This time of year we receive a lot of questions and Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for new indoor Telescopic Seating or Outdoor Bleachers and Seating so we thought we would add some food for thought on replacement versus renovation.
Part 1: Telescopic Seating
Where do I start?
If you’re trying to decide between a replacement and a renovation, the best place to start is to take inventory of what you have with a complete Telescopic Seating Inspection for Code Compliance and Safety. An inspection will give you insight on the severity of code compliant and safety issues as well as what possible upgrades you could make to your seating.Another item to take into consideration is the overall age of your seating unit as well as the make and model and how easily it can be upgraded while keeping the maximum seating capacity. For instance, if you have an older unit without dedicated aisle and aisle rails, in order to upgrade your unit to include these items, you will lose seating capacity but you will upgrade in safety and code compliance (also decreasing liability).What is the general footprint of your existing bleachers? Do you have room to grow length wise? Do you have room to grow if you were to add additional rows? Are you also wanting to incorporate portable team seating and scorers tables?During this process, be sure to ask questions and get your questions answered. Make sure that upgrades are more than a simple upgrade, but that they are code compliant for new facilities.
What is the end goal?
Is your goal to increase seating capacity? Or maybe it is to give your gym a fresh face with an Extreme Logo or Signature Logo Seating. Or perhaps, you have an older model of bleachers that does not have dedicated aisles and aisle rails, and you would like to create ease of access and safety for your patrons.Depending on your overall goal, you do have options. If your seating unit is code compliant and safe, you can add to your school spirit with replacement seats, colored rails, skirt-board logos, step logos, and a fresh full-bleed Safety-End Closure Curtain that blocks unauthorized access to your bleacher’s understructure.Is additional seating your number one goal? If you don’t have it in your budget for a full replacement, we suggest looking into the Maxam1 Portable Bleachers that can be moved throughout the building for multi-use purposes. Not sure if this is right for you? Contact us and try out our sample for a game or two.
What are your “creature comforts”?
In today’s world of seating, powered bleachers are a must-have. But did you know there are also auto-rotating aisle rails and floor to first row aisle step hinge kits that make changeover a breeze for your faculty and staff? Saving time and energy while maintaining the ultimate safety with secure rails and seats? The University of Findlay is a great example of what a gym renovation can do for school spirit.Do you wish to have a VIP seating section with back rests and cup holders? This can be revenue generating for some districts that offer a higher ticket price for VIP seating. Is a media-platform ideal? Do you want your scorers table to be on the sideline or in the bleachers?
What are your buying options?
From phased renovations to a full replacement, you do have some options. One being the traditional RFP process. Another is to look into purchasing agreements such as NJPA. You may already be a member. Need assistance with budgeting? Contact us, we’re here to help.
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