Ryder Cup 2018
The Ryder Cup is the world’s most prestigious golfing event, bringing together some of the best players in the world to compete in two teams; Europe vs the United States. It is contested every two years with the venue alternating between courses in Europe and the United States.
GL events UK has supplied structures and seating for the past three European events. 2018 saw the debut of two triple-deck hospitality structures, the Louvre and 1927 Pavilions, which were some of the first ever three-storey temporary structures in France.
The challenge
The globally recognised tournament requires first-class hospitality and seating in order to create a unique and unforgettable spectator experience. It’s a continuous challenge for the client, European Tour, to be innovative, creative and to bring fresh solutions to the infrastructure required for the event.
GL events UK has provided a wide range of high-quality, temporary structures and grandstands to accommodate spectators. Turnkey infrastructures were installed for the operational and administrative teams, as well as several visitor areas, including multi-storey hospitality pavilions, retail stores and dining areas throughout the West Village.
Scope of works
11,000 grandstand seats and 27,551 sqm of structures:
- 11,200 sqm of hospitality multi-deck structures
- 15,316 sqm of West Village structures
- 600 sqm of grandstand structures
- 135 sqm structure at the Trianon Palace Versailles
- 300 sqm Ryder Cup operations office
- 850 glass windows and 170 glazed doors
- 20 x 3m automatic sliding doors
- 2 x triple-decker passenger lifts
- 17,625 sqm stock ceiling linings
Infrastructure highlights
1st tee grandstand
The awe-inspiring 6,900 seat reverse-wrap grandstand above the 1st tee and 18th green was the largest ever grandstand in the history of the Ryder Cup. Only aerial footage was able to fully capture the sheer scale and magnificence of this temporary grandstand.
The standing platform and VIP sky boxes above the 1st tee allowed some lucky spectators to get amazing views over the green, adding to the excitement and emotion of the event.
Integrated into the top of the grandstand were several commentary booths that were used by the broadcast media.
Louvre and 1927 pavilions
These two premium hospitality pavilions are some of the first triple-deck structures to be used in France. The 4,900 sqm 1927 pavilion by the 3rd hole and the 5,300 sqm Louvre pavilion by the 16th hole were used for hospitality and benefited from excellent views across the field of play.
Garonne pavilion
The 1,125 sqm premium shared restaurant overlooked the 17th approach and green, close to the West Village. The space had room for 500 clients who could also visit the internal bar and enjoy the views of the tournament from the 180sqm AstroTurfed viewing balcony and handrail. Also installed was the kitchen, toilets and staff areas.
West Village
Several structures were supplied in the West Village for retail, catering and hospitality.
The 42nd Ryder Cup took place at Le Golf National, Paris, in September 2018.
