GL events UK joined forces with Ultimate Strongman Productions, installing spectator grandstands to create an imposing temporary arena for the UK’s Strongest Man Finals 2019.
The three-day festival of strength returned for a second iteration at the Abbey View Athletics Track in St Albans, where organisers were keen to build upon the success of their sell-out 2018 event; installing upgraded infrastructure to accommodate the event’s growth while meeting increasing visitor demand for a premium experience.
Weather-proofed spectator infrastructure, increased capacity, and superior VIP facilities were high on organisers’ wish-list. Diligent planning and strictly compliant operations on-site were also essential to enhance organisers’ relationship with the local authority, preserving the venue’s newly resurfaced athletics track. GL events’ proposal ticked all the boxes, and a new partnership was agreed.
GL events’ solution consisted of two large grandstands, erected on either side of the competition field, resulting in a temporary arena that both shaped and perfectly complimented the contest. The larger, family stand measured 45 x 15m and seated more than 1,500 spectators. A competitor’s tunnel was built into this grandstand, allowing strongmen to enter the arena from within the grandstand, bringing them even closer to spectators. An increasing rake angle enhanced the intimacy of an event intended to bring fans face-to-face with some of the world’s strongest men.
The VIP grandstand accommodated 1,000 visitors across 13 rows, including three rows of specialist, outdoor cushioned seats VIP guests closest to the action. This premium stand featured GL events’ Peregrine roof, an integrated, curved roof structure that was debuted at the Glasgow 2018 European Championships and certainly proved its worth in variable weather conditions. As with all GL events solutions, safety and quality were of the highest standards. The seating decks included noise-reducing, anti-slip surfaces, while visitors felt the benefits of GL events’ comfortable and spacious individual seats – the widest and deepest available on the market.
