Grandstands and Bleachers

These seating systems may be provided at indoor or outside locations as permanent or temporary installations.  Regardless of the setting, there are some basic established standards for these seating systems.  For space planning and initial cost estimating purposes, subject to more controlling life safety codes, it is typical to allow 18 inches of bleacher length per person per row.  Standard bleacher bench seats will be spaced between 22 and 24 inches apart and have a rise of about 9 ½ inches per row.  High-rise bleachers have risers between 11 and 16 inches and are standard for difficult viewing settings such as hockey rinks and swimming pools.  Some bleacher systems known as “risers” are adjustable to offer flexibility for row spacing and rise depending on the specific event to be viewed.  Aisle widths are typically 36 inches (3 feet) wide and therefore offset 2 seats per row when aisles are installed.

There are numerous life safety codes regarding bleacher seating, for facilities with, and without, smoke-protection.  These include requirements for two paths of egress from each seat, maximum bleacher row lengths, aisle design details, and handrail dimensions.  In addition to basic architectural standards and life safety codes for seating size and spacing, local municipalities where the seating systems are placed may have particular regulations requiring compliance, such as a limit on the number of seats/people that can occupy certain building spaces.