The basic concept of “stadium seating” dates back thousands of years ago. In a nutshell, it is a type of seating arrangement that is found in performing-arts or entertainment and sports venues. Seats are built and constructed, typically in rows with each row higher than the one in front of it, making it ideal for viewing the spectacle (aka – performance, game or event) with less obstruction and some more leg room. While the concept of a stadium seating arrangement remains the same throughout time, the way architects and construction workers have gone about stadium seating conversions has evolved. Here’s a look into how stadium seating has been built from past to present.

Stadium Seating Conversion in the Past

One of the oldest known examples of stadium seating dates back to 80 AD with the Colosseum at Piazza del Colosseo in Rome. The historic oval amphitheater was the largest one ever built in its time. It was designed with a tiered-step arrangement that held an estimated 80,000 spectators as they would watch gladiatorial contests, dramatic performances based on classical mythology and re-enactments of famous battles. Later, it would be used for housing and religious quarters. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world, where nearly 10 million people come to see the iconic construction every year. Throughout its time, the Colosseum has never failed to provide visitors with prime views and convenient ways to enter and exit. At the time the Colosseum was constructed, concrete was used to build the stadiums arches and seating. While concrete was innovative at the time, today a mix of concrete, steel and EPS foam are used to build the foundations of these large spectacles.

The Modern Way

Modern-day stadium seating really gained momentum in the mid-90s in what is often referred to as the “AMC Era”—which kicked off in 1995 with Dallas’ AMC Grand 24 Theatre. The cinema’s construction was one of the most revolutionary of its time, featuring 24 movie screens and stadium seating to match. Prior to the AMC Era, sloped floor style theaters were the lay of the land, but with this introduction into the cinema theater scene, the way people watched movies was forever changed. The viewer experience was amplified thanks to the innovative integration of stadium seating into movie theaters.

While stadium seating really blew up in popular modern multiplexes like AMC Theatres, early debuts of this type of seating began in the first IMAX Theatres, cinemas with very tall screens for a magnified viewing experience, in the 1970s. Furthermore, some theaters like the 1922 Princess Theatre in Honolulu also featured this style of seating that had sharply raked rows of seats from the front of the screen towards the ceiling.

Stadium Seating Conversions Today

While stadium seating has been around for a long time, the way in which it has been built has become more and more innovative and efficient. From the days of the Colosseum when heavy concrete was the main element to creating the special, unique riser-like rows of seats, today, a combination of fill material such as EPS foam, concrete and steel build, is used to implement a solid stadium seating foundation.

Stadium seating using a PREFOAM Stadium Seating Riser System is growing higher in demand, as architects and project managers of these entertainment centers look for more efficient, cost-effective ways of building seats in their establishments. PREFOAM EPS Geofoam blocks are shaped to fit the desired dimensions of a seating design, and then laid and stacked to create the seating arrangement. This special type of foam is very lightweight, easing labor, but at the same time, have a high-density and ideal compression rate, which creates a strong, long-lasting seat structure. Metal risers hold the foam blocks in place, and concrete is laid on top. The stadium seating riser system helps to cut time and labor costs in half because of the flexibility and convenience it brings to the construction team installing it. This type of system is a new go-to for building cinema theaters, both traditional along with newer, luxury cinemas with stadium seating luxury recliner configurations, and modern-day multi-entertainment and sports arenas.

To find out more on how the PREFOAM EPS Stadium Seating Riser System can be used for your next project, check out details on how Stadium Seating Enterprises installs this unique, innovative seating foundation.

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After years of planning, Alamo Drafthouse is FINALLY coming to NEWLY developed Downtown L.A. @ THE BLOC.

Stadium Seating Enterprises has built numerous theaters for ADHC and this location will boast amenities like high-end refreshments, alcohol service, and luxury recliner seating. Not a bad way to see the latest James Cameron film, or kick back with the kiddos for the newest animated feature from Pixar.

Alamo Drafthouse To Open New Downtown Los Angeles Theater in July

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SSE is very excited to announce our participation on a local project for a great client. Cinepolis Theaters USA is currently under construction in La Costa, CA for a NEW theater project. The project is moving right along and to add to the excitement, not only is SSE going to be providing our PREFoam Stadium Riser system at this location, but also @foxblocks will be responsible for the wall structure using ICF (insulated concrete forms) instead of Tilt Up or other methods of construction. This means the construction should be fast and efficient, and cost effective.

Cinepolis Theaters currently has several locations in southern California and specifically San Diego. These include locations in Del Mar, Carlsbad, Laguna Niguel, Santa Margarita, and multiple other cities throughout the state. The new location in La Costa will be one more location that they will be able to add to their list. It will include their traditional luxury amenities including power leather recliner seating, upscale food and beverages, and in auditorium call service directly to your chair!

Stadium Seating Enterprises has had the opportunity to provide our PREFoam stadium riser system to Cinepolis theaters USA for many years and in many states throughout the nation. As a proud partner of Cinepolis USA for these locations, we are looking forward to having another successful cinema down the street!

See how Foxblocks are being incorporated into this project here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThjfrqdGeDA

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As quoted in a recent variety article:

James Cameron’s long-awaited and oft-delayed follow-up to “Avatar” has been pushed back another year. “Avatar 2” will hit theaters on Dec. 17, 2021 instead of Dec. 18, 2020 as originally planned. Its move means that “Avatar 3” will open on Dec. 22, 2023 as opposed to Dec. 17, 2021 while “Avatar 4” will bow on Dec. 19, 2025 instead of Dec. 20, 2024 and “Avatar 5” will launch Dec. 17, 2027.

The news comes as part of a larger shift in release dates unveiled by Walt Disney Studios. The company is moving around the debuts of various movies it inherited after buying the bulk of 21st Century Fox’s film and television assets in a $71.3 billion mega-merger.

As part of the great release date shake-up, Disney announced there will be a trio of untitled “Star Wars” entries. These will hit theaters after “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” brings the Skywalker spinoff saga to a close this December. The first of the new three films will hit the big screen on Dec. 16, 2022. There will be two other follow-ups that will premiere in the Christmas corridor on Dec. 20, 2024 and Dec. 18, 2026. The news means that Disney is poised to dominate the busy holiday movie-going season for the foreseeable future, as it alternates between “Avatar” and “Star Wars” films. Moviegoers will be treated to new Na’vi and Jedi adventures each year between 2021 and 2027.

So there you have it. Avatar vs Star Wars. There is no loser here, because no matter what, the modern moviegoer is going to have great films to view in start of the art facilities for many years to come!

Read the article here. https://variety.com/2019/film/news/disney-avatar-star-wars-marvel-1203207661/

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Our experienced operations team understands that every project is like a fingerprint — no two are ever the same. They also understand that it takes constant communication, intelligent planning, and creative solutions to complete a project as quickly and accurately as possible. Just in time deliveries are coordinated to make sure the all materials arrive complete and correct. We know that not every project always goes as planned, so our team’s flexibility and adaptability have accounted for hundreds of successful installations worldwide.

No matter what a project calls for, there is no other team that can provide service at the highest-level like we can.

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Ross Perot, Jr., the majority owner of the Dallas Mavericks and developer of Victory Park, can be proud of turning a former rail yard and power plant into one of the most exciting entertainment districts built.  This $3 billion dollar project includes 4,000,000 square feet of office and retail space, as well as a luxury movie theater that SSE was involved with — Cinepolis Victory Park.

From start to finish, SSE worked alongside the construction teams in the design and supply of geofoam in all eight auditoriums.  Cinepolis is one of SSE’s largest clients, but no matter the size of the project, SSE will work towards the most cost-effective and easiest solution for your construction team.

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Geofoam International LLC., has grown exponentially over the past several years. While the construction market grows, as does the team and focus of Geofoam International.

Our team will work side-by-side with yours on delivery, scheduling, and design. We do NOT just deliver materials and leave; we ensure your project is completed successfully, from start to finish.

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We’ve recently partnered with Foam Cutters, LLC as our new preferred vendor for hot wire foam cutters. These tools are an essential part of delivering an easy installation experience. Hot wire cutters, along with our shop drawings and prefabricated system enable contractors to save time and money on any project, as they enable installers to easily navigate differing site conditions.

We’re excited to have Foam Cutters, LLC as a reliable resource and as part of an overall system that puts SSE and Geofoam International strides ahead of our competitors.

www.foamcuttersllc.com

BUILD WITH US

Many theater owners across the U.S. want to construct new or retrofitted auditoriums, with over 15 years of experience, we can help you get started. Along with experience in stadium seating risers, we also have an expansive network of Architects and General Contractors that can assist you in your next project.

9325 Sky Park Ct., Ste. 250
San Diego, CA  92123
E: taylormoson@stadiumseating.com
T: 844-PRE-FOAM
F: 949-363-0837

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This time-lapse video, put together by Holman, Inc., shows the ease of installing our system. Large auditoriums like these are put together using our PREFoam System in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional framing.

Clients choose to continue to work with us because the SSE PREFoam System has proven to be the best method of construction for tiered platforms. Whether your project is for a cinema, worship facility, or an educational institution, contact SSE today to find out how we can best help you successfully complete your next project.

BUILD WITH US

Many theater owners across the U.S. want to construct new or retrofitted auditoriums, with over 15 years of experience, we can help you get started. Along with experience in stadium seating risers, we also have an expansive network of Architects and General Contractors that can assist you in your next project.

9325 Sky Park Ct., Ste. 250
San Diego, CA  92123
E: taylormoson@stadiumseating.com
T: 844-PRE-FOAM
F: 949-363-0837

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One thing that sets SSE and Geofoam International apart from the competition is the comprehensive level of service our team provides. Alex Kogut started with us as a Projects Manager and has recently been promoted to Director of Construction Services. His experience and expertise will ensure that every project is handled professionally from start to finish.

Congratulations to Alex for being an integral part of the team and we look forward to his his continued leadership!

BUILD WITH US

Many theater owners across the U.S. want to construct new or retrofitted auditoriums, with over 15 years of experience, we can help you get started. Along with experience in stadium seating risers, we also have an expansive network of Architects and General Contractors that can assist you in your next project.

9325 Sky Park Ct., Ste. 250
San Diego, CA  92123
E: taylormoson@stadiumseating.com
T: 844-PRE-FOAM
F: 949-363-0837

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