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Arena Seating Launch Revolutionary System

rena Seating recently unveiled its highly anticipated parabolic seating system. The revolutionary demountable system clearview® is the result of three years of research and development by the UK based company’s team of designers. 

It is the world’s first demountable parabolic seating system. The design allows it to be configured to provide optimum sightlines for any given event and then be reconfigured for another type of event, or venue, while minimising the height of the rear row. 

In technical terms, the system represents the first time C-values – the universal measurement for sightlines – can be tailored specifically to suit individual events. clearview® exploits an innovative system of variable geometry to create the parabolic profile essential to guarantee a great view of the action. Even 68 rows back on a stand, optimum C-values can be achieved. The new product has already been awarded international patents for its numerous design advances.

Arena Director John Poyner told PanStadia: “As with many great ideas, at the core of clearview® is some relatively simple but highly effective and ingenious engineering. This is a temporary seating solution that delivers comparable comfort and viewing quality to permanent stadia seating.”

The launch event, which was held at Arena’s head office, showcased a clearview® grandstand to clients ranging from representatives of LOCOG 2012 to international architects and sporting organisers.

Designed from the outset to be environmentally-friendly, using recyclable materials where possible, clearview® is also remarkably compact when stored or being transported, thus reducing fuel costs and the carbon footprint. Its ability to be used in so many variable applications also optimises its legacy use. Features include a high performance, maximum comfort seat, interchangeable with media boxes, disabled and hospitality facilities.

Poyner added: “We have created the Holy Grail of demountable seating, the world’s first demountable parabolic seating system that can be configured to provide optimum sightlines for any type of event.”

In our Spring’08 issue of PanStadia, Katie McIntyre will report on clearview®’s inaugural installation at the RDS in Dublin, Ireland.

For more details visit: www.arenaseating.com/ clearview or call +44 (0) 1488 674800

International Sports & Facilities Expo 2007 

he International Sports Facilities Expo China (ISFE) ended successfully on 7 December 2007 in Beijing, after drawing high quality delegates and visitors from the sports facilities industry. Supported by FSB, the two day Trade Fair and Forum attracted 85 exhibitors from ten countries and 3,272 visitors from fifteen countries – showing an increase of 10% compared to 2006 in terms of the participation rate.

“This is the first time we have joined forces with Koelnmesse to organise ISFE China. We are pleased that the event has provided an excellent opportunity for sports facilities industry players to meet and interact,” said Mr Liye Peng, Vice President, China National Sports Group (CNSG).

“We are proud to see the improvements in terms of the organisation of the event, boosting its quality in almost every aspect. Our plan is to continue to develop the event together with CNSG and our partners so as to provide more business opportunities to industry players,” added Mr Michael Dreyer, Vice President Asia Pacific, Koelnmesse.

Mr Mike Kelly, International Association of Assembly Managers’ (IAAM) Ambassador for Asia further expressed his satisfaction: “The encouraging attendance at ISFE demonstrates that there is a strong interest within China and the region for accelerated professional development. The IAAM provides a structured approach to certified professional development. ISFE has proven to be a forum for personal development and I highly recommend it to staff in venue and facilities management who may not get the chance for international exposure.”

Alongside the trade fair, the Sports Facilities Management Forum was held to present and discuss key issues and industry trends in China and abroad. This Forum gathered a total of 440 delegates. Leading speakers who presented at the Forum included high-ranking representatives from the Finance Department of State General Administration of Sport of P.R. China; the 2010 16th Asian Games Organising Committee; the International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities (IAKS); the IAAM; the China Sport Venue Association (CSVA); the Sports Facilities Construction and Standards Authority of State General Administration of Sport of P.R. of China; and the Asia-Pacific Venue Management Association (VMA).

The Forum addressed a wide range of topics, including an overview on venue construction and management in China; the outlook of the 16th Asian Games (2010) stadium construction schemes; the concept and design of modern and multifunctional soccer stadium; new trends in the management of sports venues in China; and how to bid for sports facilities. 

Industry players and speakers who attended ISFE rated the event ‘high’ in terms of its role to facilitate the discussion and development of sports facilities. 

“ISFE is an informative forum which helped to highlight the importance of a business approach to the development and management of sports facilities,” said Simon Shepherdson, Managing Director, International Leisure Consultants Ltd. 
“The ISFE event provides a focused environment to meet and address the sports market in China, as well as wider markets. We have attended the event for the last three years and we see the opportunity to develop and grow our market presence through the forum,” added Ian English, CEO Asia, Tickets.com.

The Exhibitors were able to network with senior decision makers from the government and commercial sectors. There were also opportunities to interact with potential buyers. 

In order to offer visitors first-hand insights into the current status of sports facilities construction, a rare site visit was organised on the second day of ISFE, nine months prior to the Olympics. Participants toured the National Hockey Stadium, the Archery Stadium, as well as the Olympic Stadium and Aquatics Centre (Watercube). 

ISFE China will return this year with a range of exciting highlights, as follows:

• ISFE congress featuring renowned international industry experts
• Educational technical seminars that facilitate knowledge exchange and deepen the understanding of international standards in China
• Hosted meetings connecting delegates from industry associations, top decision makers, political leaders and experts from the sports facilities industry
• CSVA Industry Award that recognises outstanding design and technology

China has emerged as one of the most promising markets worldwide for the construction and management of sports facilities. As the biannual FSB event – the international trade fair for amenity areas, sports and pools facilities, which is held in Cologne, Germany – will not be held this year, ISFE China is expected to be the leading platform in 2008 for industry participation to further fuel growth in the sports facilities, pools and wellness market.

In the Spring’08 issue of PanStadia there will be further information on the event and a number of its key exhibitors. PanStadia is proud to be an Official Media Partner.

“Brands In Football 2008”

The first ever directory of European football sponsorship detailing all you need to know about who’s sponsoring who and what in major league European football is now available.

Published by Europe’s leading independent football fan research expert, the Football Fans Census, the book is a central point of reference in the growing football sponsorship market worth more than 1.9 billion Euros. “Brands In Football 2008” European Edition, dubbed the ‘Bible of European football sponsorship’, brings together the details of all the main commercial contracts at over 130 European clubs including stadium, drinks, banking, online, travel, gaming, betting, media and kit sponsorship deals as well as lists of the main European Agents and football Charities. 

The book covers more than 1,300 brands associated with 130 clubs from twelve National Associations including: The Bundesliga; La Liga; Ligue 1; The Premier League; The Scottish Premier League; Serie A; plus other leading European Clubs. 

Julián Fernández, Sponsorship Director at FC Barcelona said: “Brands In Football 2008 gives a real insight into who is sponsoring who in the biggest leagues across the continent. It is great that a book now exists that provides key information about the main sponsors by European country.

“What is particularly useful is seeing in one publication the wide array of brands involved not just in Spain, but also in France, Germany, Italy, England & Scotland. At FC Barcelona, sponsors have always been central to the clubs continued success and that of the game in general.”

Greville Waterman, Head of Business Development at 141 Sports Entertainment, added: “At last pretty much all the information you need about the nitty gritty of the European football sponsorship market has been gathered together between the covers of one book. No longer will industry professionals need to duck and dive and delve through the internet to glean information. This book will be of immense value to rights holders, agencies, sponsors and the media alike.”

Tim Gentles, spokesperson from the Football Fans Census, commented: “The 2008 European Edition is a response to the success of the Brands In Football 2007, which focused on UK sponsorship. A lot of brands and clubs wanted to know about the sponsor deals in the different European markets – and now they can.” 

SPECIAL OFFER FOR PANSTADIA READERS:
PanStadia has agreed a special 10% discount off the standard retail price £195 GBP, which may be claimed by quoting reference ‘PanStadia’ when you order. 
For further information, please contact Nigel Jones at: Nigel@footballfanscensus.com 
tel: +44 (0) 1233 712 899 
or visit: www.brandsinfootball.com