Football Stadium Technical Recommendations

5th edition 2011

Football
Stadiums
Technical recommendations
and requirements p

5th edition 2011

Football
Stadiums
technical recommendations
and requirements p

Football StadiUMS 3

Contents

01 02 03 04

Foreword from the FiFa President, Joseph S. blatter 6
Foreword from the FiFa Secretary General, Jérôme Valcke 8
Foreword from the working group 10
the fascination of football stadiums 12

Pre-construction decisions Safety and security

1.1 Strategic pre-construction decisions 30 2.1 Safe stadiums: the fundamental requirement 50
1.2 Stadium location 32 2.2 Specific safety requirements 50
1.3 Playing field orientation 35 2.3 Structural safety 52
1.4 Green Goal 37 2.4 Fire prevention 52
1.5 Environmental compatibility of stadium site 40 2.5 Stadium control room 52
1.6 Community relations 43 2.6 television surveillance system 53
1.7 Multi-purpose stadiums 44 2.7 Spectators’ medical centre 53

Players and match officials Spectators

5.1 access to dressing rooms 94 6.1 General standards of comfort 108
5.2 dressing rooms, toilets and bathing areas 94 6.2 Spectator areas 118
5.3 access from team areas to playing field 100 6.3 Communication with the public 119
5.4 Warm-up areas 100 6.4 Spectators with disabilities 122
5.5 Players’ medical room 102 6.5 Merchandise concession stands 125
5.6 doping control 104 6.6 ticketing and electronic access control 125
5.7 Event management offices 104
5.8 dressing rooms for ball kids 104

lighting and power supply Communications
and additional areas

9.1 Power supply 166 10.1 Communications requirements 194
9.2 Facility requirements 169 10.2 Programme development 195
9.3 lighting design specifications and technology 176 10.3 Communications systems, applications and users 196
9.4 Environmental impact 180 10.4 Communications rooms 198
9.5 installation commissioning 181 10.5 Project development 198
9.6 Glossary of lighting terms 188 10.6 telephones 199
10.7 additional areas 200
10.8 Flagpoles 200

05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12

orientation and parking Playing area

3.1 Signposting and directions on tickets 56 4.1 Recommended dimensions 64
3.2 Public access and egress 56 4.2 Playing field quality 68
3.3 Parking for spectators 58 4.3 Natural grass playing fields 69
3.4 Hospitality parking 59 4.4 artificial turf playing fields 78
3.5 Parking for teams, match officials and stadium staff 59 4.5 Substitutes’ benches 85
3.6 access and parking for the media 60 4.6 advertising boards around playing area 86
3.7 the emergency services and disabled spectators 60 4.7 access to playing area 87
3.8 Helipad 60 4.8 Exclusion of spectators from playing area 87

Hospitality Media

7.1 Corporate hospitality facilities 130 8.1 accreditation office 148
7.2 Hospitality requirements: guiding principles 131 8.2 Media tribune and commentary positions 148
7.3 FiFa programme requirements 132 8.3 Stadium media centre 151
7.4 VViP areas and ViP areas 134 8.4 Press conference room, mixed zone and flash interview positions 152
7.5 Commercial hospitality rights 139 8.5 Facilities for photographers 158
7.6 Special conditions 139 8.6 television infrastructure 158
8.7 Studios 161
8.8 broadcast compound 161

Futsal and temporary facilities
beach soccer

11.1 Futsal strategic pre-construction decisions 204 12.1 Event facilities 278
11.2 Futsal players and match officials 208 12.2 Event experience 278
11.3 Futsal media areas 214 12.3 demountable structures 281
11.4 Futsal space requirements 220 12.4 Event facilities – sustainability 287
11.5 beach soccer stadium construction 246
11.6 beach soccer players and match officials 249
11.7 beach soccer media 258
11.8 beach soccer space requirements 260

FIFA World Cup™ space requirements 290
index 404

Foreword
Joseph S. blatter
FiFa President

6 Football StadiUMS

a word from the FiFa President

Football stadium design around the world has evolved greatly over
the past decade. Stadiums have undergone a transformation from
being mere venues for football matches to multifunctional event
facilities, bringing advantages for all target groups. improved transport
connections, greater security and contemporary infrastructure also
attracted many families to the stadiums during the FiFa World Cup™ in
2010, heralding a new era of stadium construction.

it is in the interests of fans, political authorities and investors alike to
have economic, ecological and socially sustainable stadium design.
Stadiums represent the visible legacy of an event such as the FiFa
World Cup™. in combination with a long-term event portfolio and
flexible infrastructure, they can help to create substantial added social
value. their design can help meet a host of economic and ecological
objectives, in particular reducing emissions and waste products and
delivering a sustainable water supply.

the 2010 FiFa World Cup South africa™ undoubtedly set new
standards in stadium design. South africa showed the world that
design and ecological sustainability can go hand in hand and that clever
use of their synergies can generate added value. Players, fans, media
representatives and sponsors had nothing but praise for the stadiums
during the FiFa World Cup™ – not only signalling appreciation of their
unique architectural qualities but also their efficiency and functionality.

i hope that you enjoy this book and that the wide range of background
information it provides lends you new insights into stadiums and their
sustainable construction.

Joseph S. blatter
FiFa President

Football StadiUMS 7

Foreword
Jérôme Valcke
FiFa Secretary General

8 Football StadiUMS

a word from the FiFa Secretary General
Football stadiums are the life and soul of professional football – it
is where football fans congregate to watch, week in and week out,
the achievements and struggles of their teams. at the 2010 FiFa
World Cup™ we saw a new benchmark being set on stadium design,
construction and facilities for fans and teams. the power of the FiFa
World Cup™ to thrill and stir passionate emotions across the globe
is unrivalled. Hosting the FiFa World Cup™ brings an unquantifiable
level of pride and honour for any host country and also provides a
unique opportunity for a nation to rebrand and market itself to a global
audience.

the general requirements for a FiFa World Cup™ stadium do not differ
from a regular international or top league match – but the scale of
requirements differs greatly. Much is required from a FiFa World Cup™
stadium: during the 2010 FiFa World Cup™, an average of 49,670
spectators attended each match, consuming more than 3.1 million
bottles of drinks. 56 MW of power generated by 253 temporary power
plants was consumed – this equals the supply for over 56,000 homes.
2,750 hours of tV feed was produced for broadcasters in 214 countries.
today’s Hd production requires at least 30 cameras per match for the
world feed, and all of these aspects have to be taken into consideration
when planning.

this book serves as a reference for any football stadium construction –
whether it is for a major sporting event, to set up a 21st century arena,
or a small community stadium. it provides the football community with
information related to stadiums across all facets of the game. as such,
for the first time it also includes chapters on futsal and beach soccer
with their own special characteristics required to further enhance the
development and growth of those two exciting kinds of football.

For the Game. For the World.

Jérôme Valcke
FiFa Secretary General

Football StadiUMS 9

Foreword
the working group

10 Football StadiUMS

The working group Ron DelMont FIFA Charles R. Botta Switzerland Ruben Reddy South Africa

(from left to right):
Ed Ragain USa (lighting, it and power)
Richard Hayden ireland (natural grass)
The contributors Damon Lavelle australia (temporary facilities)

Foreword from the working group

this is the fifth edition of Football stadiums: Technical recommendations and requirements
as well as the most ambitious, with new material on the FiFa Green Goal environmental
programme, on futsal and beach soccer – two exciting and rapidly growing forms of
football – and on the temporary facilities which may be required when hosting a FiFa
World Cup™. it also includes important updates on event lighting, power supply,
communications systems, natural grass and artificial turf playing fields, hospitality facilities
and the impact of new stadiums on the environment – all of which were new features in
the fourth edition.

as with previous editions, the book is based on the most up-to-date research available,
provided by FiFa representatives and the world’s leading experts in stadium design. Such
is the pace of change, however, that no publication on the design of football stadiums
could ever be entirely future-proof. it is the desire of the working group, however, for this
book to have a long shelf life.

New in the fifth edition is a sub-section at the end of 10 of the 12 chapters entitled FiFa
World Cup™ considerations, which emphasises those points relevant to the staging of FiFa
World Cup™ finals. the book also contains, in the FiFa World Cup™ Space Requirements
document, an updated comprehensive breakdown of the space required for hosting
matches in the FiFa World Cup™. this information will be invaluable for developers
who want their facility to host any top-level football match, not just FiFa World Cup™
matches. as a further aid to those involved in stadium design and inspection, the Space
Requirements document in this edition has been sorted by category and department.

the objective of the book remains the same as ever: to help everyone involved in the
design, construction and management of a football stadium to create a facility in which
people can watch football in safety and comfort.

Football StadiUMS 11

Football Stadiums
Where people celebrate football.
all over the world.


Pre-construction
decisions


important decisions need to be made in advance regarding
the location, capacity, design and environmental impact
of a stadium to ensure that the facility continues to meet
the demands of a rapidly changing market.


1.1 Strategic pre-construction decisions 30
Pre-construction 1.2 Stadium location 32
decisions 1.3 Playing field orientation 35
1.4 Green Goal 37
1.5 Environmental compatibility of stadium site 40
1.6 Community relations 43
1.7 Multi-purpose stadiums 44

1.1 p Strategic pre-construction decisions
the size and level of comfort of a new stadium will always be governed by the
financial resources available. Nevertheless, when planning a stadium, developers
should always ask certain basic questions at the outset.

Funding
is sufficient funding available to achieve what is necessary? it is pointless and
wasteful to build a stadium which is so limited in terms of capacity and comfort that
it cannot serve the purpose for which it was originally conceived.

Adapting a basic stadium
Where funding is limited, it may be possible to build a very basic stadium which
could serve an interim purpose. However, care should be taken to ensure that
the structure is capable of future conversion and improvement in a cost-effective
manner, to render it more acceptable to an increasingly demanding market.

Where a basic stadium is planned, the following questions should be asked:

– will standing terraces (which are not recommended and which are not allowed
at FiFa World Cup™ matches) be capable of future conversion to seated areas
without destroying good sight lines and without requiring major reconstruction
work?
– can new seating tribunes and premium seating products (such as private suites),
all with good sight lines, access and adjacent customer services, be added in
future?
– is it possible to add large video screens later?
– in an unroofed stadium, will the exterior walls and adjacent areas be capable of
having a roof fitted at a later date?
– will a stadium whose roof covers only the spectator areas be capable of having
a retractable roof installed which can cover the whole arena?
– can other technical improvements be made later, including the introduction of
air conditioning in enclosed areas?

Capacity
What should the capacity be? Should the stadium be built to accommodate only For major international
the domestic needs of the club(s) who will use it? or should it attempt to attract matches a stadium should
matches at a higher level? it is not unusual for clubs to find that the provision of seat at least 30,000 people.
a bright, new, clean and comfortable stadium brings with it a dramatic increase
in attendance levels. in such circumstances, a club which normally attracts an
attendance of around 20,000 and is thinking of building a new stadium with a
capacity of 30,000 might find it preferable to think in terms of nearer 40,000.

a stadium that has a planned seating capacity that exceeds its legacy requirements
can result in the stadium being unable to sustain itself from week to week at full


capacity. in order to address this issue, integrated seating solutions should be
considered. Stadium capacities should be decided after discussion with the legacy
stadium management to project event seating potential. all proposed modular
seating installations for a FiFa event must be pre-approved. it is incumbent on
the proposers of demountable seating systems to adhere to the requisite safety
regulations and follow global best practice standards. Furthermore, it is necessary to
increase all spectator services to accommodate the additional seats, e.g. toilets and
sanitary facilities, concessions and merchandise temporary units.

obviously, those places that can sustain a stadium with a capacity of 80,000 or
more find themselves in an advantageous position when it comes to the allocation
of big football events. However, even the biggest stadium is of little use for major
international matches if the city concerned does not have a hotel infrastructure and
international airport facilities – bearing in mind that the bulk of the audience may
be travelling from abroad – as well as the organisational ability and experience to
stage such an event.

there are, of course, no known formulas for determining a stadium’s optimum
capacity. it is very much a choice for those in charge of its development.

Market knowledge
attracting ViPs, or customers who are willing to pay much more than the average For more information on
ticket price, is essential to the financial success of a modern stadium. What these premium seating products,
customers want varies significantly from country to country and even from city to see Chapter 7.
city, so significant local research should be conducted as early as possible into the
appropriate type of seating products and ViP services that are best for each facility.

Maintenance
When designing a stadium, care should be taken to ensure that its future
maintenance, cleaning, operation and management can be carried out effectively in
as simple, straightforward and cost-effective a manner as possible.

Pace of change
the pace of technological development and the rapidly increasing insistence of
spectators that they are provided with more comfortable and luxurious facilities could
lead to the average life span of a modern stadium falling to 30 years or even less.

in the future, spectators may no longer be prepared to pay to sit outdoors in sub-
zero temperatures or swelter unprotected in the glare of the sun. this accelerating
obsolescence presents a significant challenge to the developers of stadiums.
therefore, before stadium owners and designers invest millions in a new stadium,
they should question whether or not the facility which they are proposing can
seriously expect to satisfy spectators’ demands in the future. Simply to repeat what
has been built in the past, even in the recent past, could turn out to be a bad
investment.


1.4 Green Goal 37

1.2 p Stadium location
a stadium should be situated in a location which is sufficiently large to provide
spacious and safe external public circulation/activity areas and marshalling space for
service vehicles and functions. While it is normal for the arrival of spectators at the
stadium to be spread over a sufficiently lengthy period to prevent undue congestion
near the turnstiles, the majority of spectators will seek to leave the stadium at the
same time, resulting in significant space requirements.

the availability of sufficient external space will also allow for future extension or
redevelopment. Many famous stadiums around the world are in heavily developed
locations with roads, buildings and canals immediately adjacent on all sides. their
renovation and redevelopment possibilities are restricted by their limited site size
and this is not a desirable situation.

large sites reduce the probability that the site may have to be abandoned in the a large site improves a
long term, or even in the short term, because of its inability to accommodate some new stadium’s chances of
unforeseen development requirement. larger sites also increase the possibility being further developed
of providing adequate on-site parking areas – a requirement which will probably in the future.
remain for the foreseeable future.

as a site becomes more suburban and isolated from public transport, it will have to
become larger to accommodate the required additional parking. in this situation,
convenient and multiple access to major roads and motorways is essential.

in an ideal world, the ultimate location would probably be a large city-centre site
with good access to public transport, major roads and motorways and parking
that can be used by others when games are not being played. this reduces the
possibility that large parking areas will be used for as little as 100 to 200 hours
per year. a stadium with ambitions to host international events is more attractive
to event holders if it is within comfortable reach of hotels and active commercial
environments and at least one international airport.

in order to accurately assess the transport requirements of a potential stadium site,
it is suggested that authorities engage the services of transport planners / engineers
and have a detailed transport impact assessment carried out prior to choosing the
final site.

the development of transport infrastructure is costly. it is suggested that the final
decision on the location of a stadium should depend on how close it is to existing
public transport infrastructure (rail, bus, taxi – both water and road – and airport).


Diagram 1a:
Location of the stadium
Stadium
Stadium
Stadium Area around t
area around the stadium
Area around the stadium
Center
Centre
Center
Parking Area
Parking area
Parking Area
Train
Train
train
Railway/undergroundSubway S
Rail
Rail Subway Station station
Emergency Exit
Emergency exit Emergency Ex
Hospital
Hospital
Hospital
Airport
airport
Airport
Heliport
Helipad
Heliport


1.4 Green Goal 37

Diagram 1b:
Stadium site

Spectator parking Spectator parking
1 Bus station
1 bus station
Bus station
Spectator parking Spectator parking 2 Underground station
2 Underground station
Underground station
3 Spectator viewing
3 Spectator viewing
Spectator viewing
6 4 VIP viewing
ViP viewing
Media tribune viewing
VIP
6 4
5
Media tribune
Spectator services tribune
Media
5
6
3
7
6 Spectator services
Spectator services
Trainings fields
3
Tournament training temporary
specific fields
Trainings fields
7
8
infrastructureTournament specific temporary
8 tournament-specific
9
infrastructure
temporary infrastructure
Player/Referee/VVIP Entrance
to drop9off and parking
Player / referee / VViP Entrance
Player/Referee/VVIP
4 under concourse
drop-off off and parking
to drop point and
1 2

1 5 4
2 Spectators entranceconcourse
under
parking under concourse
5 Spectators entrance
Spectator entrance

7 9 7

7 9 7

8
Hospitality Spectator
parking 8 parking
Hospitality Spectator
parking parking

VIP Media/broadcast
parking parking
VIP Media/broadcast
parking parking


1.3 p Playing field orientation
Great care must be taken regarding the angle of the playing field in relation to For more information on the
the sun and the prevailing weather conditions. Match participants, spectators and
W N
playing field, see Chapter 4.
media representatives must be protected as much as possible from the glare of
the sun. However, the effect of a stadium’s roof on the playing field must also be
considered. When there is a natural grass pitch, it is critical that there is enough light
VIP
and air movement to sustain the healthy growth of grass. all sides of the playing
field must receive a reasonable amount of direct sunlight. Me
Ave
a north-south field orientation is often considered ideal but more sophisticated tim
analysis has led stadium designers to choose an angle equal to the average direction
Fiel
of the sun at half time in an afternoon game.
Sun
S E

Diagram 1c:
N
W N Orientation of
150° -150° the playing field
W N
30°
ViP seating
VIP seating
120° -120°
60°
Media tribune
Media tribune
90° VIP seating
average half-time
Average half
Media tribune sun position
time sun position
W E
Average half Field orientation axis
Field orientation axis
time sun position Sun trajectory
Sun trajectory
S E
60° Field orientation axis
-60°

Sun trajectory
S E
30° -30°
S
N
150° -150°

30°
N
120° -120°
150° -150° 60°

90°
30°

120° W E
-120°
60°

90°
60° -60°
W E

30° -30°

60° S
-60°

1.4 Green Goal 37

Diagram 1d:
Solution for avoiding
Not acceptable Situation for Players,
Spectators and Camerasplaying area
shadow on
during the match
Not acceptable Situation for Players,
Spectators and Cameras

Opaque roof
Not acceptable situation
Opaque roof
for players, spectators
and cameras

Zone with sun Zone with shadow

Zone with sun Zone with shadow

Solution For avoiding Shadow on Playing Area
during the Match
Solution For avoiding Shadow on Playing Area
during the Match

Transparent roof
Solution for avoiding
shadow on playing area
Transparent roof during the match

Zone with sun

Zone with sun


1.4 p Green Goal
FiFa has embarked upon an initiative to address environmental sustainability
through the Green Goal programme – an initiative which FiFa fully expects its
member associations and commercial affiliates to embrace.

the principal goals of the programme are: the reduction in the consumption of
potable water, the avoidance and /or reduction of waste, the creation of a more
efficient energy system and an increase in the use of public transport to FiFa events.

these goals should contribute to the establishment of a neutral climate as far as
greenhouse gas emissions are concerned. the programme, which began during the
preparations for the 2006 FiFa World Cup™ in Germany, is one that will form part
of FiFa’s legacy of the 2010 FiFa World Cup™ and should be extended to other
FiFa events, especially future FiFa World Cups™.

Water
a more responsible use of potable water for purposes of irrigation should be
examined. Green Goal suggests the storage of rainwater to support the water cycle.
Further potential savings could be made through the installation of water-saving
technology in sanitary fittings during the construction phase.

Waste
a major cost of stadium management is the removal of waste. to limit the amount of
waste generated, Green Goal proposes the re-use of beverage containers, recycling
through the separation of waste collection and the introduction of packaging-free
food and merchandising products.

Energy
Energy-saving activities should be exploited in the design and construction of
stadiums. Potential energy-saving areas include: the use of photovoltaic technologies.

Certification
the environmental and sustainability agenda has gone through an intense global
development. the process of setting targets and assessing impact has been made
easier by the emergence of various certification methods and systems. Some of the
most notable are leadership in Energy Efficient design (lEEd), building Research
Establishment Environmental assessment Method (bREEaM), Green building star
ratings and carbon footprint measurement.


1.4 Green Goal 37

LEED certification
all stadiums should incorporate green building principles and techniques into
their design. New stadiums are encouraged to achieve at least a minimum lEEd
certification. Major renovations to existing stadiums are also eligible for lEEd
certification. lEEd is a building certification system that was developed by the U.S.
Green building Council. it involves conducting an independent third-party assessment
of the environmental performance of a development. the assessment is conducted
according to the parameters set out in lEEd, and points are awarded in each category
where the development complies with these parameters.

lEEd certification works as follows:
there are 100 possible base points, plus an additional six points for innovation in
design. buildings can qualify for four levels of certification:

Certified 40-49 points
Silver 50-59 points
Gold 60-79 points
Platinum 80 points and above

the lEEd rating system is divided into six broad categories, each of which has a list
of credits with points attached to them. the categories are:

Sustainable sites
this category deals with site selection and how the development integrates with the
natural environment, social environment and existing transport networks.

Water efficiency
this category is aimed at reducing water consumption and using alternative water
sources such as rainwater harvesting.

Energy and atmosphere
this category encourages the use of alternative energy sources and addresses ways
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Materials and resources
this category rewards the use of sustainable building materials, materials with low
or zero emissions and locally sourced materials.

Indoor environmental quality
this category addresses the issue of creating a clean and healthy indoor environment
that makes use of natural ventilation and day lighting.


Innovation in design
the category rewards innovative thinking that helps to reduce the impact that a
development has on the environment.

the cost implications for building a lEEd sustainable stadium vary greatly. the
higher the rating achieved by the design, the higher the cost of the stadium. the
systems engineer must consider energy-efficient air conditioning equipment, lEd
lighting and system commissioning that may add cost to the project. However,
these systems may reduce the energy and maintenance costs over the life of the
stadium. in a well-designed stadium, the budget must be considered along with
considerations for energy /operational costs for best value to achieve the desired
lEEd status.

For general planning and budgeting, the following should be considered:

Certification 0% increase in budget
Certification to Silver 0%-2% increase in budget
Silver to Gold 2%-5% increase in budget
Gold to Platinum 2%-5% increase in budget

Green building principles
a green building is a building which is energy efficient, resource efficient and
environmentally responsible. it is a building which incorporates design, construction
and operational practices that significantly reduce or eliminate its negative impact
on the environment and its occupants. building green is an opportunity to use
resources efficiently and address climate change while creating healthier and more
productive environments for people to live and work in.

on a practical level, this encompasses the use of design, materials and technology
to reduce energy and resource consumption, and create improved human and
natural environments. Specific green building measures include: careful building
design to reduce heat loads, maximise natural light and promote the circulation
of fresh air; the use of energy-efficient air conditioning and lighting; the use of
environmentally friendly, non-toxic materials; the reduction of waste and the use of
recycled materials; water-efficient plumbing fittings and rainwater harvesting; the
use of renewable energy sources; and sensitivity with regard to the impact of the
development on the environment.

the benefits of green buildings can be divided into three broad categories, which
correspond to the three spheres of sustainable development – environmental,
economic and social.


1.4 Green Goal 37

Environmental benefits include:
– enhancing and protecting ecosystems and biodiversity;
– improving air and water quality;
– reducing solid waste;
– conserving natural resources;
– reducing carbon emissions.

Economic benefits include:
– reducing operating costs;
– enhancing asset value and profits;
– improving employee productivity and satisfaction;
– optimising life-cycle economic performance.

Health and community benefits include:
– improving air, thermal and acoustic environments;
– enhancing occupant comfort and health;
– minimising the strain on local infrastructure;
– contributing to the enhancement of overall quality of life.

1.5 p Environmental compatibility of stadium site
Environmental compatibility is a prime consideration when selecting a site for
a stadium. it is a changing, complex and politically charged subject that must be
analysed carefully. For example, most of us would be very upset if we were suddenly
confronted with the prospect of having our homes overshadowed by the walls of
a large new football stadium. Proximity to existing residential areas is the most
sensitive issue in the development of a new stadium and if possible this should be
avoided.

typical environmental issues and concerns about the development of a new stadium
include the following:
– increased vehicular traffic;
– large numbers of noisy and often aggressive fans/pedestrians;
– noise from events;
– bright building and event lighting;
– overshadowing of adjacent properties;
– lack of activity around the stadium at non-event times;
– scale of the project in relation to its surroundings.


With good analysis, design and operational controls, most of the above problems
can be mitigated to satisfy neighbours. Examples include: game-time traffic and
crowd-management plans, restricted-access zones, noise and lighting control
baffles, building the stadium into the ground to lower its height and introducing
uses into the project that generate activity at non-event times.

Extensive landscaping, with the planting of bushes, trees and flower beds in and
around the project, can produce a huge visual benefit to those who use the stadium
and to the local community. the greening of a stadium site enhances the perception
and the reality that the facility respects the environment and its neighbours. the
impact of nearby rivers and lakes on the stadium site’s water table and, therefore,
the playing field drainage capability, should also be considered.


1.4 Green Goal 37

Diagram 1e:
Possible solution for
reducing environmental
impact

bad example:
Bad example:
Construction impact on residential impact on
Construction Buildings
Visual angle residential buildings

Good example:
Good example: reducing environmental
Visual angle Possible solution impact
for reducing environmental Impact

Diagram 1f:
reducing impact on
surrounding areas
Bad Example:
Noise Impact on surrounding Areas

bad example:
Noise impact on
Bad Example:
surrounding areas
Noise Impact on surrounding Areas

Good example:
Good Example:
reducing noise impact
Possible Solution for reducing Noise Impact
on surrounding surrounding areas
on Areas

Good Example:
Possible Solution for reducing Noise Impact
on surrounding Areas

1.6 p Community relations
in choosing the location and design of a stadium, it is vital that early contact and a new stadium provides
consultation is established with local community representatives, environmental many benefits for the local
groups and local and national football authorities. With proper communication, the community.
prospect of a new stadium becoming part of the environment should be a positive
experience.

the local benefits of a new stadium are considerable. they include:
– convenient access to quality sport and entertainment events;
– jobs in the construction of the facility and its operation;
– new visitors who will enhance the financial viability of the local economy, including
visitors to shops, restaurants and hotels;
– often the stadium includes facilities such as a gymnasium, fitness rooms, a
swimming pool, a crèche, function suites, meeting rooms, shops and other
cultural and social centres that are used primarily by locals;
– if the field has artificial turf, it can be made available for local recreational
programmes;
– the promotion of stadium events generates significant increased exposure and
profile for the community;
– stadiums deliver increased community pride because of the special nature of their
structure and their events.

all of the above should enhance the quality of life of those living in the area, ensure
that the stadium is integrated into the day-to-day life of its community and provide
additional financial stability for the facility.

because of the special nature of stadiums, their development often fosters negative
rumours and fear-mongering in the media. it is essential, therefore, that direct
communication with the local community and with the media is maintained
throughout the development period and during the operational life of the stadium.


1.4 Green Goal 37

1.7 p Multi-purpose stadiums
designing stadiums so that they can host other sporting and entertainment events
will increase their utilisation and improve their financial viability. the use of artificial
turf makes this easier, as it allows the pitch to be used and/or covered for an
unlimited number of days without negatively affecting the playing surface.

there has been a rapid increase in the use of football pitches for additional football
matches during the week. Some facilities also consider increased use through
double-headers, thereby increasing ticket revenue. they are also increasingly used
to host other sports, such as rugby, cricket and american football. Sometimes
these activities are for spectator events. More often, they are of a recreational or
community nature. Without artificial turf, these activities would damage the pitch,
preventing it from being in good condition for the stadium’s main football matches.

Football stadiums can also host entertainment events including concerts, festivals,
theatrical extravaganzas and trade/consumer shows. Some of these events can
occur on natural turf which is covered for a short period of time, but artificial turf
allows faster and less costly conversions from football mode and back again.

Some of the key factors to be taken into consideration when deciding if other uses
can be accommodated include: ease of access to the field for the vehicles, materials
and machinery required for the conversion, additional dressing rooms for athletes
and performers and additional field-level storage. adequate infrastructural services,
including additional power supply and water reticulation, further enhance the
possibilities of multiple use.

to accommodate these different uses, it is important not to change the stadium
to an extent that has a negative impact on its primary purpose for football. For
example, making the pitch considerably larger for another sport or adding a running
track around the field can result in football spectators being much further from the
playing field and removed from the action. this reduces their sense of involvement
and engagement with the game and diminishes their excitement.

Pressure is often put on stadium developers to increase the field size or to include a
running track. occasionally, such requirements are unavoidable. Unfortunately, this
will result in a much less successful facility than a football stadium that is specifically
built around the football field’s dimensions.

Various attempts to provide a running track without destroying the stadium’s
football ambience have been proposed and built, including retractable seating along
the sidelines, an example of which can be found in the Stade de France in Paris.
Most are very expensive to build and operate and/or have resulted in compromised
sight lines for one or both sports, even when the rake or angle of the seating has
been made as steep as possible.


Diagram 1g:
Spectators’ distance
from the field of play

Maximal distance in m
Maximal Distance
Maximal Distance in m
190m 90m optimal distance in m
Optimal Distance
190m 90m Optimal Distance in m
Spectators’ area
Spectator areas
Spectators’ area

Ideal

Ideal

Perhaps the largest cities of the world, with very large budgets and the objective
of hosting the olympic Games one day, might be capable of satisfying the needs
of football and athletics. For most, however, surrounding a football field with a
running track in a modern stadium should be avoided.

the issue of the financial feasibility of stadiums has also encouraged stadium owners
to examine uses that are unrelated to the primary sport function. there are good
examples around the world of retail centres, health clinics, fitness / wellness centres,
hotels, and conference and educational facilities which are linked directly to the
stadium development. these increase the site usage and increase the volume of
rentable space, which results in improved self-sustainability and feasibility of the
overall facility.


Pre-construction
decisions

Pre-construction decisions

the FiFa World Cup™ requires a stadium site and precinct that is capable of
accommodating many more uses and functions than would be required during
the normal playing season. these additional functions are hospitality villages,
media installations, broadcast compounds, volunteer centres, accreditation centres,
numerous parking areas, etc. in this regard, sites that are capable of expanding to the
required size would be in a better position to be chosen as a FiFa World Cup™ venue.

as a guide, a site area of between 18 and 24 hectares is ideal for the FiFa World
Cup™, depending on the stage of the tournament at which the stadium would
be used.

additional issues to be considered are:
– Comfortable routes are required to and from transport hubs and parking areas
– Spectator services in the precinct should include toilets and sanitary facilities,
merchandising and food and beverage
– Cognisance of surrounding buildings and land uses that would not affect the
function of the stadium during the tournament is required
– Knowledge of existing commercial rights within the precinct is required
– Cognisance of stringent security requirements during the event and measures in
place to prevent any breach of security

See also food and beverage environmental (6.1) considerations.


WoRld CUP ™
CoNSidERatioNS

Environmental issues during the FIFA World Cup™

– Host cities have to provide a detailed air-quality assessment for the five years
prior to the event. this must also be accompanied by information accounting
for any change in air quality and information regarding whether the air quality
is likely to change during the FiFa World Cup™.
– Host cities have to provide information pertaining to the quality of the water
that is available from the public distribution network.
– Host cities have to make information available regarding any environmentally
sensitive areas within the city and around the stadium precinct in particular.
– information regarding areas within the host cities that have cultural, historical or
religious significance is to be made available.

FiFa must also be provided with the following information regarding the host
nation’s environmental protection strategy and environmental management plan:
– Environmental objectives, goals and priorities
– Environmental impact assessments
– air and noise pollution minimisation scheme
– Solid waste and sewage management schemes at all FiFa World Cup™ venues
– Recycling schemes and other measures that are geared towards reducing the
amount of waste in the form of packaging from concessions during a match
– the use of environmentally friendly materials and construction techniques
during the construction of all competition-related venues
– Post-FiFa World Cup™ clean-up operations
– Environmental protection measures adopted by national government, host city
authorities and non-governmental organisations
– Programmes that are aimed at creating environmental awareness in the public
domain to be encouraged


Safety and security


the safety of all those using a football stadium must
take priority over all other considerations in the design
and management of the stadium, regardless of the level
of funding available. the FiFa Safety Regulations must be
adopted in order to ensure safe FiFa events.


2.1 Safe stadiums: the fundamental requirement 50
Safety and security 2.2 Specific safety requirements 50
2.3 Structural safety 52
2.4 Fire prevention 52
2.5 Stadium operations room 52
2.6 television surveillance system 53
2.7 Spectators’ medical centre 53

2.1 p Safe stadiums: the fundamental requirement
the degree of luxury and comfort which can be built into a stadium will depend
on the amount of money available but the fundamental requirement which must
be met, regardless of available funding levels, is that the stadium must be a safe
and secure facility for all those who use it, whether they are spectators, match
participants, officials, media personnel, staff or others.

Even before the basic planning begins, it should be clearly understood by the For other key planning
prospective owners and by those concerned in the planning, designing, construction decisions, see Chapter 1.
and management processes that human safety will be the first and foremost
priority. it will be a condition that may not, under any circumstances, be put aside or
circumvented in order to accommodate other requirements.

the location of a stadium contributes fundamentally to the safety and security of its
users. locations that can facilitate crowd control and reduce congestion will always
provide a better option than those that cannot. Easy and smooth access reduces
spectator stress and contributes to better human behaviour.

2.2 p Specific safety requirements
all parts of the stadium, including entrances, exits, stairways, doors, escape
routes, roofs and all public and private areas and rooms must comply with the
safety standards of the appropriate local authorities, and satisfy international best
practice recommendations where these are generally accepted as being the norm.
it is recognised that there are various codes and practices available in the world as
guidance for the design of safe stadiums. it is suggested that if any of them are to be
used, there should be an appropriate reference in the stadium records as to their use.

Safety and security certification processes must be established at the beginning of the
stadium development cycle, maintained throughout the project cycle and extended
through the life cycle of the stadium.

the stadium should be divided into at least four separate sectors, each with its own
access point, refreshment and toilet facilities and other essential services, such as
spectators’ medical centre, security stations and areas for stewards and marshals.

Public passageways and stairways in the spectator areas should be clearly marked,
as should all gates leading from the spectator areas into the playing area and all exit
doors and gates leading out of the stadium. all public passageways, corridors, stairs,
doors and gates must be kept free of any obstructions that could impede the free
flow of spectators.


2

Diagram 2a:
Stadium sectors
2

1 West stand
West stand
2 North stand
North stand
1 3 3 East stand
East stand
1 West stand
4 South stand
South stand
2 North stand
1 3 3 East stand
4 South stand

4

4

Exit doors and gates in the stadium and all gates leading from the spectator areas Exit gates should never
into the playing area must open outwards, away from the spectators. they must be locked with a key
remain unlocked while spectators are in the stadium. However, to prevent illegal when spectators are in
entry or intrusion on non-matchdays, they may be fitted with a locking device which the stadium.
can be operated simply and quickly by anyone inside.

Each of these doors and gates must be attended at all times by a specially appointed
steward, to guard against abuse and to ensure immediate escape routes in the
event of an emergency evacuation. Under no circumstances must they be locked
with a key during the time that spectators are in the stadium.

Unruly spectators are a phenomenon that has to be dealt with globally. Pitch
invasions and attempts to disrupt the match are a common occurrence at even the
smallest of events. However, stadium owners now have a number of preventative
measures that are available on the market or bespoke systems that could be used to
assist them in this regard. these systems are described in section 4.8. However, the
use of stewards, marshals and security personnel is vital to complement whichever
system is chosen.


2.1 Safe stadiums: the fundamental requirement 50
Safety and security 2.2 Specific safety requirements 50
2.3 Structural safety 52
2.4 Fire prevention 52
2.5 Stadium operations room 52
2.6 television surveillance system 53
2.7 Spectators’ medical centre 53

2.3 p Structural safety
Every aspect of the stadium’s structure must be approved and certified by the local
building and safety authorities. building and safety standards and requirements vary
from country to country but it is essential that, within the relevant framework, the
most stringent safety standards are applied.

2.4 p Fire prevention
the fire-fighting facilities available within the stadium and the fire precautions
must be approved and certified by the local fire authorities, as must the fire safety
standards of all parts of the stadium. it is important for the fire safety authorities
that a fire plan incorporates the stadium, in both event and non-event mode, as well
as all installations, both permanent and temporary.

2.5 p Stadium operations room
Each stadium must have an operations room which has an overall view of the Each stadium must have a
inside of the stadium and which must be equipped with public address facilities, stadium operations room
infotainment controls, video screen control and television surveillance monitor equipped with television
screens. the size, configuration and furnishing of the operations room should be surveillance monitor screens.
agreed upon in consultation with the local police.

the stadium commander should have the capability of overriding and cutting into
the public address system whenever necessary. the system governing the arrest,
detention and indictment of offenders may differ from country to country, or even
from city to city, so stadium designers should consult the local police and civic
authorities to determine whether it is necessary to include facilities such as a police
muster room, a charge room and detention cells for male and female prisoners
within the stadium itself. a second control room and emergency command centre
is desirable. it should have a location which is convenient for arriving emergency
personnel and their vehicles.


2.6 p television surveillance system
a modern stadium should be equipped inside and outside with public surveillance
colour television cameras, mounted in fixed positions with pan and tilt facilities.
the cameras should monitor all of the stadium’s approaches and all of the public
areas inside and outside the stadium. these are to include all transport hubs, railway
stations, parking areas and motorways.

the television surveillance system should have its own independent power supply
and private circuit. it should be operated and controlled from the stadium operations
room where the monitor screens should be situated. it should be capable of taking
still photographs both inside and outside the stadium.

2.7 p Spectators’ medical centre
Every stadium should be equipped with a spectators’ medical centre to care for Spectators’ medical centres
spectators. ideally, there should be a minimum of 1 spectators’ medical centre should be easily accessible
per sector, but the number, size and location of these rooms should be agreed in for spectators and
consultation with the local health authorities. there should be space for the secure emergency vehicles.
deposit of defibrillators in easily accessible locations, evenly distributed around the
stadium. Scenarios for dealing with a mass catastrophe are a joint venture of the
local authorities and the stadium management.

Spectators’ medical centres should:
– be located in a position which allows easy access from both inside and outside the
stadium for spectators and emergency vehicles;
– have doors and passageways leading to them which are wide enough to allow
access for a stretcher or a wheelchair;
– have bright lighting, good ventilation, heating, air conditioning, electric sockets,
hot and cold water, drinking water and toilet facilities for both sexes;
– have walls and floors (non-slip) constructed of smooth and easily cleanable
material;
– have a glass cabinet for medicines;
– have storage space for stretchers, blankets, pillows and first aid materials;
– have a telephone allowing internal and external communication;
– be clearly signposted inside and outside the stadium.


orientation
and parking


Stadiums must be designed to allow for the smooth and
efficient arrival, circulation and departure of thousands of
people and vehicles in a short space of time.


3.1 Signposting and directions on tickets 56
orientation and 3.2 Public access and egress 56
parking 3.3 Parking for spectators 58
3.4 Hospitality parking 59
3.5 Parking for teams, match officials and stadium staff 59
3.6 access and parking for the media 60
3.7 the emergency services and disabled spectators 60
3.8 Helipad 60

3.1 p Signposting and directions on tickets
all direction signs inside and outside the stadium should be presented in universally
understandable signage. Many users of the stadium may not understand the local
language.

Clear, comprehensive signposting should be provided at the stadium approaches,
around the stadium and throughout the stadium in order to show the routes to
the different sectors. Prominent, clearly visible signage that guides spectators to
ablutions, concessions, retail outlets, exits and other customer services should be
provided.

the design of signage should be integrated to include all areas of the stadium,
including temporary facilities. Special care should be taken by the designer when
considering the reading of signage during the day and night.

tickets should clearly identify the location of the seats for which they have been For more on seat
issued. information on the tickets should correlate with the information provided on identification,
signposts, both outside and inside the stadium. Colour-coding of tickets will assist see Chapter 6.
the entry process. Retained ticket stubs should contain information which will guide
spectators once they are inside. large-scale wall maps should be provided for the
guidance of spectators.

For the benefit of new and visiting spectators, each sector of the stadium should have
a customer service and information desk situated in the external circulation area.

3.2 p Public access and egress
a modern stadium should be surrounded by an outer perimeter fence situated some
distance from the stadium. at this outer fence the first security checks and, where
necessary, body searches will be made. the second checks will be made at the
stadium turnstiles. there should be sufficient space between the outer perimeter
fence and the stadium turnstiles to permit the free movement of spectators. the
space dimensions are determined by the local authority.

it must be borne in mind that while the entry process may be spread over an hour it may take more than an
or more, everyone will want to leave more or less at the same time. the circulation hour for all the spectators
space available immediately outside the exit gates must be sufficient to guarantee to enter the stadium but
that spectators are not at risk of being crushed in the event of a stampede and are everyone wants to leave at
the same time.
able to leave the event in comfort.


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