AN ENTERTAINMENT VENUE

Abstract

An entertainment venue comprising a performance area and a spectator area surrounding the performance area, wherein the spectator area includes a static spectator portion and a dynamic spectator portion, the dynamic spectator portion including a track substrate defining a continuous loop around the performance area, a plurality of spectator pods adapted for movement around the loop relative to the track substrate; and a platform located adjacent to the track substrate, wherein each pod is spaced from and not physically connected to a neighbouring pod; and each pod includes at least one proximity sensor connected to a controller, the controller being adapted to maintain a predetermined minimum spacing between adjacent pods when the pods are in motion and/or detect a foreign object located between adjacent pods

Claims

1. An entertainment venue comprising a performance area and a spectator area surrounding the performance area, wherein the spectator area includes a static spectator portion and a dynamic spectator portion, the dynamic spectator portion including a track substrate defining a continuous loop around the performance area, a plurality of spectator pods adapted for movement around the loop relative to the track substrate; and a platform located adjacent to the track substrate, wherein each pod is spaced from and not physically connected to a neighbouring pod; and each pod includes at least one proximity sensor connected to a controller, the controller being adapted to maintain a predetermined minimum spacing between adjacent pods when the pods are in motion and/or detect a foreign object located between adjacent pods.

2. The entertainment venue according to claim 1, wherein each pod includes a drive train comprising a power source and a motor connected to the power source.

3. The entertainment venue according to claim 2, wherein each pod power source is a rechargeable power source

4. The entertainment venue according to claim 2, wherein the motor is controlled by an output from the controller and the controller has a drive output wherein the motor drives the pod at a constant speed and an emergency output wherein the motor is stopped.

5. The entertainment venue according to claim 2, wherein the controller is adapted to maintain a predetermined minimum spacing between adjacent pods when the pods are in motion.

6. The entertainment venue according to claim 2, wherein the track substrate carries at least one rail in the form of a continuous loop or it defines a path along which the pods are adapted to move.

7. The entertainment venue according to claim 1, wherein the platform is elevationally higher than the track substrate.

8. The entertainment venue according to claim 1, wherein each pod includes an access opening having a floor which is elevationally aligned with the platform.

9. The entertainment venue according to claim 1, wherein each pod includes one or more seats located therein.

Description

[0029] An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an entertainment venue incorporating a dynamic spectator area according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 2 is a close-up view of the entertainment venue of FIG. 1;

[0032] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a pod for use in the dynamic spectator area according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 4 is a further perspective view of the pod of FIG. 3 illustrating the entry pathway to the pod;

[0034] FIG. 5 is a further perspective view of the pod of FIG. 3 illustrating the exit pathway from the pod;

[0035] FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the pod of FIG. 3 illustrating the seatback video screens;

[0036] FIG. 7 is a detailed view of the pod of FIG. 3 illustrating the folding tables; and

[0037] FIG. 8 is a detailed view of a folding table shown in FIG. 7 illustrating the stowable video screen.

[0038] FIGS. 1 and 2 show an event venue incorporating a dynamic spectator area according to an embodiment of the present invention. The event venue of the present embodiment comprises a sports field 1 surrounded by a first static spectator area in the form of a lower tier 2 of fixed seating and a second static spectator area in the form of an upper tier 3 of fixed seating. Between the lower tier 2 and the upper tier 3 of static seating is provided a track substrate 4 which defines a substantially planar path in the form of a continuous loop around the sports field 1. The path carries a plurality of pods 5 in accordance with the present invention. The pods 5 are individually motorised to circulate around the stadium on the track substrate 4 so that the occupants of the pods 5 experience a continuously changing view of the sports field 1.

[0039] During an active phase of the sports event (i.e. when the game or match is in play), the pods 5 rotate around the loop defined by the track substrate 4. Where the sports field is a football (soccer) field and the track substrate 4 has a length of 800 m, it is desired that the pods each complete a single circuit of the loop in a 45 minute period (i.e. one half of the match). In this case, the pods will move at a constant speed of 800 m in 45 minutes or 1.067 kph. It will be appreciated that for longer loops, the pods will have to move relatively quicker to complete the lap within 45 minutes and for shorter loops, the pods will move at a relatively slower speed.

[0040] Each pod 5 includes wheels (not shown) on its underside and an electric motor which enable the pod 5 to travel along the path defined by the track substrate 4 under its own power. Energy for the motor is provided by a rechargeable battery arrangement (also not shown). The speed of the motor is controlled by a controller (not shown). Each pod 5 further includes a sensor located within the leading side portion (i.e. the side portion of the pod 5 which leads the pod when in motion) which maintains a minimum spacing between the pod and the adjacent pod in front of it when the pods are moving.

[0041] Referring now to FIGS. 3 to 5, each pod 5 comprises a plurality of seats 6, in this embodiment ten seats in two rows of five. The front row of seats 6 is lower than the rear row in order that the spectators seated in the rear row can see over the heads of those in the front row. The pod 5 has a front panel 7 which is in the form of an electronic advertising display for displaying advertising to the interior of the stadium.

[0042] Adjacent to the track substrate 4 and located radially outwards from it is an elevated platform 8. The platform 8 permits spectators to walk between the pods 5 or to exit the dynamic spectator area, as indicated by the arrow A. Spectator exits 9 are provided at intervals along the platform 8. A spectator boarding the pod 5 steps from the platform 8 onto a boarding platform 10 of the pod 5, as indicated by the arrow B. The boarding platform 10 is elevationally aligned with the platform 8. To exit the pod 5, the spectator steps from the boarding platform 10 onto the platform 8 and through one of the spectator exits 9, as indicated by the arrow C. During boarding or exit of the pod 5, the pod 5 maintains a constant speed.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 6, each of the seats 6 of the front row is provided with a video screen 11 for use by the spectators seated in the back row. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, folding tables 12 are provided for each seat to support drinks or snacks. The folding tables 12 of the front row include a stowable video screen 12 for use by the spectators of the front row.

[0044] In use, the pods 5 circulate around the stadium on the track 4, so that the spectators in the seats 6 have a 360 degree view of the sports field 1 over the period of one circuit of the track. The speed of the pods 5 is relatively low so that the spectators are able to board and leave at will in the same way as for fixed seating.

[0045] In summary, a dynamic spectator area for an audience at an entertainment venue comprises a plurality of seating pods 5 provided on a track substrate 4 which forms a continuous loop around the entertainment venue. The seating pods 5 are motorised for continuous movement along the track substrate 4 around the entertainment venue.

[0046] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of them mean “including but not limited to”, and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0047] Features, integers, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments.