aluminum bleachers Elevated aluminum bleachers provide better "sightlines" for spectators to see the field of play

One of the most important factors to consider when ordering aluminum bleachers is a term referred to as "sightlines."

The word is bleacher industry jargon that refers to a spectator's ability to view the action on the playing field without obstructions. Those sightlines might be the ability to see over the person seated in front of them or spectators walking back and forth in front of the bleachers.Sightlines diagram

As you know, not everybody sits still during a sporting event, especially a school sporting event. Restless teenagers walk up and down the aisles, stroll back and forth in front of the bleachers, hang out in back of the stands and then repeat those steps during every time out and halftime.

There is actually an algorithm for sightlines in aluminum bleachers. The vertical distance from someone's eyes seated in the stands is called the C-Value. Factors that go into the formula include D- the horizontal distance from the eye to the point of focus, N- the riser height of the aluminum bleachers themselves, R - the vertical height to the point of focus and T - the seating row depth. Obviously, the lowest rows are most impacted by C-Value because of the flat angle while the higher rows have lower C-Value as spectators there have a better view of the field.

Here's the bottom line. The more you can enhance the sightlines, the better experience your fans will have.

There are a few ways to do this.

- Create a steeper pitch for the seating rows

- Lower the front row elevation

- Increase the distance of the focal point on the field to the seats

- Install elevated bleachers

One of the most popular and easy solutions is to opt for elevated bleachers.

aluminum bleachers These 10-row elevated aluminum bleachers are equipped with walkways, stairs, handicapped ramp, railings and a perimeter chain-link fence

Aluminum bleachers with elevated frames create the best sightlines

This type of aluminum bleacher is raised off the ground, a minimum of 30 inches, to provide much better sightlines. (By contrast, with non-elevated aluminum bleachers, the front row seats are only 17 inches high and the spectators rest their feet on the ground).

Elevated bleachers will require stairs, front walkway platforms with guardrails, riser planks and double-foot planking. For ADA requirements, a ramp for wheelchairs will be required.

You will also need handrails and fencing around the outside perimeter of the structure.

While these items cost more, the end result will be a much more rewarding experience for spectators. And after all, there are two parts to every sporting event - the players and the fans.

You don't want to create a situation where fans can't cheer for what they can't see. That can create a negative experience and very unsupportive fan base for the players.

Cover the cost with sponsors

One of the great advantages of elevated bleachers is that the structure creates many more opportunities for sponsorships and advertisements to offset the added cost of the aluminum bleachers.

With the elevated seats, banners can be placed across the front of the bleachers. You can also place banners on the sides and in the back.

Another added advantage of elevated bleachers, especially in the back of the bleachers, is that any banners will be exposed to a much wider viewing angle and audience because they are raised significantly in height off the ground.

In fact, those banners can be seen all day every day, even when a game is not being played. Sponsors will appreciate that exposure.

Team members at the Park and Facilities Catalog are experts in aluminum bleachers. We can assist you with bleacher planning and even create custom bleachers that meet the specific needs of your location and facility.

For assistance on sports bleachers for sale, call 1-800-695-3503 or email us at [email protected]. Visit here to read our Guide to Aluminum Bleachers.