIMEA Press Office,Leeds
Wembley Stadium, The O2, Centre Court at Wimbledon and Lords Cricket Ground have been voted the most iconic UK sports and entertainment venues according to a survey of over 2,000 sports and entertainment fans.
The survey, commissioned by Arup, also reveals the improvements the public would like to see in the future. They include more comfortable, spacious seating (49%), better planning to make it easier to move around busy venues (32%) and safe standing room (27%). Lengthy toilet queues have the most negative impact on visitor’s experiences of major stadia at 41%.
Fans would also like to see more investment in technology to show replays and different camera angles (30%) and improved access at venues through faster ticket checks as well as better venue design to allow entertainment to take place in all weather conditions.
“The UK is aiming to attract 80 international sporting events by 2015 and with the 2012 Olympics and the Diamond Jubilee this year, it is critical to look at the expectations and experiences of the tens of thousands of spectators who’ll visit our venues. Ergonomics, usability and accessibility play a huge role in shaping visitor’s enjoyment of events and innovation in modern stadia design is incredibly sophisticated.
- Nick Merridew, Sports Leader, Arup UK, Middle East & Africa
Read Nick's "Sports venues of the future" article on Thoughts
Arup is currently involved in projects exploring how enhanced mobile networks, near-field communications and in-venue Wi-Fi are enabling fans to interact with players, performers and each other. High definition and 3D footage are playing a major role as modern stadia cater for the demands of 24-hour media and fans’ use of social media. The firm is also using advanced software modelling and usage analysis to find ways of reducing queues at turnstiles and congestion around venues.
Spectators voted Madison Square Gardens in New York, Nou Camp in Barcelona, the Bird’s Nest Stadium in Beijing and Bernebau Stadium in Madridamong the most iconic sporting venues outside the UK.