This is topic Building A Stadium Cinema From Scratch in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.
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Posted by Manny Knowles (Member # 1171) on 04-04-2002, 10:38 AM:
Not counting IMAX, I've only seen a movie in one stadium theatre. It was a "retrofitted" auditorium. The impression was that the seats had been mounted on scaffolding. It was pretty stable; I'm not complaining about the structure I experienced.I'm wondering what the maintenance is like on those platforms? Is it like roller-coasters where you have to continually check for loose/missing screws or bolts? Has one of these ever collapsed?
If one were building a new theatre from the ground up, wouldn't it be better to build the tiers into the foundation? Would there be benefits to building a standard auditorium and then "retrofitting" it for stadium-style seating?
My intuition says to build it into the foundation, and I have two reasons for this:
1) Guests would not need to traverse to the front of the auditorium before climbing up to their desired tier.
2) Definitely seems sturdier and maintenance-free.
Am I wrong for trying to discourage the "retrofit" platform approach for a new structure?
------------------
And, hey! Let's be careful out there.
~Manny.
Posted by Darryl Spicer (Member # 711) on 04-04-2002, 10:56 AM:
no your not wrong. though if you are going to build a theater with the idea of making it stadium. Then go ahead and make it stadium seating. Why wait.
Posted by John Schulien (Member # 215) on 04-04-2002, 11:20 AM:
I would build a flat foundation, then construct the seating over that. Two reasons. First, you gain all of the space under the seating for storage, concessions, or equipment. Second, if your theatre were to sadly go out of business, you'll get a lot more for the building if it can be gutted into flat, commercial space. If the seating tiers are built into the foundation, the building will be useless for any other purpose.
Posted by Richard Fowler (Member # 893) on 04-04-2002, 11:55 AM:
Most of the stadium projects we have done have had the seating areas constructed out of steel and covered with concrete....which with new construction,the support pillars, roof trusses are usually ordered from a structual steel contractor, so this part of the project is not a stretch for them to supply. The usable space underneath allows for party rooms, storage, offices and in some instances projection rooms where the projection equipment is sent up a shaft to the auditorium while the platter and other equipment is located below.
Richard Fowler
TVP-Theatre & Video Products Inc. www.tvpmiami.com
Posted by Jeff Taylor (Member # 443) on 04-04-2002, 03:09 PM:
I built a 16-plex stadium two years ago. I had never worked with the steel and concrete structural system for stadium seating before, but it went in very quickly and has performed beautifully. It's absolutely stable and nobody would have the slightest idea they were not on poured concrete. We did an entire 66,000 sf building in 80 days from ground breaking to grand opening--the stadium system certainly contributed to that speed.
Posted by Manny Knowles (Member # 1171) on 04-04-2002, 03:45 PM:
This is relieving to read because I think it is a foregone conclusion to go with after-the-fact stadium risers. Most likely, it is to ensure that there is resale potential if the venture goes south. I'm feeling reassured by your comments on steel-and-concrete.
Further questions: Are there better alternatives to a steel-and-concrete construction? Worse?
------------------
And, hey! Let's be careful out there.
~Manny.
Posted by Dave Williams (Member # 299) on 04-04-2002, 07:55 PM:
how much does a setup like that cost? Anyone have any idea?Who makes this stuff and how do you contact them? Does anyone have schematics to follow and just build yourself? What about wood vs. steel?
Questions questions...
Dave
Posted by John Walsh (Member # 168) on 04-04-2002, 08:11 PM:
Depending on your local codes, don't forget to put sprinklers under the stadium seating. We forgot at one place, and now we can't use the area for *anything.*
Posted by Bobby Henderson (Member # 840) on 04-04-2002, 08:14 PM:
Another critical reason not to dig the stadium incline into the foundation (and likely into the ground) is potential water seepage/flooding problems. Your carpet would be more likely to mildew as well. Basically you're inviting all the problems anyone with a basement has on a large scale.
Posted by Manny Knowles (Member # 1171) on 04-04-2002, 08:21 PM:
Party rooms? You mean people are having parties in the space below the theatre...while a movie is in progress?------------------
And, hey! Let's be careful out there.
~Manny.
Posted by David Stambaugh (Member # 1102) on 04-04-2002, 08:33 PM:
Cinemark here has a kids party room underneath a theater (kind of a cave but kids won't notice or care). Manager said it is heavily used. I think the only stipulation is everyone coming to the "party" has to buy a ticket to a movie. There are also offices (including a nice private one for the GM), seat storage & repair room, paint and other spare facilities stuff storage room, concession stockroom, and more underneath the theaters.
Posted by Sean McKinnon (Member # 612) on 04-05-2002, 02:51 AM:
At my all stadium 20 we have Storage Rooms, Employee Locker rooms, Employee break room, Capentry shop, And the Supervisor Room/Training Room, and 2 auxiliary concession stands all underneath stadiums.------------------
--Sean McKinnon
Manager
Loews Cineplex Entertainment
Liberty Tree Mall 20
Danvers, Mass
www.enjoytheshow.com