ARENA WITH CONFIGURABLE SEATING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SELECTIVELY PROVIDING VIEWING ACCESS TO AN EVENT FLOOR FROM AN EVENT LEVEL HOSPITALITY AREA

Abstract

The present invention relates to arenas with selectively configurable seating arrangements for selectively providing viewing access to an event floor from an event level hospitality area. The arena includes a plurality of seats, at least some of which are removable. The plurality of seats is selectively arrangeable in tiered seating sections around the event floor to define one of a first seating arrangement and a second seating arrangement. The tiered seating sections include first and second opposing curved seating sections, and first and second spaced apart straight seating sections. The first straight seating section is located in front of the hospitality area. When the seats are selectively arranged in the first seating arrangement, the first and second straight seating sections are disposed generally parallel to each other and extend between the first and second curved seating sections so as to define an obround distribution of seats around the event floor; and viewing access of the event floor from the hospitality area is impeded by the first straight seating section. When the seats are selectively arranged in the second seating arrangement, the first straight seating section and the first curved seating section are omitted leaving the second straight seating section extending to the second curved seating section; and viewing access of the event floor from the hospitality area is unobstructed.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to arenas configurable to hold sporting events or other non-sport related, entertainment events and more specifically, to arenas with configurable seating arrangements for selectively providing viewing access to an event floor from an event level hospitality area.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional arenas have been designed to accommodate sporting events taking place on an event floor surrounded by sections of tiered seating laid out in an obround distribution. In such arenas, event level hospitality areas are nestled behind sections of tiered seating—the tiered seating obstructing viewing access of the event floor from the hospitality area. Patrons of the hospitality area may view the sporting events on large viewing screens disposed within the hospitality area, or if they want to see the event live, they can simply return their seats. This seating configuration allows the arena operator to maximize the number of seats available for viewing a sporting event and provides a variety of viewing angles for the spectators.

Increasingly, arenas are becoming multi-purpose venues. They are now being used to hold a variety of non-sporting event or entertainment events. When used for non-sporting events, the arena must be outfitted with a stage (usually, positioned at one end of the event floor) on which the performance will take place and the event floor becomes a general admission floor where spectators can stand while viewing the performance. The general admission floor tends to be premium space becomes it allows the spectators to have enhanced access to the stage. Because of tiered seating, conventional arenas tend not to easily allow reconfiguration of the event floor to maximize the space for the general admission floor. Moreover, viewing access to the stage tends to be impeded by the tiered seating located in front of the hospitality area, thereby cutting off patrons of the hospitality area from the general admission floor.

In light of the foregoing, there is a need for arenas with improved seating configurations to better make use of the existing space and accommodate the variety of events being hosted in arenas.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an arena that has an event floor and a plurality of seats At least some of the seats of the plurality are removable. The plurality of seats are selectively arrangeable in tiered seating sections around the event floor to define one of a first seating arrangement and a second seating arrangement. The tiered seating sections include first, second, third and fourth seating sections. The arena further has an event floor level hospitality area located behind the first seating section. When the seats are selectively arranged in the first seating arrangement, the first and second seating sections are disposed generally parallel to each other and extend between the third and fourth seating sections, and a view of the event floor from the hospitality area is obstructed by the first seating section. When the seats are selectively arranged in the second seating arrangement, the first seating section and the third seating section are omitted leaving the second seating section extending to the fourth seating section, and a view of the event floor from the hospitality area is unobstructed.

In another feature, the event floor is configurable for one of a sporting event and a non-sporting event. In an additional feature, the non-sporting event is an entertainment event selected from the group consisting of a concert and a show. In one feature, the first seating arrangement is adapted for viewing a sporting event. In another feature, the second seating arrangement is adapted for viewing a non-sporting event.

In yet another feature, the arena has a stage that is positionable opposite the second seating section when the seats are selectively arranged in the second seating arrangement. In a further feature, the event floor is a general admission floor bounded by the second seating section, the fourth seating section, the stage and the hospitality area. In additional feature, the event floor occupies a first footprint when the seats are selectively arranged in the first seating arrangement and a second footprint when the seats are selectively arranged in the second seating arrangement. The second footprint is larger than the first footprint.

In still another feature, the arena has at least one wall arrangeable between the hospitality area and the first seating section. When the seats are selectively arranged in the first seating arrangement, the at least one wall separates the hospitality area from the first seating section. In an additional feature, in the first seating configuration 26, the seats in the first seating section are accessible from the hospitality area via a plurality of passageways communicating with openings formed in the at least one wall. Optionally, the at least one wall is made of a transparent material. In a further option, the at least one wall includes a plurality of wall panels.

In yet another feature, when the seats are selectively arranged in the second seating arrangement, the at least one wall is moved or removed so as open the hospitality area onto the event floor.

In a further feature, the hospitality area includes one or more hospitality suites, clubs, bars, restaurants, and other establishments for patrons.

In another feature, the first and second seating sections are relatively straight seating sections. In an additional feature, the third and fourth seating sections are curved seating sections. In still another feature, the first, second, third and fourth sections are laid out around the event floor in one of: (a) a rectangular distribution, (b) a square distribution, (c) a circular distribution, (d) an oval distribution, and (e) an obround distribution.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an arena with selectively configurable seating arrangements for selectively providing viewing access to an event floor from an event level hospitality area. The arena includes a plurality of seats, at least some of which are removable. The plurality of seats is selectively arrangeable in tiered seating sections around the event floor to define one of a first seating arrangement and a second seating arrangement. The tiered seating sections include first and second opposing curved seating sections, and first and second spaced apart straight seating sections. The first straight seating section is located in front of the hospitality area. When the seats are selectively arranged in the first seating arrangement, the first and second straight seating sections are disposed generally parallel to each other and extend between the first and second curved seating sections; and viewing access of the event floor from the hospitality area is impeded by the first straight seating section. When the seats are selectively arranged in the second seating arrangement, the first straight seating section and the first curved seating section are omitted leaving the second straight seating section extending to the second semi-circular seating section; and viewing access of the event floor from the hospitality area is unobstructed.

In accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an arena that has an event floor and a plurality of seats At least some of the seats of the plurality are removable. The plurality of seats are selectively arrangeable in tiered seating sections around the event floor to define one of a first seating arrangement and a second seating arrangement. The tiered seating sections include first and second opposing curved seating sections, and first and second spaced apart straight seating sections. The arena further has an event floor level hospitality area located behind the first straight seating section. When the seats are selectively arranged in the first seating arrangement, the first and second straight seating sections are disposed generally parallel to each other and extend between the first and second curved seating sections so as to define an obround distribution of seats around the event floor, and a view of the event floor from the hospitality area is obstructed by the first straight seating section. When the seats are selectively arranged in the second seating arrangement, the first straight seating section and the first curved seating section are omitted leaving the second straight seating section extending to the second semi-circular seating section, and a view of the event floor from the hospitality area is unobstructed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments of the present invention shall be more clearly understood with reference to the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an arena provided with a first seating arrangement configured for viewing a sporting event taking place on the event floor, the first seating arrangement including tiered seating disposed in front of the event level hospitality area so as to obstruct views of the event floor from the event level hospitality area;

FIG. 2 is a partial schematic plan view showing the first seating arrangement, the event floor and the hospitality area illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the arena illustrated in FIG. 1 taken along a line that cuts through a first straight seating section, the event floor and the hospitality area;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the arena illustrated in FIG. 1 showing a second seating arrangement configured for viewing an entertainment event taking place on the event floor, the second seating arrangement having no tiered seating in front of the event level hospitality area so as to provide unobstructed views of the event floor from the event level hospitality area;

FIG. 5 is a partial schematic plan view showing the second seating arrangement, the event floor and the hospitality area illustrated in FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the arena illustrated in FIG. 4 taken along a line that cuts through the second seating arrangement in a location previously occupied by the first straight seating section, the event floor and the hospitality area.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The description which follows, and the embodiments described therein are provided by way of illustration of an example, or examples of particular embodiments of principles and aspects of the present invention. These examples are provided for the purposes of explanation and not of limitation, of those principles of the invention. In the description that follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and the drawings with the same respective reference numerals.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an arena identified generally with reference numeral 20. The arena 20 can be configured to hold a sporting event (as shown in FIG. 1) or a non-sport related, entertainment event, such as a concert or show (as shown in FIG. 3). The arena 20 has an event floor 22 and a plurality of seats 24 arranged in tiers around the event floor 22. As described below, some of the tiered seats 24 are removable.

FIGS. 1 to 3 show a first seating arrangement 26 adapted for viewing a sporting event. In this first seating arrangement 26, the tiered seating 24 is disposed in a generally obround distribution around the event floor 22. The event floor 22 is outfitted with a suitable playing space (and surface) (e.g. ice rink, or basketball court) for the sporting event being held in the arena 20. In FIG. 2, the playing surface is shown outfitted with an ice rink.

In FIG. 1, four distinct sections of tiered seating can be seen—a first semi-circular or curved seating section 28, a second semi-circular or curved seating section 30 located opposite the first semi-circular seating section 28, a first relatively straight seating section 32 and a second relatively straight seating section 34. The first and second straight seating sections 32 and 34 are disposed generally parallel to each other and extend between the first and second semi-circular seating sections 28 and 30 to join one to the other. The semi-circular sections 28 and 30 and the straight seating sections 32 and 34 cooperate with each other to define the obround distribution of the tiered seating 24 in the first seating arrangement 26. The seating sections themselves may be further sub-divided into segments.

Disposed behind the first straight seating section 32 is a hospitality area 36. The hospitality area may include one or more hospitality suites, clubs, bars, restaurants, or other establishments for patrons. One or more walls 38 separate the hospitality area 36 from the first straight seating section 32. Preferably, the walls are made of glass, acrylic or some other transparent material. The walls can be in the form of large wall sections or they can be made up of relatively smaller, articulated wall panels. Optionally, the walls may be movable or retractable. This can be achieved in a number of ways. For example, the walls could be moved along floor and/or ceiling tracks or rails. In other embodiments, the walls could be removable.

When in the first seating configuration 26, the tiered seating 24 in the first straight seating section 32 is accessible from the hospitality area 36 via a plurality of passageways 40 communicating with openings 42 formed in the walls 38 (visible in FIG. 2). However, because of the placement of the first straight seating section 32, the view of the event floor 22 from the hospitality area 36 is obstructed (as best shown in FIG. 3).

Referring now to FIGS. 4 to 6, there is shown a second seating arrangement 44 that is adapted for viewing a concert, a show or other non-sport related, entertainment event. In this second seating arrangement 44, the first semi-circular seating section 28 and the first straight seating section 32 have been entirely removed. This is made possible by virtue of having removable tiered seating 24 in those sections. In place of the first semi-circular seating section 28, a stage 46 has been set up. The event floor 22 now occupies a larger footprint of the arena 22 and defines a general admission floor 48 which can accommodate a large number of spectators.

With the first straight seating section 32 removed, the view of the stage 46 and the general admission floor 48 from the hospitality areas 36 is now unobstructed (as shown in FIG. 6), thereby greatly enhancing the patron experience associated with the hospitality area 36 (and hence its desirability for patrons and its profitability for the operators of the hospitality area). Patrons of the hospitality area 36 can now be made to feel as if they are participating more actively or directly in the event since there is improved movement of spectators between the hospitality areas 36 and the general admission floor 48. This effect can be further enhanced by moving or retracting the walls 38 which had delineated the hospitality area 36, thereby opening up the hospitality area 36 to the general admission floor 48 and allowing the charged atmosphere on the general admission floor 48 to permeate more fully into the hospitality area 36 (see FIG. 5). In a way, in the second seating configuration 44, the hospitality area 36 can now be seen to be enlarging the footprint of the general admission floor 48.

It will thus be appreciated that the arena 20 has many advantages over prior art arenas where patrons of the event level hospitality areas are in effect cut off from the general admission floor 48 and are forced to view the event via large display screens. By making better use of the existing space in front of the hospitality area 36, the arena 20 allows spectators to frequent the hospitality areas 36 without unduly lessening the spectator experience. This creates a “win-win-win” situation for the spectators, the operators of the hospitality area and the arena owners. The ability to selectively reconfigure seating arrangements and the event floor leads to improved use and versatility of the arena space.

It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the principles of the present invention could be applied in the construction of a new arena or could be implemented to equal advantage as part of retrofitting activities for an existing arena.

In the embodiment shown and described the tiered seating is disposed in a generally obround distribution around the event floor 22 and the distinct sections of tiered seating include curved seating sections and straight seating sections. This need not be the case in every application. In alternative embodiments, the tiered seating could be laid out in accordance with a different distribution, for example, a rectangular, square, circular, oval or other distribution. Depending on the tiered seating distribution, the distinct sections could comprise all straight sections, all curved sections or a combination of straight or curved sections.

Although the foregoing description and accompanying drawings relate to specific preferred embodiments of the present invention as presently contemplated by the inventor, it will be understood that various changes, modifications and adaptations, may be made without departing from the principles of the invention.

Claims

1. An arena comprising:

an event floor;

a plurality of seats; at least some of the seats of the plurality being removable; the plurality of seats being selectively arrangeable in tiered seating sections around the event floor to define one of a first seating arrangement and a second seating arrangement; the tiered seating sections including first, second, third and fourth seating sections;

an event floor level hospitality area located behind the first seating section;

when the seats are selectively arranged in the first seating arrangement: the first and second straight seating sections are disposed opposite to each other and extend between the third and fourth seating sections; a view of the event floor from the hospitality area is obstructed by the first seating section;

when the seats are selectively arranged in the second seating arrangement: the first seating section and the third seating section are omitted leaving the second seating section extending to the fourth seating section; a view of the event floor from the hospitality area is unobstructed.

2. The arena of claim 1 wherein the event floor is configurable for one of a sporting event and a non-sporting event.

3. The arena of claim 2 wherein the non-sporting event is an entertainment event selected from the group consisting of a concert and a show.

4. The arena of claim 1 wherein the first seating arrangement is adapted for viewing a sporting event.

5. The arena of claim 1 wherein the second seating arrangement is adapted for viewing a non-sporting event.

6. The arena of claim 5 further comprising a stage, the stage being positionable opposite the fourth seating section when the seats are selectively arranged in the second seating arrangement.

7. The arena of claim 6 wherein the event floor is a general admission floor bounded by the fourth seating section, the second seating section, the stage and the hospitality area.

8. The arena of claim 1 wherein:

the event floor occupies a first footprint when the seats are selectively arranged in the first seating arrangement and a second footprint when the seats are selectively arranged in the second seating arrangement;

the second footprint being larger than the first footprint.

9. The arena of claim 1 further comprising at least one wall arrangeable between the hospitality area and the first seating section.

10. The arena of claim 9 wherein when the seats are selectively arranged in the first seating arrangement, the at least one wall separates the hospitality area from the first seating section.

11. The arena of claim 10 wherein in the first seating configuration, the seats in the first seating section are accessible from the hospitality area via a plurality of passageways communicating with openings formed in the at least one wall.

12. The arena of claim 10 wherein the at least one wall is made of a transparent material.

13. The arena of claim 10 wherein the at least one wall includes a plurality of wall panels.

14. The arena of claim 10 wherein when the seats are selectively arranged in the second seating arrangement, the at least one wall is moved or removed so as open the hospitality area onto the event floor.

15. The arena of claim 1 wherein the hospitality area includes one or more hospitality suites, clubs, bars, restaurants, and other establishments for patrons.

16. The arena of claim 1 wherein the first and second seating sections are relatively straight seating sections.

17. The arena of claim 16 wherein the third and fourth seating sections are curved seating sections.

18. The arena of claim 1 wherein the first, second, third and fourth sections are laid out around the event floor in one of: (a) a rectangular distribution, (b) a square distribution, (c) a circular distribution, (d) an oval distribution, and (e) an obround distribution.

19. An arena with selectively configurable seating arrangements for selectively providing viewing access to an event floor from an event level hospitality area, the arena comprising:

a plurality of seats; at least some of the seats of the plurality being removable; the plurality of seats being selectively arrangeable in tiered seating sections around the event floor to define one of a first seating arrangement and a second seating arrangement; the tiered seating sections including first and second opposing curved seating sections, and first and second spaced apart straight seating sections; the first straight seating section being located in front of the hospitality area;

when the seats are selectively arranged in the first seating arrangement: the first and second straight seating sections are disposed generally parallel to each other and extend between the first and second curved seating sections so as to define an obround distribution of seats around the event floor; and viewing access of the event floor from the hospitality area is impeded by the first straight seating section;

when the seats are selectively arranged in the second seating arrangement: the first straight seating section and the first curved seating section are omitted leaving the second straight seating section extending to the second curved seating section; viewing access of the event floor from the hospitality area is unobstructed.

20. An arena comprising:

an event floor;

a plurality of seats; at least some of the seats of the plurality being removable; the plurality of seats being selectively arrangeable in tiered seating sections around the event floor to define one of a first seating arrangement and a second seating arrangement; the tiered seating sections including first and second opposing curved seating sections, and first and second spaced apart straight seating sections;

an event floor level hospitality area located behind the first straight seating section;

when the seats are selectively arranged in the first seating arrangement: the first and second straight seating sections are disposed generally parallel to each other and extend between the first and second curved seating sections; and a view of the event floor from the hospitality area is obstructed by the first straight seating section;

when the seats are selectively arranged in the second seating arrangement: the first straight seating section and the first curved seating section are omitted leaving the second straight seating section extending to the second curved seating section; a view of the event floor from the hospitality area is unobstructed.