Author: Don Muret

Designers Discuss Post-Coronavirus Changes

Dunkin’ Donuts Park in Hartford, Conn., is fitted with touchless systems that can help prevent the spread of viruses. (Courtesy Pendulum Studio) Alternatives to stainless steel surfaces, adjustments to buffets may lie ahead, they say In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, architects are having internal discussions about how things will change in the design of sports and entertainment facilities to provide greater protection for spectators and venue workers. Expanding touchless technology in suites and clubs, restrooms and office spaces; using materials other than stainless steel to build hard surfaces that are more resistant to germs; and embracing security-related systems such as thermal screening are a few examples that designers are talking about as additional layers of protection. Operationally, expect to see changes in food preparation and presentation and cleaning procedures, they added.  It’s all in the concept stage at this point, but the virus has people talking about what’s… Continue Reading Designers Discuss Post-Coronavirus Changes

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Sources: HOK-Dialog Team Wins in Calgary

The Scotiabank Saddledome, which opened in 1983, is the second-oldest NHL arena. (Getty Images) Firms to design arena for NHL’s Flames, Calgary Stampede The two architecture firms that designed Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, have been selected to develop a new arena for the NHL’s Calgary Flames. The team of HOK and Dialog, a local company, won the job, said multiple sources familiar with the decision. The Calgary Municipal Land Corp. is project development manager for the arena, which at this point is called the Calgary Event Centre. Asked about a design choice, Clare LePan, vice president of marketing and communications for the organization, wrote in an email, “We have no comment or update at this time.” HOK could not confirm the selection, company spokesperson Annie Merrill said. Dialog officials in Toronto did not return a phone call for comment. HOK and Dialog collaborated on the design of Rogers Place,… Continue Reading Sources: HOK-Dialog Team Wins in Calgary

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Venues Industry Fights an Unseen Enemy

The concert scheduled to open the Texas Rangers’ Globe Life Field was postponed, along with most other sports and music events. (Don Muret / Staff) Execs speak on how COVID-19 rolled across the business landscape Sports and entertainment venues will mark March 12, 2020, as an inflection point. On that Thursday, with fear escalating over the spread of the COVID-19 virus, multiple sports leagues canceled or postponed their seasons. The day before, many NCAA conferences had put a halt to their men’s basketball tournaments, some in awkward fashion. The Big East Conference, for example, waited until halftime of the St. John’s-Creighton game to cancel the event at Madison Square Garden. (The NCAA later canceled all of March Madness, as well as most spring sports seasons.) Then the NBA suspended its season. Over the course of Thursday, the number of postponements and cancellations came crashing down in dizzying fashion.  For live… Continue Reading Venues Industry Fights an Unseen Enemy

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Greensboro a Microcosm of Virus’ Havoc

OPENING DELAYED: The Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts had been scheduled to open this week. (Courtesy Greensboro Coliseum Complex) N.C. city deals with effects on multiple venues, including new PAC The COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S. has brought the live sports and entertainment industry to a standstill over the next several weeks, and Greensboro, a city of 295,000 in central North Carolina, provides a vivid snapshot of the crushing impact on all public facilities. The city runs about 10 venues, many of them part of the Greensboro Coliseum Complex. A new performing arts center was scheduled to open downtown this week.  “We’re used to controlling the schedule, the whole aspect of events,” said Matt Brown, managing director of the coliseum complex. “You open the doors at a certain time, you tell people where to go sit. The nature of our job is direction and defining.” “Now, we’re sitting here… Continue Reading Greensboro a Microcosm of Virus’ Havoc

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Rangers Have Sold 80% of Premium Seats

FOUNDERS KEEPERS: The Texas Rangers have sold nine of 10 Founders Suites at Globe Life Field. (Don Muret / Staff) Diversity of products at Globe Life Field widest in MLB, team says As of March 13, the Texas Rangers’ first regular-season game at Globe Life Field remained in flux due to the coronavirus outbreak, but team officials are in a good place. They’ve sold 80% of total premium seat inventory, said Joe Januszewski, the Rangers’ executive vice president and chief revenue and marketing officer. The new $1.2 billion retractable-roof stadium has 71 long-term suites, plus 2,200 club seats distributed among five lounges. The diversity of premium product is unmatched in Major League Baseball, Januszewski said, and a far cry from the offerings at Globe Life Park, the Rangers’ old open-air facility across the street. “We’re going from one club at the old park to five clubs in the new building,… Continue Reading Rangers Have Sold 80% of Premium Seats

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