Is it possible to reopen sports arenas, amid COVID-19, while still protecting public health and safety? Yes, this is attainable with proper cleaning and antimicrobial treatements, disinfection, technology, and the application of an antimicrobial coating. These measures would allow staff and spectators to frequent sports arenas again.
Canadians value their sporting events more than anyone could possibly fathom. Ice hockey, lacrosse, baseball, and soccer are national favorites, that thousands flock to see live, year after year. Sports arenas are historic and cultural buildings that consist of stadiums, swimming pools, and special Olympic installations. When a deadly coronavirus made its devastating spring appearance in 2020, concerts, sporting events, and all public gatherings were canceled. COVID-19 made us recognize just how much we love, and now long for, our sports arenas. These buildings not only provide us with entertainment, but connect us with the events, and people we love.
With over 55 million cases and 1.34 million deaths worldwide, COVID-19 has disrupted and changed life as we knew it. Before COVID-19 wreaked havoc, millions of people would flock annually to Canada’s over 2000 sports arenas to enjoy lacrosse, baseball, and ice hockey games. When COVID-19 made it devastating appearance in North America in early 2020, concerts, sporting events, and public gatherings were canceled. COVID-19 has made the public realize the impact sports arenas has made on their lives. These buildings not only provide entertainment but connect the public with the people they love. Although sporting events are currently on pause, they will soon reopen as the public adjusts to the new normal. Have sports arenas taken the necessary measures of sustainable sanitation to ensure public health, safety, and prevent the spread of COVID-19?
Sports Arenas in Canada
Canada is home to over 2,000 sports arenas, all of which are classified into three distinct categories based on their building characteristics. These arenas include stand-alone single rinks, multi-rinks, and multiplex sports complexes, and professional sports venues. Stand-alone arenas account for 52% of all arenas. Ontario has the largest share of stand-alone (30.1%) and multi-rink arenas (43.1%). The Prairies region has the highest share of multiplex sports complexes, professional sports venues, and comes in second with its number of stand-alone rink arenas. The following are a few, of many, impressive arenas that are located across Canada.
Rogers Arena
Located in the downtown area of Vancouver, British Columbia it is home to the Vancouver Canucks hockey team. This hockey mecca seats 18910 fans and has had one of the longest sell-out ticket streaks which lasted a staggering 11 seasons. For concerts, Rogers Arena can hold 19000 capacity and has been the destination for big acts such as The Who, The Chainsmokers, and Billie Eilish in 2019.
Centre Bell (Montreal)
Originally named Molson Centre, Centre Bell attracts more than one million spectators every year for live hockey games. And another 650,000 guests frequent the arena to watch live shows. The Centre Bell can seat over 21,000 fans for a National Hockey League game, or 15,000 for a music concert. The Centre Bell possesses a multi-million-dollar curtaining system that consists of six miles of black fabric. The super grid at the Centre Bell can support up to 75 tons of lighting, sound, and video equipment. It is best known for its NHL hockey team, the Montreal Canadiens. Guests love the location, high energy environment, and crowds of guests that frequent this venue.
BMO Field (Toronto)
This outdoor arena is home to Toronto FC, a major league soccer team, as well as Toronto Argonauts, a Canadian football team. This fan-favorite for sports fanatics is owned by the city of Toronto. BMO originally opened in 2007 and hosted the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup. This stadium is also home to numerous other events including lacrosse, rugby, and concerts. Fans rave over the food, shopping, crowds, and incredible seating this outdoor sports arena offers.
Rogers Centre
This stadium in downtown Toronto, previously known as SkyDome, is a multi-purpose stadium downtown Toronto. This stadium was the first major league baseball stadium in Canada, as well as the first dome stadium with a fully retractable roof in the world. Over 500 million dollars was invested in this 11-story sports arena. It is home to the MLB team the Toronto Blue Jays. This incredible, and well-located stadium, also host numerous other events, including concerts, traveling carnivals, and monster truck show. This stadium has a capacity of over 53,000 guests. Fans rave about the baseball, atmosphere, and food that Rogers Centre has to offer.
COVID-19 Effect on Sporting Arenas
Coronavirus 2020 hit the world by storm and caused the largest disruption to worldwide sporting calendars since WWII. Nearly all sporting events were canceled or postponed due to this deadly pandemic, including the much anticipated 2020 Summer Olympics. On October 22, the National Hockey League announced that the 2021 NHL Winter Classic and 2021 All-Star game would not take place as scheduled.
With over 43 million cases and 1.6 million deaths worldwide, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted and changed life as we knew it. For months, many people were confined to their homes. Many have returned to work and school, but the sports, music, and entertainment industry is still suffering from the loss of spectators at live venues. Many sporting leagues have resorted to playing sports without in person audiences. What will the future bring for these multi-million-dollar sports arenas without spectators?
Dangers Inside Sports Arenas
Seating is the number one concern regarding COVID-19 inside sports arenas. Anyone who has been a spectator at a sporting event, or has attended a concert, knows how close individuals are seated, and how cramped the seating capacities tend to be. This is a major violation of COVID-19 health and safety precautions. In addition, all high-touch, high-traffic areas are likely to spread the virus quickly, which inside a cramped sports arena, could account for numerous places. Public restrooms, concession stands, and long lines are also of major concern for the spread of illness.
Aside from the threat of COVID-19, there are numerous other illnesses, that we need to protect the public from contracting. Bacteria, such as E. Coli and Salmonella are notorious threats that endanger those who frequent the concession stands. Viruses, aside from coronaviruses, such as the typical seasonal influenza, are also a major threat to public health and safety. Canada’s chief public health officer estimates that between 2,000-8,000 people die every year from the flu in our nation.
Spectators are not the only ones at risk of contracting illness inside a sports arena. We also need to protect our athletes, broadcasting crews, and event venue staff. Many athletes have returned to the field, but many are contracting the illness from high touch sports. In order to open our sports arenas again, there would need to be several changes to the protocols we implemented prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
What Process Would Need to Occur for Sports Arenas to Be Safe Again?
There are simply too many people, in too close of a vicinity, to safely attend events at sporting arenas. This of course, if protocol continued to be as relaxed as it was pre-pandemic. There are several innovative options that could make sports arenas once again safe for guests to enjoy.
Social Distancing/Masks/Limitations
As annoying as it is to constantly wear a mask and distance from our peers, this is, and will still be necessary for some time. Until we have a vaccine for the virus, it is imperative that citizens continue to do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19. With the overcrowded environment of sports arenas, it would also be necessary to limit the capacity of these buildings to only a percentage of their once full capacity. This is the only way social distancing would be possible. Eliminating doors, handrails, and other high touch surfaces would also be necessary.
Technology
There are several technological applications that would be beneficial in protecting those who attend sporting arena events.
- Thermal cameras – The use of thermal cameras for temperature scans has been implemented across numerous industries. Using this method is quick and requires no contact with individuals. This prevention method would screen for fever before a person is allowed to enter the sports arena. Thus, preventing the entrance of suspect individuals.
- Applications – There are numerous applications that are already used in businesses to monitor the number of people in a given area. These applications could be used to inform staff and guests about the number of people in restrooms, concession stands, and other frequented areas.
- Concession Stands – Implementing no-touch, cashless service at concession stands would be the safest means of food service at sports arenas during COVID-19. And installing the plexiglass shields that have become
Proper cleaning/disinfection
The simplest, yet most important step in providing a clean environment is, of course, frequent cleaning and disinfection. Cleaning reduces the number of germs on surfaces, while disinfection kills surface germs. Frequent cleaning of all surfaces inside a sports arena will be vital to public health and safety. All surfaces and objects in public places should be disinfected between each guest. But how would this be possible in a packed environment such as a sports arena? Nevermind given the extremely large area to be cleaned in a typical arena? As most cleaning staff conduct manual cleaning it is simply is not practical. It requires professional cleaners with higher quality disinfectants the right equipment, and the additional use of an antimicrobial coating should be implemented.
Select Shield Antimicrobial Coating Use in Sports Arenas
Select Shield’s antimicrobial coating is this additional measure of protection. Traditional disinfection is only effective until germs contact the surface, which is a sports arena, would be rather quickly. Using an antimicrobial coating overall high touch surfaces, especially seats, handrails, walls, and restrooms, is an effective measure of protection for guests. Select Shield antimicrobial coating outshines traditional, and alternative methods of disinfection.
Select Shield uses an electrostatic sprayer that provides 360-degree protection on all surfaces. Our antimicrobial coating is safe on hard surfaces such as plastic, soft surfaces such as leather and fabric. Given the small size of the electrostatic sprayer valves, it is even safe to spray on some electronics. The science behind this incredible application is a formula that imparts a biostatic finish to treated surfaces. This inhibits pathogens from living on the surfaces. This clear, odourless, and non-toxic film protects the public from a variety of pathogens like bacteria, viruses, mould, and fungi. This coating is long-lasting and can last for around 30 days.
Along with other safety protocols, the additional implementation of the Select Shield antimicrobial coating by sports arena owners and management can bring even more peace of mind as they start to safely welcome guests again.
Select Shield’s Role in Protection in Sports Arenas
Select Shield’s antimicrobial coating is this additional measure of protection. Traditional disinfection is only effective until germs contact the surface, which is a sports arena, would be rather quickly. Using an antimicrobial coating overall high touch surfaces, especially seats, handrails, walls, and restrooms, is an effective measure of protection for guests. Select Shield antimicrobial coating outshines traditional, and alternative methods of disinfection.
Select Shield uses an electrostatic sprayer that provides 360-degree protection on all surfaces. Our antimicrobial coating is safe on hard surfaces such as plastic, soft surfaces such as leather and fabric. Given the small size of the electrostatic sprayer valves it is even safe to spray on some electronics. The science behind this incredible application is a formula that imparts a biostatic finish to treated surfaces. This inhibits pathogens from living on the surfaces. This clear, odourless, and non-toxic film protects the public from a variety of pathogens like bacteria, viruses, mould and fungi. This coating is long-lasting and can last for around 30 days.
Along with other safety protocols, the additional implementation of the Select Shield antimicrobial coating by sports arena owners and management can bring even more peace of mind as they start to safely welcome guests again.
What is an Antimicrobial Treatment?
There are various types of antimicrobial coatings, including copper, zinc, and ultraviolet light. These antimicrobials tend to offer limited results. Therefore, Select Shield pioneered a coating with proven results. After cleaning and disinfection, antimicrobial coatings are applied to kills germs, and inhibit any future growth of microorganisms on surfaces. Microorganism, or microbes, are divided into four categories, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. The coating used during an antimicrobial treatment is generally non-toxic, colorless, and odorless. Antimicrobial treatments are also hypoallergenic.
Because of the impressive germ-killing ability of antimicrobial coatings, they are typically applied to walls, door handles, tables, counters, restrooms, and any other high-traffic, high-touch surfaces. These products are particularly beneficial in public environments, including sports arenas, where large numbers of people frequent. There is also use for antimicrobial in textiles, in which the coating is infused with products such as masks and gloves to avoid cross-contamination.
Where Can Antimicrobial Treatments be Applied in Sports Arenas?
Sports arenas are a breeding ground for dangerous pathogens. Without the aid of antimicrobial coating treatment, even with limitations on capacity, viruses can quickly spread throughout the arena due to a large number of people. Select Shield can apply an antimicrobial treatment that would be beneficial in several areas within the arena that are common touchpoints. For all of the following major high-traffic, high-touch areas, Select Shield would first perform microbe testing for information regarding the number of microbes present before our sanitization process.
Arena Seating
Seating is the number one concern for public safety inside sports arenas. Anyone who has been a spectator at a sporting event knows how close individuals are seated, and how cramped the seating capacities tend to be. This is a major violation of COVID-19 health and safety precautions. Select Shield’s 360-degree electrostatic sprayer is ideal for the application of antimicrobial coating to arena seating. The nozzle on our electrostatic sprayer creates an impressive and thorough wrap-around effect and therefore coats above, below, and around the surface of the seating.
Concessions
Concession areas are also a high-traffic, high-touch area. An evening at a sporting event simply is not complete, without food and beverages, whilst watching the game. Aside from the threat of COVID19, there are numerous other illnesses, that we need to protect the public from contracting. Bacteria, such as E. Coli and Salmonella are notorious threats that endanger those who frequent the concession stands. Viruses, aside from coronaviruses, such as influenza, are also a major threat to public health and safety. Canada’s chief public health officer estimates that between 2,000-8000 people die every year from the flu in our nation.
There are several technological advances that are beneficial in aiding in disease prevention, including the use of touch-free, cashless concessions. There are also applications to help staff limit the number of people in any given area, including concessions.
To truly protect your loyal spectators, Select Shield can clean, disinfect, and apply their antimicrobial coating throughout the concessions area. This coating is safe on hard and soft surfaces. It is even safe to apply to electronic devices. Applying this coating to all walls, handrails, and countertops would ensure the public that they are safe when visiting your facility.
Stadium Restrooms
Public restrooms are notorious for high amounts of illness-causing microbes. Toilet seats, door handles, walls, stalls, and water faucets are the most common germ harboring surfaces. The application of an antimicrobial coating in a public venue restroom is a vital area in which this protection is needed. Implementing an antimicrobial treatment in the arena’s public restroom would protect spectators from a number of ailments, including COVID19.
Player Locker Rooms
Aside from spectators, it is also important to protect the health and safety of the athletes that frequent our sports arenas. The risk of athletes contracting the Coronavirus is significantly higher due to the travel schedule they are forced to comply with. There is no practical way for athletes to socially distance from their teammates, at home, or on the opposing team. It is, therefore, our responsibility to ensure that we provide them the safest environment possible when they are guests in our arenas. We can do this by utilizing Select Shield’s service, of antimicrobial coating, to high frequented. This includes the locker room, player benches, and other athletes only seating boxes. It can be catastrophic to the team if key players succumb to illnesses caused by the lack of sanitization, surface protection in these intimate areas can keep players healthy and happy.
Staff Areas
We must not forget the importance of protecting our sporting arena staff as well. Without these hardworking individuals, our business attempts for satisfied guests, would not be possible. Antimicrobial treatment should be applied to ticket booths, break areas, staff meeting rooms, and offices. Protecting the health and safety of all of those who will frequent the sports arena is vital to successful operation as we overcome this viral pandemic.
Why Choose Select Shield for Antimicrobial Treatment in Sports Arenas?
Select Shield is the only option for complete and proper sanitation in sporting arenas. We are the only antimicrobial treatment company that performs microbe testing, in multiple locations, before disinfection and application. This important step in our process is what ensures we perform the best service possible for our clients. We even perform a post microbe test to make certain we have completed our process sufficiently and successfully.
- After you contact Select Shield, we will schedule an appointment at your convenience, to perform our services.
- First, we perform our microbe testing in several areas to determine the levels of microorganisms present. During this site inspection, we will gather all information necessary for our services to be completed.
- We will then ensure that all surfaces are cleaned correctly.
- Using our signature electrostatic sprayer, we will apply disinfectant to all surface areas. This incredible sprayer will reach all hard-to-reach areas, including underneath arena seating.
- After the disinfectant dries, we will then use the electrostatic sprayer to apply the antimicrobial coating to all surfaces. This solution contains positively charged particles that literally cling to surfaces.
- Within a few moments, the sporting arena is safe for resuming normal activities.
- Your account manager will contact you after the procedure to schedule follow-up site testing and to suggest a timeline pertaining to the need of future applications.
Select Shield is also unique in our customer relations and commitment to exceptional service. Our representatives are available twenty-four hours a day to answers any questions or concerns about our services.
Contact Select Shield Today
Select Shield is the leader in antimicrobial coating treatments for a variety of public industries, including sports arenas. It is our duty, as those who work with and for the public, to protect the health of safety for all those who frequent our business. Your staff, athletes, and spectators look forward to returning to regular events at sports arenas. Do your part in ensuring that the arena is safe and free from disease-causing microorganisms.
Call Select Shield today for immediate assistance. Or send us an email for any questions you may have.
We look forward to serving your sports arena sanitation needs.
