TOWARDS A PRO-ACTIVE SPORTS STADIUM INFRASTRUCTURE IN NIGERIA Paper BY CHUKWUEMEKA EJIKE | Page 7

emphases are therefore placed on ensuring safety and comfort of spectators and other visitors of
stadium events.
But it is disheartening that Nigeria as a country can boost of only one, in the name of Godswill
Akpabio International Stadium, as the only world class functioning stadium. The rest of the
stadiums are either below standards, not of high capacity, or inadequately maintained, as in the
case of the National Stadium Abuja.
SPORTS
STADIUM
INFRASTRUCTURAL
DEVELOPMENT
IN
NIGERIA
Long gone are the days when the objective was to pack as many people as possible into a
stadium, most of them in standing areas. In recent decades, there has been a shift towards
providing stadia with comfortable seats. This has been driven primarily by the introduction of
stricter safety regulations, but also by a greater recognition of the fact that spectators should be
able to enjoy watching events in comfort. (Mohammed Khalid Omar R. Khalid Department of
Architecture Engineering University of Sharjah Senior 1 on Sustainable Stadium Report 2016 )
Modern stadiums should be designed so that all spectators are safe and comfortable and have
a perfect view of the pitch and also have easy access to toilets and refreshment facilities. High
quality seats should be used to encourage spectators remains seated through the duration of the
stadium events. Sitting is regarded as more comfortable than standing if cover is provided (Lord
Justice Taylor final report 1992).
PROTECTION OF SPECTATORS FROM ROOF ELEMENTS IN SPORTS STADIUM
INFRASTRUCTURE:
Increasing stadium comfort by providing seat tiers should also be appreciated by the provision of
cover to provide the needed comfort. This however is lacking in Nigeria, as only very few stadia
have roof covers over the whole stadium bowl.
In providing a cover for an arena or a stadium, it comprises of two separate elements attached
together, one providing the support while the other provides the needed shelter or cover. These
elements or components include:
1. Roof structure: this is the structural support that holds and supports the roof cover, the roof
structure helps to transfer load from the roof top to the ground or to some other elements that