TOWARDS A PRO-ACTIVE SPORTS STADIUM INFRASTRUCTURE IN NIGERIA Paper BY CHUKWUEMEKA EJIKE | Page 8

then transfers the load to the ground, e.g column, beams, trusses etc. Some of the materials
which could be used for the roof structure include: timber, steel and concrete.
2. Roof covering: this is simply the material used to cover the roof which provides the needed
shelter of covering over the stands. This material could be attached either below or above the
roof structure. It is however, advisable to use a translucent material for the roof cover.
Translucent or transparent roof covers gives the advantage of reducing shadow casting on the
stadium pitch, it also reduces the radio and television transmission interferences. Glass is said
to be the most transparent medium, but in the case of roof covering discussed in this study,
polycarbonate and GRP both could provide the highest of about 85% light transmission, while
PVC coated polyester fabric and PTFE coated glass fibre fabric can also provide transmission
of light to a certain recommendable extent. Examples of translucent roofs in major stadia
include: Watford stadium, Wembley (England) stadium and the Munich stadium (Germany).
COMMERCIAL AND OTHER FACILITIES
Commercial and VIP facilities tend to contribute a disproportionately high percentage of overall
revenue on match days. They can also generate additional income on non-match days, given that
executive boxes can be hired out for business meetings, while restaurants and other high-end
catering facilities can be used for corporate events.