Toadvine Blog

The sports you attend and enjoy with your family are always put together by hard working, and often unrecognized individuals. Athletic Administrators ensure the safety of multiple teams, assist in finding the best quality equipment, and provide continuing development for their program. March 21-24 will mark the 47th Annual State Conference for the Indiana Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association(IIAAA) in Indianapolis. This conference gives Athletic Administrators an opportunity to learn more about leadership tactics and quality products. Good leadership requires constant learning and growth, and this year Toadvine is excited to be a part of it.

With over 300 athletic directors attending throughout the state of Indiana, the conference offers an opportunity to learn more about topics such as legal issues, dealing with challenging personalities, strategies, principles and methods; but with a personal touch. The mission of the IIAAA is to "Provide a multitude of quality opportunities for Indiana student-athletes. Toward that aim, the IIAAA will promote leadership and education among athletic directors while serving as catalysts in networking with affiliated agencies."

We have enjoyed attending this event over the past few years, and hope you will stop by booth 93 and say hello to Vince Pellegrino, who has the opportunity to represent us this year.

An opportunity to understand the people we work with is one of our top priorities; we want to get to know you better, and we hope you join us at the conference!

Many schools and organizations face issues when trying to accommodate a variety of activities and events that all happen under one roof. With limited space available for basketball games, school plays, and other after school happenings, space and proper seating can sometimes be a problem.

Toadvine has your solution. Portable bleachers can provide many benefits and tremendous flexibility when your facility is limited on space and storage. Portable bleachers from Dant Clayton offer numerous custom seating layout options with practical storage solutions. Some of the other advantages of portable bleachers include:

• Easy to move and store
• Portable platforms
• Custom seating layout for varying events
• Option to add locking floor pintels for extra safety and security
• Freestanding option
• Design flexibility for facilities with no wall loading capabilities
• Rubber foot padding for gym floor protection
• Lightweight

When you need to maximize floor space in your multipurpose facility, we are here to help. For more information on how Toadvine can transform your space with portable bleacher seating, fill out our quick quote form and tell us a little bit about your needs. One of our representatives will get in contact with you soon.

When designing and building your grandstand bleacher project, there are many decisions that go into creating the master plan. We have created a visual comparison of Dant Clayton, the brand Toadvine uses for all bleacher projects, and Brand X, a generic brand of bleacher seating. Here are just a few of the design and performance differences we came across in our comparison.

Interlocking Deck vs. Welded Deck

When choosing the most secure way to construct your bleacher system, would you choose an interlocking deck or a welded deck? Interlocking deck systems frequently pose difficulties with structural separation and seat connection. Welded decking systems provide a structural double lock seat support connection and less potential for debris and trash to accumulate in open spaces and create a visually distressed looking seating system.

Nut Runner vs. Double Lock Deck Pieces

It might not seem like a big deal initially to decide how your seating will be secured underneath, but our comparison shows the distinct difference between the two types of locking systems and the difficulties that can emerge when short cuts are taken and corners are cut on ensuring the safety of your bleachers. Our visual examples show you the distinct advantages of a tight structural connection and how they can effect decking stability.

Open Channels vs. No Open Channels

Having a few open channels in your decking and bleacher seating may seem routine, but our visual examples will show how open channels affect not only the overall stability of your system, but can also completely transform the look of your system when trash is not allowed to accumulate inside those open channels.

For a closer look at how these features can affect your bleacher seating, click here to download our free offer and find out how Toadvine and Dant Clayton can help resolve any difficulties in your bleacher seating before they arise. At Toadvine, our focus is on building and maintaining quality products. Click here if you would like a quote on quality products for your next project.

Bleachers are the most affordable form of mass seating and are used by schools around the country. However, this type of seating can come with a larger price tag if not maintained properly. With schools getting older and budgets sometimes getting smaller, bleachers in gymnasiums and stadiums are oftentimes ignored and do not go through necessary safety and maintenance checks. While the seating in your school remains the same, safety requirements continue to change.

The Problem Exists

Over 15,000 children under the age of 15 are injured each year by bleacher seating. This has prompted many state lawmakers to publish guidelines on retrofitting and updated existing bleachers to help lessen this number and prevent children from injury. These guidelines include a required maintenance inspection every year to ensure that your indoor or outdoor seating is safe and up to current regulations.

Is Your School Liable?

The truth is that if a school has not had its bleachers inspected by a certified service technician or has not done the required maintenance, then that school is likely to be found liable for any injury. The problems that cause these injuries are not always easy to see. Some of the issues that create a liability for schools include:

• Gaps in the floor or sides
• Poorly secured guardrails or handrails
• Lack of required guardrails or handrails
• Lack of required safety signage
• Poorly secured bleachers
• Failure to obtain maintenance inspection
• Slippery areas either dry or wet
• Debris or overhanging trees

If an accident were to occur on your indoor or outdoor bleacher seating, your school could be found liable for negligence. If a public school has events, such as sporting or music events that require school seating to be used, then the premises of the public event could be found liable. In a case where a school is privately owned, the owner of the property could be liable of an accident.

What Can Your School Do

In order to protect your school from liability issues and, more importantly, ensure the safety of your students, you have to make sure your bleachers are regularly maintained. When was your last inspection? Are you due for another one?

Toadvine Enterprises offers a maintenance and inspection program that takes the hassle of maintaining bleachers off of schools. Toadvine also offers yearly contracts to ensure that you never miss a required inspection. Learn more about our Vine & Branch maintenance and inspection program here.

Closure Panels are a finishing element added to a grandstand or bleacher that adds not only safety and maintenance benefits, but also a finishing touch that makes a lasting impression. Closure Panels are often added to stairs, ramps, elevated walkways, handicap areas, mid-cross aisles, and press boxes to complete the look and provide added functionality and safety.

There are several different types of closure systems to choose from including:

Architectural Panels. This system offers a classic, rich masonry texture look to enclose the exposed structure of stadium elements. With the look of real bricks, your facility will receive a classic ballpark aesthetic at a fraction of the cost.

Poly Panels. This non-corrosive, impact-resistant Poly Panel System is made of 100% recycled material and serves to conceal cross braces and framing material with solid, flat panels to give the stadium a more polished look. Aside from the aesthetic appeal, this system also enhances revenue generation by increasing the ability to affix sponsor/donor signage or logos. It also promotes safety by eliminating under-bleacher access, and increases function by lowering time and expense of clean up under bleachers. Choose from 10 standard colors.

Aluminum. This is the most cost-effective way to enclose your bleachers and decrease maintenance costs while also increasing traffic control abilities. These powder coated systems visually enhance the overall look of the grandstand while displaying team colors and projecting team colors.

Whatever your needs may be, Toadvine Enterprises can help you secure a closure system that will boost your visual presence. Contact us to learn more.