Stadium & ArenaDrainage Solutions

Stadium concourses typically use heavy-duty trench drains rated Class C or D to handle foot traffic, cleaning equipment, and service vehicles. These drains must manage high volumes from thousands of spectators and frequent washdowns. ACO PowerDrain and Neenah trench grates are commonly specified for their durability and capacity.

Open-air stadiums use a combination of systems: row drains at seat base level, collection troughs at vomitory entrances, and sub-surface systems beneath the seating structure. Water is channeled to storm sewers or retention systems. Proper slope design (typically 1/8" to 1/4" per foot) ensures rapid drainage between rows.

Natural turf fields require comprehensive sub-surface drainage with perforated pipes in gravel trenches spaced 15-20 feet apart. A sand-based rootzone allows rapid percolation. Perimeter French drains collect excess water. The USGA profile is often adapted for sports turf. Field crown provides initial surface drainage.

Synthetic turf fields need drainage beneath the artificial surface. The shock pad and aggregate base must allow water to percolate to collector drains. Perimeter trench drains capture runoff. Drainage rate should exceed 10 inches per hour. E-layer drainage panels or aggregate bases are common solutions.

Stadium locker rooms require multiple floor drains with integral traps, typically spaced so no point is more than 20 feet from a drain. Showers use linear or trench drains for barrier-free access. All drains must be stainless steel or cast iron for durability. Floor slopes should direct water to drains at 1/4" per foot.

Stadium service tunnels require Class D or E rated drainage (100,000+ lbs) to accommodate forklifts, utility vehicles, and delivery trucks. Trench drains with ductile iron frames and grates are standard. Neenah and EJ heavy-duty products are often specified for these high-load applications.

Retractable roof stadiums must handle rapid transitions between covered and open conditions. Perimeter drains around the field collect rain during open-roof events. The roof mechanism areas need industrial-grade drainage for maintenance washing. Control systems may integrate roof position with drainage pump activation.

Stadium parking areas require high-capacity drainage due to concentrated arrival/departure times and large impervious surfaces. Combination of catch basins, trench drains at traffic lanes, and detention systems for stormwater management. Class D ratings for vehicle traffic. Stormwater quality may require oil-water separation.

Stadium drains should be inspected before each event and cleaned weekly during the season. High-traffic concourse drains may need daily cleaning during events. Deep cleaning after the season removes accumulated debris. Locker room drains need frequent trap priming if seasonal use. Annual inspection of all underground lines is recommended.

New stadiums must meet local stormwater management requirements, often including detention/retention to limit post-development runoff rates. Green infrastructure like permeable pavers and bioswales may be required. MS4 permits apply in most jurisdictions. Water quality treatment is increasingly mandated. LEED points are available for sustainable drainage design.