|||||||||||||III US005103600A United States Patent (19) 11 Patent Number: 5,103,600 Geiger et al. 45 Date of Patent: Apr. 14, 1992

54 MULTI-PURPOSE STADIUM FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS 76) Inventors: David H. Geiger, 7 Kirby Lin. Rye, 2746636 4/1979 Fed. Rep. of ...... , 52/6 N.Y. 10580; David M. Campbell, 45B 192950 1 1/1964 . Dunes Ln., Port Washington, N.Y. 887788 12/1981 U.S.S.R...... 52/6 11050 Primary Examiner-John E. Murtagh (21) Appl. No.: 359,403 Assistant Examiner-Wynn Wood Filed: May 31, 1989 Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Fitzpatrick, Cella, Harper & 22) Scinto (51) Int. Cl...... E04B 1/18 (52) U.S. C...... 52/6; 52/7; (57) ABSTRACT 52/126.5; 52/66 This invention provides for a multi-purpose stadium (58) Field of Search ...... 52/6-10, which includes a first activity area having a natural turf 52/22, 28, 473, 66, 63, 126.5, , 6, 7, 126.5; playing field and a second activity area positioned 403/13, 14, 304; 428/145, 248 below the first activity area. The first activity area is 56) References Cited supported on a platform vertically movable with re spect to the second activity area allowing for spectator U.S. PATENT OOCUMENTS sightlines to be satisfied for events occurring within the 1,559,739 1 1/1925 Brown ...... 52/7 first and second activity areas. The first activity area is 3,263,380 8/1966 Bourbonnais ...... 52/126.5 X 3,394,505 7/1968 Rife ...... 52/126.5 X supported within the stadium by a plurality of piers. 3,399,887 9/1968 Altier ...... 52/7 X Each pier includes a hollow column with a continuous 3,975,869 8/1976 Bouton ...... 52/9 slot on the interior face thereof which supports a hy 4,452,848 6/1984 Geiger .. ... 428/247 draulic lifting device. The hydraulic lifting devices 4,472,470 9/1984 Modic ...... 428/145 vertically move the first activity area relative to the 4,608,785 9/1986 Rhodes et al...... 52/63 X second activity area. Alternatively, a counterweight 4,637,496 l/1987 Atkey et al...... 187/95 system may be employed to lift the first activity area. 4,686,799 8/1987 Kwake ...... 52/8 4,831,792 5/1989 Berger .. 52/6 X 4,907,793 3/1990 Wund ...... 52/6 75 Claims, 5 Drawing Sheets

U.S. Patent Apr. 14, 1992 Sheet 1 of 5 5,103,600

3. AAE

U.S. Patent Apr. 14, 1992 Sheet 2 of 5 5,103,600

U.S. Patent Apr. 14, 1992 Sheet 3 of 5 5,103,600

U.S. Patent Apr. 14, 1992 Sheet 4 of 5 5,103,600

U.S. Patent Apr. 14, 1992 Sheet 5 of 5 5,103,600

5,103,600 2 use that are presently experienced in facilities with natu ral turf fields. MULTI-PURPOSE STADIUM It is a further object of this invention to provide a BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION means of minimizing the cost and event change over 5 time from field events to non-field events in a multi-pur This invention relates to a multi-purpose stadium, and pose stadium. more particularly, to a multi-purpose stadium which not It is yet another object of this invention to provide a only maximizes the number of events which may occur multi-purpose stadium having a retractable which simultaneously therein, but also permits the activities to not only permits sunlight to impinge upon a natural turf occur indoors or outdoors depending upon weather 10 playing field, but also allows this playing field to be conditions. stored at the opening of the roof exteriorly of the sta This multi-purpose stadium permits field events such dium. as football, soccer and/or baseball to occur for reasons It is still a further object of this invention to provide of customs and/or rules on natural turf and depending a multi-purpose stadium which includes a membrane upon weather conditions, either outdoors or indoors. 15 roof which is retractable and allows events occurring These requirements must be balanced against the eco on a natural turf field to occur either outdoors or under nomic requirement that a multi-purpose stadium facility a transparent or translucent cover depending upon maximize the different types of events it can attract i. e., weather conditions. concerts, conventions, trade shows, tractor pulls, in It is yet another object of this invention to provide a door arena events, and outdoor field events which pref 20 multi-purpose stadium having a plurality of activity erably occur on natural turf. areas wherein one of the activity areas can be raised In the past, in order to provide for varying conditions relative to another activity area thereby allowing for under which an event may take place, stadiums, notably sight lines to be satisfied for a variety of events occur in Montreal and Toronto, have been provided with ring simultaneously within the stadium. retractable roofs. In these stadia, the playing field is 25 Other objects and advantages of the invention will composed of artificial turf, and as such, it must be rolled become apparent from the following detailed descrip up and stored to permit the stadium to be used for other tion and from the appended drawings in which like events, such as concerts, trade shows, etc. The set-up numbers have been used to designate like parts in the involved in storing the artificial turf is, however, ex several views. tremely labor intensive. Additionally, since the roof has 30 a solid surface and is not transparent to the sunlight, the SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION playing field cannot be composed of natural turf. Due to A multi-purpose stadium is provided which includes custom and potential athletic injury concerns, it is desir a first activity area and a second activity area positioned able to have a natural grass surface for various sporting below the first activity area. The first activity area is events, i.e. football, baseball and soccer, etc. 35 supported on a platform structure and is vertically Typically, a municipality will have separate facilities movable relative to the second activity area allowing for indoor events, such as basketball, concerts and trade sightlines to be satisfied for the various events occurring shows, and outdoor events, such as soccer, baseball, and simultaneously in the first and second activity areas. football games. As a result thereof, these facilities, even Due to custom and player satisfaction, the upper surface though multi-purpose, do not allow for a number of 40 of the platform forming the first activity area preferably events to occur simultaneously therein, and hence, lease includes a playing field composed of earth and natural revenues to the owner of the stadium are diminished. grass (i.e., a natural turf playing field). Accordingly, and since space is limited in urban areas, it In order to move the first activity area relative to the is desirable to provide a multi-purpose stadium wherein second activity area, this multi-purpose stadium in these types of separate facilities can be combined within 45 cludes a means for lifting the first activity area verti a unitary multi-purpose stadium. cally. To that end, the first activity area is supported Additionally, in many metropolitan areas, the only within the stadium by a plurality of piers positioned at land available to construct a multi-purpose stadium is the corners of the first and second activity areas. Each parkland. Obviously, if a typical stadium is built in a of the piers includes a hollow column with a continuous park, the park size is diminished thereby promoting 50 slot on the interior face thereof which supports a hy public objection to of the stadium. It is draulic lifting device which vertically moves the first therefore also desirable to provide a stadium which activity area. Alternatively, the first activity area may does not disturb the park environment. be moved vertically by a counterweight system. This system includes a pulley supported to each pier at the OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 55 top thereof. A cable is wound around the pulley with It is a general object of this invention to provide a one end connected to the first activity area and one of multi-purpose stadium. the counterweights being operatively connected to the It is also an object of this invention to provide a multi other end of each cable. The pulley may be activated, purpose stadium wherein a plurality of events may and hence, the first activity area may be raised or low occur in the stadium simultaneously. 60 ered by use of electric motors and/or by water tanks It is another object of this invention to provide a incorporated into the counterweight wherein water is multi-purpose stadium having an activity area which added to or removed from the water tanks. includes a natural turf playing field that can be stored The multi-purpose stadium also includes a spectator outdoors to promote the maintenance and health of the viewing area for viewing events occurring in either of turf. 65 the first and/or second activity areas. The spectator It is yet another object of this invention to provide a viewing area includes an upper seating level, an inter means of allowing the use of natural turf in a multi-pur mediate seating level, and a lower seating level. The pose stadium without the limitations in multi-purpose intermediate seating level includes a plurality of sky 5,103,600 3 4. boxes. Due to the design of this stadium, the first activ FIG. 3 is a top plan view taken along line 3-3 of ity area moves independently of the spectator viewing FIG. 1. area. Furthermore, an additional mid-level seating area FIG. 4 is a top plan view illustrating a preferred may be incorporated into the platform truss structure embodiment of one of the piers supporting one of the supporting the first activity area. hydraulic lifting devices of this invention. In order to alter the configuration of each activity FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the multi-pur area so that a variety of events may take place therein, pose stadium of this invention illustrating a counter the platform is movable with respect to the second weight system being used to raise and lower the first activity area between a lower position, a middle posi activity area. tion, and an upper position. In the platform lower posi 10 FIG. 6 is a front elevational view illustrating a pre tion, the first activity area is positioned directly above ferred embodiment of the platform for the first activity the second activity area such that a event in the first area being positioned for use as a football field with activity area may be viewed by spectators in the inter respect to the upper seating level and additional mid mediate and upper seating levels. In the platform middle level seating which can be incorporated into the plat position, the first activity area is positioned between the 15 form truss structure. intermediate and upper seating levels such that an event FIG. 7 is a front elevational view illustrating a pre in the first activity area may be viewed by spectators in ferred embodiment of the platform for the first activity the upper seating level and an event in the second activ area being positioned for use as a soccer field with re ity level may be viewed simultaneously by spectators in spect to the upper seating level and additional mid-level the lower and intermediate seating levels. In the plat 20 seating which can be incorporated into the platform form upper position, the first activity area encloses an truss structure, opening in the roof of the stadium such that the natural FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the multi-purpose sta turf playing surface is stored in a remote position from dium of this invention being used as a baseball field and the stadium interior and an event in the second activity further illustrating the first activity area being raised to area may be viewed by spectators in the lower, interme 25 an upper position. diate and upper seating levels. Since the first activity FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the multi-pur area may be moved to other vertical positions, an unlim pose stadium of FIG. 8. ited amount of seating arrangements is possible. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE In order to maximize the utilization of the stadium PREFERRED EMBODIMENT space, the second activity area may be partitioned by a 30 dividing wall into a first lower arena and a second lower Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, a multi-purpose stadium arena. The additional equipment necessary for the first is illustrated which includes a first activity area or play and second lower arenas may also be stored within the ing field 1 which is vertically supported above a second platform supporting the first activity area. activity area 13. The first activity area preferably in Additionally, in order to permit the activities in the 35 cludes a playing field composed of earth and natural first activity area to take place under a variety of condi grass. As a result thereof, the first activity area is suit tions, the stadium includes a retractable roof having an able for events such as baseball, soccer and football as opening therein positioned generally above the first well as possibly track and field meets, etc. activity area. This opening may be covered by a trans The first activity area is supported by a platform truss parent membrane to allow maximum heat gain into the structure 2, the upper surface of which forms the first first activity area. Alternatively, the opening may be activity area. The platform truss structure is supported covered by a translucent, highly reflective fabric to in turn by four piers 3 at each of the four corners of the minimize heat gain into the first activity area. As afore first activity area 1. As shown in FIG. 4, these piers may mentioned, the opening may be covered by the first consist of a hollow column 4 with a continuous slot 5 on activity area in the platform upper position such that the 45 the interior face thereof which allows to be supported first activity area is stored at the opening, thus allowing on a hydraulic lifting device 6. The hydraulic lifting an enclosed facility. device is similar to that used to lift oil rig platforms. As such, a multi-purpose stadium is provided which These piers have adequate capacity to resist the hori permits a number of events to occur simultaneously in a zontal forces transmitted upon them by the first activity unitary structure, and in addition, allows for spectator 50 area 1 and the platform truss 2. sightlines to be satisfied regardless of the events taking Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5, the first activity place in each area. Furthermore, these events can occur area 1 may be moved vertically by a counterweight in the vertically movable first activity area regardless of system. This system includes a pulley 25 supported to the weather conditions outside. each pier 3 at the top 27 thereof. A cable 28 is wound 55 around each pulley with the first activity area 1 and BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGs counterweight 29 operatively connected to the ends 28a The following detailed description, given by way of and 28b, respectively, of the cable. The pulley may be example but not intended to limit the invention solely to activated, and hence, the first activity area may be the specific embodiments described, may best be under raised or lowered by use of electric motors (not shown) stood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings 60 or by water tanks 31 incorporated into each counter in which: " . weight wherein water is added to or removed from the FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a preferred embodiment water tank to adjust the weight of the counterweight. of the multi-purpose stadium of this invention illustrat The multi-purpose stadium also includes a spectator ing in solid lines an intermediate position of the platform viewing area for viewing events occurring in either of truss structure and in broken lines the lower and upper 65 the first and/or second activity areas The spectator positions of the platform truss structure. viewing area includes an upper seating level 8, interme FIG. 2 is a top plan view taken along the line 2-2 of diate seating level 10, and a lower seating level 11. The FIG. 1. intermediate seating level includes a plurality of sky

5,103,600 5 6 boxes 9. Due to the design of this stadium, the first roof opening, two roofs can be stored, one of transpar activity area moves independently of any of the specta ent film and the other of a highly reflective fabric. In tor viewing areas except perhaps additional mid-level this manner, the roof can be open, or in the winter, the seating 30 incorporated in the platform truss structure roof opening may be covered with a transparent film Supporting the first activity area, as will be described in 5 thus maximizing heat gain into the first activity area, or more detail below. in the summer, the roof opening may be covered with a As a result of the hydraulic lifting system 6 (FIG. 4), translucent highly reflective fabric to maximize heat or alternatively counterweight system (FIG. 5), the first reflection. activity area can be placed in any vertical position rela In another preferred embodiment, by supporting off tive to the second activity area (and likewise, the spec 10 of an external lattice framework 19, the retractable roof tator viewing areas) to allow sightlines to be satisfied can be a tensile structure retracting into the storage for the variety of events occurring in the first and sec compartments 18. Additionally, the roof can be a fixed ond activity areas. In an upper position of the platform transparent roof of film or glass with reflective or designated as (a) in FIG. 1, the platform area encloses opaque horizontal curtains used to control sunlight. the opening between the roof canopy membrane 7 be 15 With the first activity field which provides for a natu tween the piers 3 and further provides a canopy for the ral turf playing field in its upper or intermediate position upper seating level 8. In this upper position, the second and with the seating levels 10, 11 and 12 all or partially activity area 13 is enclosed with an opaque roof and retracted below the upper level seating 8, the arena spectators in the upper seating level 8, the intermediate floor 30 (see FIG. 1) of the second activity area can be seating level 10 including sky boxes 9 and the lower 20 used for a convention center or trade floor. With the seating level 11 may view the event taking place first activity area 1 in its upper position, the retractable therein. roof can be deployed and, if a lenticular roof is utilized, In a middle position of the platform designated as (b) the cells may be brought together and the interior space in FIG. 1, an event occurring in the first activity area 1, above the first activity area would be pressurized thus such as track and field and soccer (see FIG. 3), may be 25 viewed by spectators in the upper seating level 8. Simul allowing for an enclosed natural turf practice field at taneously therewith, events may take place in the sec the top of the stadium. Moreover, in the upper position ond activity area 13. The event occurring in the second of the platform, the natural turf playing field of the first activity area may be viewed by spectators seated in the activity area can extend exteriorly of the multi-purpose lower and intermediate seating levels 10 and 11. In 30 stadium such that a practice session may take place order to maximize the versatility of the second activity outdoors on natural turf. area 13, it may be separated by a soundproof dividing As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the multi-purpose sta wall 15 into two separate arenas or theaters, providing dium can be utilized for a baseball field as well. In this for a first lower arena 20 with an arena floor 20a and a case, in addition to piers 3 supporting the field 1, cables second lower arena 16 with an arena floor 16a. The 35 21 support the playing field 1. These cables can remain dividing wall 15 as well as the additional equipment in position to support the screen in back of home plate necessary for the two lower arenas, such as the extra or can be retracted to the top of the roof when the seating for the individual lower arenas and the theater platform is in its lower position. With the platform in its stage in the second lower arena, may be stored within a upper position supporting the natural turf playing field storage compartment within the platform truss struc 40 it is possible to play baseball indoors by having a hy ture 2. draulically activated field with artificial turf 22 lifted In a lower position of the platform designated as (c) in into position (see FIG. 9). Alternatively, as aforedes FIG. 1, the first activity area 1 is now in such a position cribed, a retractable roof 17 which is either translucent that the intermediate seating level 10 may be moved and/or transparent may be employed depending upon from a retracted position to a position adjacent to the 45 the desired playing conditions and/or outdoor weather playing field thus allowing field events, such as baseball, conditions. soccer, football, and track and field to be viewed by Since in many metropolitan areas, the only land avail spectators seated in the upper seating level 8 and the able to build such a multi-purpose stadium is park land, intermediate seating level 10. the design of this multi-purpose stadium retains the Alternatively, if the field is to be used for soccer 50 enhanced environmental qualities of a park. By treating and/or football, additional mid-level seating 40 may be the sloping surface of the fixed roof of the stadium as a built into the platform and together with the field form terraced berm with the planting of trees and bushes 23 a bowl which is more efficient structurally. The field (FIG. 9), the stadium can be treated as a landscaped may be moved relative to the edges of the bowl allow mountain or hill with a flattop having a natural turf ing for site lines to be satisfied for soccer as well as 55 playing field for events such as baseball, soccer, or football (see FIGS. 6 and 7). In this case, the mid-level football. The first activity area may nonetheless be seating is used with the first activity area being verti moved into its other positions within the stadium inte cally moved generally to a middle position. rior. Accordingly, for the balance of the events, the Additionally, in order to permit the activities in the stadium can form a portion of the park with the lower first activity area to take place under a variety of 60 arenas being used for the multi-purpose activities. Such weather conditions, the multi-purpose stadium includes a structure hence mitigates the environmental impact of a retractable roof having an opening therein which is building such a stadium in a metropolitan area. positioned generally above the first activity area. In the While the invention has been particularly shown and middle and lower positions of the platform, the events described with reference to certain preferred embodi occurring therein can be still held indoors by deploying 65 ments, it will be readily appreciated by those of ordi a lenticular air inflated roof 17 which may be stored in nary skill in the art that various changes and modifica compartments 18 located at either side of the roof open tions may be made without departing from the spirit and ing. Since storage space is present at either end of the scope of the invention. It is intended that the appended 5,103,600 7 8 claims be interpreted as including the foregoing as well 11. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 10 wherein as various other such changes and modifications. said first activity area is supported within the stadium What is claimed is: by a plurality of piers. 1. A multi-purpose stadium comprising a first activity 12. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 11 wherein area and a second activity area, at least a portion of 5 each said pier includes a hollow column with a continu which is positioned directly below said first activity ous slot on the interior face thereof which supports said area in a fixed position; a seating area located around at hydraulic means. least the perimeter of the portion of the second activity 13. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 1 wherein area positioned below the first area and the correspond said first activity area is vertically movable with respect ing position of the first activity area; said first activity 10 to said second activity area by a counterweight system. area being vertically movable with respect to said sec 14. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 13 wherein ond activity area allowing for spectator sightlines to be said counterweight system includes a plurality of coun satisfied from said seating area for simultaneous events terweights operatively connected to said first activity occurring within said first and second activity areas area with each counterweight being connected to a when said first activity area is in a position vertically 5 cable wound around a pulley supported to one of a above and spaced a predetermined distance from said plurality of piers which in turn support first activity second activity area. 2622. 2. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 1 wherein said 15. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 1 and further first activity area is supported above said second activ including a spectator viewing area for viewing events ity area on an upper surface of a vertically movable 20 occurring in either of said first and second activity platform. area.S. 3. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 2 wherein said 16. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 15 wherein first activity area includes a natural turf playing field. said first activity area moves vertically independent of 4. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 1 and further said spectator viewing area. including a roof having a retractable opening positioned 25 17. A multi-purpose stadium comprising a first activ generally above said first activity area. ity area and a second activity area, at least a portion of 5. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 4 wherein said which is positioned directly below said first activity opening is covered by a transparent membrane to allow area, said first activity area being vertically movable maximum heat gain into said first activity area. 30 with respect to said second activity area allowing for 6. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 4 wherein said spectator sightlines to be satisfied for simultaneous opening is covered by a translucent highly reflective events occurring within said first and second activity fabric to minimize heat gain into said first activity area. areas; and a spectator viewing area for viewing events 7. A multi-purpose stadium comprising the first activ occurring in either of said first and second activity ity area and a second activity area, at least a portion of 35 areas; said spectator viewing area including mid-level which is positioned directly below said first activity seating which can be made part of a vertically movable area, said first activity area being vertically movable platform supporting said first activity area above said with respect to said second activity area allowing for second activity area. spectator sightlines to be satisfied for simultaneous 18. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 15 wherein events occurring within said first and second areas; and 40 said spectator viewing area includes an upper seating a roof having a retractable opening positioned generally level, an intermediate seating level, and a lower seating above said first activity area; said opening being cov level. ered by said first activity area. 19. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 18 wherein 8. A multi-purpose stadium comprising the first activ said intermediate seating level includes a plurality of sky ity area and a second activity area, at least a portion of 45 boxes. which is positioned directly below said first activity 20. A multi-purpose stadium comprising a first activ area, said first activity area being vertically movable ity area and a second activity area, at least a portion of with respect to said second activity area allowing for which is positioned directly below said first activity spectator sightlines to be satisfied for simultaneous area, said first activity area being vertically movable events occurring within said first and second areas; and 50 with respect to said second activity area allowing for a roof having a retractable opening positioned generally spectator sightlines to be satisfied for simultaneous above said first activity area; said opening being cov events occurring within said first and second activity ered a fixed transparent film with reflective horizontal areas; and a spectator viewing area for viewing events curtains used to control sunlight. occurring in either of said first and second activity 9. A multi-purpose stadium comprising the first activ 55 areas; said spectator viewing area including an upper ity area and a second activity area, at least a portion of seating level, an intermediate level, and a lower seating which is positioned directly below said first activity level; said first activity area being movable with respect area, said first activity area being vertically movable to said second activity area between a lower position, a with respect to said second activity area allowing for middle position and an upper position. spectator sightlines to be satisfied for simultaneous 60 21. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 20 wherein in events occurring within said first and second areas; and said lower position, said first activity area is positioned a roof having a retractable opening positioned generally directly above said second activity area such that an above said first activity area; said opening being cov event in said first activity area is viewed by spectators in ered by a fixed transparent glass with opaque horizontal said intermediate and upper seating levels. curtains used to control sunlight. 65 22. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 21 wherein 10. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 1 wherein said intermediate seating level is movable from a re said first activity area is vertically movable with respect tracted position to a position adjacent to said first activ to said second activity area by hydraulic means. ity area.

5,103,600 10 23. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 21 wherein 36. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 35 wherein said lower seating level may be moved to a retracted said first viewing area moves vertically independent of position underneath said upper seating level such that said spectator viewing area. said first activity area may be positioned directly above 37. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 35 wherein said second activity area. said spectator viewing area includes mid-level seating 24. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 20 wherein in which can be made part of said platform. said middle position, said first activity area is positioned 38. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 35 wherein between said intermediate and upper seating levels such said spectator viewing area includes an upper seating that an event in said first activity area is viewed by level, an intermediate seating level, and a lower seating spectators in said upper seating level and an event in 10 level. said second activity level is viewed simultaneously by 39. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 38 wherein spectators in said lower and intermediate seating levels. said intermediate seating level includes a plurality of sky 25. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 20 wherein in boxes. said upper position, said first activity area encloses the 40. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 38 wherein stadium and an event in said second activity area is 15 said platform is movable with respect to said second viewed by spectators in said lower, intermediate and activity area between a lower position, a middle posi upper seating levels. tion, and an upper position. 26. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 1 wherein 41. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 40 wherein in said second activity area may be partitioned by a divid said platform lower position, said first activity area is ing wall into a first lower arena and a second lower 20 positioned directly above said second activity area such aea. that an event in said first activity area is viewed by 27. The multi-purpose stadium comprising a first spectators in said intermediate and upper seating levels. activity area and a second activity area, at least a por 42. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 41 wherein tion of which is positioned directly below said first said lower seating level can be moved to a retracted activity area, said first activity area being vertically 25 positioned underneath said upper seating level such that movable with respect to said second activity area allow said first activity area is positioned directly above said ing for spectator sightlines to be satisfied for simulta second activity area. neous events occurring within said first and second 43. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 41 wherein activity areas; said second activity area being parti 30 said intermediate seating level is movable from a re tioned by a dividing wall into a first lower arena and a tracted position to a position adjacent to said first activ second lower arena; and equipment for said first and ity area. second lower arenas being stored within a platform 44. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 40 wherein in supporting said first activity area. said platform middle position, said first activity area is 28. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 26 wherein 35 positioned between said intermediate and upper seating simultaneous events may occur in said first activity area levels such that an event in said first activity area is and said first and second lower arenas. viewed by spectators in said upper seating level and an 29. A multi-purpose stadium comprising a roof cover event in said second activity level is viewed simulta ing the stadium having a retractable roof opening; a first neously by spectators in said lower and intermediate activity area in alignment generally with said roof open seating levels. ing and having a natural turf playing field and a second 45. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 40 wherein in activity area positioned below said first activity area, said platform upper position, said first activity area said first activity area being supported on a platform encloses said opening such that said natural turf playing vertically movable with respect to said second activity field is stored in a remote position from the stadium area allowing for spectator sightlines to be satisfied for 45 interior and an event in said second activity area is events occurring within said first and second activity viewed by spectators in said lower, intermediate and aeaS. upper seating levels. 30. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 29 wherein 46. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 29 wherein said roof opening is covered by a transparent membrane simultaneous events may occur in said first and second to allow maximum heat gain into said first activity area. 50 activity areas. 31. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 29 wherein 47. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 29 wherein said opening is covered by a translucent highly reflec said first activity area is vertically movable with respect tive fabric to minimize heat gain into said first activity to said second activity area by hydraulic means. area. 48. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 47 wherein 32. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 29 wherein 55 said first activity area is supported within the stadium said opening is covered by a fixed transparent film with by a plurality of piers. reflective horizontal curtains used to control sunlight. 49. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 48 wherein 33. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 29 wherein each said pier includes a hollow column with a continu said opening is covered by a fixed transparent glass with ous slot on the interior face thereof which supports said opaque horizontal curtains used to control sunlight. hydraulic means. . 34. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 29 wherein 50. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 29 wherein said roof opening is covered by said platform such that said first activity area is vertically movable with respect said natural turf playing field of said first activity area is to said second activity area by a counterweight system. exposed exteriorly of the stadium. 51. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 50 wherein 35. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 29 and further 65 said counterweight system includes a plurality of coun including a spectator viewing area for viewing the terweights operatively connected to said first activity events occurring in either of said first and second activ area with each counterweight being connected to a ity areas. cable wound around a pulley supported to one of a 5,103,600 11 12 plurality of piers which in turn support said first activity encloses an opening in the roof of the stadium such that 263, said natural turf playing field is supported exteriorly 52. A multi-purpose stadium comprising a first activ from the stadium and an event in said second activity ity area having a natural turf playing field and a second area is viewed by spectators in said lower, intermediate activity area positioned below said first activity area, and upper seating levels. said first activity area being supported on a platform 67. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 52 wherein vertically movable with respect to said second activity said second activity area may be partitioned by a divid area allowing for spectator sightlines to be satisfied for ing wall into a first lower arena and a second lower events occurring within said first and second activity aea. eaS. 10 68. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 67 wherein 53. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 52 wherein equipment for said first and second lower arenas may be said first activity area is vertically movable with respect stored within said platform. to said second activity area by hydraulic means. 69. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 68 wherein 54. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 53 wherein simultaneous events may occur in said first activity area said first activity area is supported within the stadium 15 and said first and second lower arenas. by a plurality of piers. 70. A multi-purpose stadium comprising a first activ 55. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 48 wherein ity area and a second activity area positioned below said each said pier includes a hollow column with a continu first activity area, said first activity area being vertically ous slot on the interior face thereof which supports said movable with respect to said second activity area allow hydraulic means. 20 ing for spectator sightlines to be satisfied for events 56. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 52 wherein occurring within said first and second activity areas; said first activity area is vertically movable with respect and a roof having a retractable opening positioned gen to said second activity area by a counterweight system. erally above said first activity area, which when 57. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 56 wherein opened, is capable of being filled by said first activity 25 said counterweight system includes a plurality of coun aea. terweights operatively connected to said first activity 71. A multi-purpose stadium comprising a first activ area with each counterweight being connected to a ity area and a second activity area positioned below said cable wound around a pulley supported to one of a first activity area, said first activity area being vertically plurality of piers which in turn support said first activity movable with respect to said second activity area allow aea. 30 ing for spectator sightlines to be satisfied for events 58. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 52 and further occurring within said first and second activity areas; including a spectator viewing area for viewing events and a roof having a retractable opening positioned gen occurring in either of said first and second activity erally above said first activity area, said opening being area.S. 59. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 58 wherein 35 covered by a fixed transparent film with reflective hori said first activity area moves vertically independent of zontal curtains used to control sunlight. said spectator viewing area. 72. A multi-purpose stadium comprising a first activ 60. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 58 wherein ity area and a second activity area positioned below said said spectator viewing area includes mid-level seating first activity area, said first activity area being vertically which can be stored within said platform. 40 movable with respect to said second activity area allow 61. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 58 wherein ing for spectator sightlines to be satisfied for events said spectator viewing area includes an upper seating occurring within said first and second activity areas; level, an intermediate seating level, and a lower seating and a roof having a retractable opening positioned gen level. erally above said first activity area, said opening being 62. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 61 wherein 45 covered by a fixed transparent glass with opaque hori said platform is movable with respect to said second zontal curtains used to control sunlight. activity area between a lower position, a middle posi 73. A multi-purpose stadium comprising a first activ tion and an upper position. ity area and a second activity area positioned below said 63. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 62 wherein in first activity area, said first activity area being vertically said platform lower position, said first activity area is 50 movable with respect to said second activity area allow positioned directly above said second activity area such ing for spectator sightlines to be satisfied for events that an event in said first activity area is viewed by occurring within said first and second activity areas; spectators in said intermediate and upper seating levels. and a spectator viewing area for viewing events occur 64. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 63 wherein ring in either of said first and second activity areas, said said lower seating level may be moved to a retracted 55 spectator viewing area including mid-level seating position underneath said upper seating level such that which can be made part of a vertically movable plat said first activity area may be positioned directly above form supporting said first activity area above said sec said second activity area. ond activity area. . 65. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 62 wherein in 74. A multi-purpose stadium comprising a first activ said platform middle position, said first activity area is ity area and a second activity area positioned below said positioned between said intermediate and upper seating first activity area, said first activity area being vertically levels such that an event in said first activity area is movable with respect to said second activity area be viewed by spectators in said upper seating level and an tween a lower position, a middle position and an upper event in said second activity level is viewed simulta position allowing for spectator sightlines to be satisfied neously by spectators in said lower and intermediate 65 for events occurring within said first and second activ seating levels. ity areas; and a spectator viewing area for viewing 66. The multi-purpose stadium of claim 62 wherein in events occurring in either of said first and second activ said platform upper position, said first activity area ity areas, said spectator viewing area including an upper

5,103,600 13 14 seating level, an intermediate seating level, and a lower occurring within said first and second activity areas, seating level. said second activity area being partitioned by a dividing 75. A multi-purpose stadium comprising a first activ wall into a first lower arena and a second lower arena, ity area and a second activity area positioned below said and wherein equipment for said first and second lower first activity area, said first activity area being vertically arenas may be stored within a platform supporting said movable with respect to said second activity area allow first activity area. ing for spectator sightlines to be satisfied for events k k k sk

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