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| '''Seating capacity''' refers to the number of ] who can be seated in a specific space, both in terms of the physical space available, and in terms of limitations set by ]. Seating capacity can be used in the ] of anything ranging from an ] that seats two to a ] that seats over 100,000 people. The largest sporting ] in the world, the ], has a permanent seating capacity for more than 257,000 people and infield seating that raises capacity to an approximate 400,000. | '''Seating capacity''' refers to the number of ] who can be seated in a specific space, both in terms of the physical space available, and in terms of limitations set by ]. Seating capacity can be used in the ] of anything ranging from an ] that seats two to a ] that seats over 100,000 people. The largest sporting ] in the world, the ], has a permanent seating capacity for more than 257,000 people and infield seating that raises capacity to an approximate 400,000. | ||
| ==Seating capacity in venues== | |||
| Safety is a primary concern in determining the seating capacity of a |
Safety is a primary concern in determining the seating capacity of a venue, as "eating capacity, seating layouts and densities are largely dictated by legal requirements for the safe evacuation of the occupants in the event of fire".<ref>Fred R. Lawson, ''Conference, Convention, and Exhibit Facilities'' (1981), p. 137.</ref> The ], which has been adopted by many jurisdictions, requires that every public venue submit a detailed site plan to the local fire code official, including "details of the means of egress, seating capacity, arrangement of the seating..."<ref>International Fire Code (2006) , 1701.4 Site Plans</ref> Once safety considerations have been satisfied, determinations of seating capacity turn on the total size of the venue, and its purpose. | ||
| For sports venues, "he decision on maximum seating capacity is determined by several factors. Chief among these are the primary sports program and the size of the market area".<ref>Joseph A. Wilkes, Robert T. Packard, ''Encyclopedia of Architecture: Design, Engineering & Construction, Vol. 4'' (1989), p. 558.</ref> In motion picture venues, "he limit of seating capacity is determined by the maximal viewing distance for a given size of screen", with image quality for closer viewers declining as the screen is expanded to accommodate more distant viewers.<ref>Society of Motion Picture Engineers, ''Journal of the Society of Motion Picture Engineers'', Vol. 26 (1936), p. 130.</ref> | For sports venues, "he decision on maximum seating capacity is determined by several factors. Chief among these are the primary sports program and the size of the market area".<ref>Joseph A. Wilkes, Robert T. Packard, ''Encyclopedia of Architecture: Design, Engineering & Construction, Vol. 4'' (1989), p. 558.</ref> In motion picture venues, "he limit of seating capacity is determined by the maximal viewing distance for a given size of screen", with image quality for closer viewers declining as the screen is expanded to accommodate more distant viewers.<ref>Society of Motion Picture Engineers, ''Journal of the Society of Motion Picture Engineers'', Vol. 26 (1936), p. 130.</ref> | ||
Revision as of 23:33, 7 May 2010
Seating capacity refers to the number of people who can be seated in a specific space, both in terms of the physical space available, and in terms of limitations set by law. Seating capacity can be used in the description of anything ranging from an automobile that seats two to a stadium that seats over 100,000 people. The largest sporting venue in the world, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, has a permanent seating capacity for more than 257,000 people and infield seating that raises capacity to an approximate 400,000.
Seating capacity in venues
Safety is a primary concern in determining the seating capacity of a venue, as "eating capacity, seating layouts and densities are largely dictated by legal requirements for the safe evacuation of the occupants in the event of fire". The International Fire Code, which has been adopted by many jurisdictions, requires that every public venue submit a detailed site plan to the local fire code official, including "details of the means of egress, seating capacity, arrangement of the seating..." Once safety considerations have been satisfied, determinations of seating capacity turn on the total size of the venue, and its purpose.
For sports venues, "he decision on maximum seating capacity is determined by several factors. Chief among these are the primary sports program and the size of the market area". In motion picture venues, "he limit of seating capacity is determined by the maximal viewing distance for a given size of screen", with image quality for closer viewers declining as the screen is expanded to accommodate more distant viewers.
Seating capacity of venues also plays a role in what media they are able to provide, and how they are able to provide it. In contracting to permit performers to use a theater or other performing space, "he seating capacity of the performance facility nust be disclosed". Seating capacity may influence the kind of contract to be used, and the royalties to be given. The seating capacity must also be disclosed to the copyright owner in seeking a license for the the copyrighted work to be performed in that venue.
Venues that may be leased for private functions such as ballrooms and auditoriums generally advertise their seating capacity. Seating capacity is also an important consideration in the construction and use of sports venues such as stadiums and arenas. When entities such as the NFL's Super Bowl Committee decide on a venue for a particular event, seating capacity – which reflects the possible number of tickets that can be sold for the event – is an important consideration.
Seating capacity differs from total capacity (sometimes called public capacity), which describes the total number of people who can fit in a venue or in a vehicle either sitting or standing. Where seating capacity is a legal requirement, however – as it is in movie theaters and on airplanes – then the law reflects the fact that the number of people allowed in should not exceed the number who can be seated. Use of the term "public capacity" indicates that a venue can permissibly hold more people than it can actually seat.
References
- Fred R. Lawson, Conference, Convention, and Exhibit Facilities (1981), p. 137.
- International Fire Code (2006) , 1701.4 Site Plans
- Joseph A. Wilkes, Robert T. Packard, Encyclopedia of Architecture: Design, Engineering & Construction, Vol. 4 (1989), p. 558.
- Society of Motion Picture Engineers, Journal of the Society of Motion Picture Engineers, Vol. 26 (1936), p. 130.
- ^ Charles Grippo, The Stage Producer's Business and Legal Guide (2002), p. 43-63.
See also
- All-seater stadium
- List of stadiums by capacity
- List of American football stadiums by capacity
- List of football (soccer) stadiums by capacity