Last Updated on July 12, 2022 by UDC Sports
When building a new football field, there are numerous important factors to consider.
Where will the new field be located? How will it be used? What kind of amenities does it require?
But one of the most important aspects of a new football field is having all the right equipment.
And I don’t just mean the pigskin. (Although, that’s pretty important).
I’m talking about things like lighting systems. Seats. Electronic scoreboards.
In short, everything that makes a football game possible and enjoyable for both players and fans alike.
So what exactly do you need? Here’s a quick rundown of 6 types of important equipment to consider when you want to build a football field:
1. Goalposts
When it comes to building a football field, the goalposts are essential. Without them, well… there would be no way to score points. The posts provide a target for the players to aim at, and they also help to define the playing area. In addition, the posts can be used to help determine whether a ball has gone out of bounds or not.
Goalposts are typically made of steel and/or aluminum. They have to meet certain specifications in order for the field used for official games.
2. End Zone Padding
End zone padding is a must for any new football field. The reason for this is simple: safety. End zone padding helps to protect players from injuries when they score a touchdown or make a big play. It also makes the game more enjoyable for everyone involved by providing a softer surface to land on.
Walls can be padded as well to help protect players from serious injuries. Padding is typically made of durable, shock-absorbent material like dense poly foam.
3. The Scoreboard
A scoreboard is a must-have for any football field, no matter how small. It keeps track of the score and the time, so everyone knows what’s going on. Without a scoreboard, the spectators won’t know who’s winning or losing. Watching the scoreboard numbers change after a thrilling play is a big part of what makes football games so exciting.
Unlike the wooden goalposts of yesteryear, most modern scoreboards are made of metal and contain electronic and/or electromechanical components. Football scoreboards today usually use LED or LCD technology to display information.
4. Turf
The playing surface is, arguably, the most important component of a football field. After all, it’s what the field itself is made of—it’s what the game happens on.
There are a variety of surfaces that can be used for football fields and turf (artificial grass) has a number of advantages over natural grass. There’s a reason artificial turf is used for so many new football fields—actually, there are several of them.
First of all, artificial turf provides a consistent playing surface regardless of the weather conditions. It also requires less maintenance than grass, and it can be used year-round. In addition, artificial turf is more durable than grass, meaning that it can withstand the heavy wear and tear that is common in football. Professional-grade artificial turf is an essential component of any new football field.
And while we’re talking about the turf, let’s not forget the markings that go on it. The yard lines help to define the playing area, and the end zones indicate where the scoring area is (as well as adding to the aesthetics of the field). Logos and team colors can also be added to the field markings to add a bit of personality.
5. Lighting
Many people forget about the importance of lighting when it comes to football fields. However, lighting is actually a very important part of the game. Without proper lighting, players would have a hard time seeing the field, and fans would have a hard time seeing the game. Good lighting is essential for both safety and visibility.
The lights should be bright enough so that they don’t cause any problems with TV broadcasts, but they should be placed in a way that minimizes any glare on the field.
You also need to make sure the lighting system is safe and reliable. There have been some problems in the past with metal halide lights, so if you’re building a new football field, you may want to opt for LEDs or some other safe lighting technology. If you get the lighting right, it’ll make for a better experience for everyone involved.
6. Seating
When designing a football field, it’s important to consider the seating as well. The seating is one of the most important components of a football stadium, as it determines how many people can watch the game. The seating also needs to be comfortable, so that fans can enjoy the game.
There are some different options when it comes to audience seating. For football stadiums and larger fields, you might have traditional stadium seats, and for smaller-scale football fields you may want bleachers.
- Benches are where the players sit when they’re not playing. They’re also where the coaches sit to give instructions and make substitutions. Most football fields have bench seating on both sidelines.
- Some football fields also have bleachers for the fans to sit in. Bleachers are commonly made of concrete, or a mix of concrete and aluminum, and can be placed on the sidelines or in the end zones.
- Traditional stadium seats are usually made of metal or plastic and can be placed on the sidelines, in the end zones, or in the stands. The seats can be fixed to the ground or they can be movable.
The type of seating used when constructing a football field depends on a number of factors, including the size of the field, the budget, and the intended use. If you’re building a football field for a professional team, then you’ll need to make sure the seating meets all the needs of the team. This can include providing adequate storage for all the equipment, as well as easy access to the field.
If you’re building a football field for a grade school, a youth group, or your local community, then the demands placed on the seating will be different. It all depends on your specific needs and what you’re looking to get out of your new football field.
Conclusion
When you’re constructing a new football field, there are a number of important factors to consider. From the markings on the turf to the drainage of the field, every detail needs to be carefully planned and executed—and an all-inclusive football field design, consulting, and construction firm like UDC sports can help you with every step of the process.
While these aren’t all the possible types of equipment you’ll want to consider, if you keep these six things in mind, you’ll be well on your way to building the football field of your dreams!
