Arena Design & Installs Stadium Seating Solutions For Luton Town
Arena’s Stadium Solutions specialist seating division has undertaken a range of stadium upgrades to Kenilworth Road to support Luton Town FC’s promotion to the Premier League.
The initial enquiry was made via the club’s architects in May, to review designs and establish possibilities to reconfigure the old Bobbers Stand (previously hospitality boxes built over a terrace), to create a circa 1,200 capacity seated grandstand.
Luton’s new-found status meant a range of stadium upgrades needed to be ready for 2023/24 Premier League season. The grandstand upgrade was one of a myriad of regulatory criteria the club had to meet, which included complying with building control regulations, all within a confined space, against a very tight timeframe.
Arena’s Project Director, Bradley Merchant was in direct contact with the club’s CEO, Gary Sweet to establish requirements.
“Arena felt a strong desire to be involved in the project, despite this project landing during our busiest (summer) period,” Merchant, said. “We were determined to accommodate the last-minute request and keen to contribute to Luton’s progress.
“There was a great attitude, instilled by Gary Sweet, throughout all stakeholders to achieve the club’s aspirations to improve facilities for spectators, media and team officials. There has been a positive, collaborative approach with all contractors on site to overcome access issues.
“Working to such tight deadlines, we incorporated as much existing and refurbished equipment as practically possible.”
The client brief to Arena subsequently expanded, into supplying General Admission (GA) seating, the dugout/technical area and VIP area.
Arena’s specialist crew were on site from 14th August to commence the installation, with completion of Phase One in time for the Carabao Cup game against Gillingham on 29th August.
Phase Two followed which involved a reconfiguration of the dugout/technical area at Luton’s request.
The final solution provided 882 x GA seats (blue Arena A-frame), 150 VIP seats (black Clearview), 26 technical seats (black Clearview), four x officials seats and 32 x dugout seats (dark blue 990, fully upholstered).
Image: Luton Town, Kenilworth Road.
