by Terra Anders
Athletic stadiums are often the subject of much ballyhoo. When a new stadium opens up, the architecture, seating capacity, or technological gizmos are often praised as the latest and greatest. People flock to this new attraction to be part of the history of the stadium. But over time, something else flocks to the stadium. They are not interested in the design or technological tools. They could care less about the sculptures carved intricately into the stone ways. They don't‘ even care if the home team wins or loses. They are birds: pigeons, doves, or sparrows to be more specific. Some may call them songbirds or feathered friends, but ball park maintenance teams call them by another name: Pests!
These pest birds are attracted to the open stadiums because of their ongoing supply of crumbs and leftovers, their high rafters for safe roosting, and their vast space for their ever growing flock size. However, lots of birds hanging around means lots of potential headaches for those who are responsible for keeping the stadium clean. Bird droppings on stadium seats, cement concourses, even exterior entryways and concession stands can mean unintended health and sanitation violations. This could result in authorities shutting down a stadium until city inspectors are convinced that the problem won’t repeat itself. The cost of closing down a multi-million dollar stadium could be devastating to annual earnings. Not only does that result in unhappy fans, but angry stockholders as well.
Bird infestations create problems for all kinds of structures, and stadiums are no exception. On a rainy day, bird droppings can become slippery and create a fall hazard or personal injury that could cost management big bucks. In the summer time, the dust created from the droppings could create a carrier for some airborne diseases that bird feces commonly harbor. A new stadium can go from attractive to atrocious in a very short period of time. Perception of the stadium as run-down or messy can really devalue the property quickly. In addition, cleanup costs can tally into the thousands of dollars a year. Finding ways to stop bird infestations before they become a problem is a critical step in the stadium design process.
Many city ordinances have rules and regulations about how you can and cannot get rid of pest birds. Some mandate only humane methods be used to rid a property of birds. The best way to avoid this scenario is to design preventative bird deterrent systems into the construction of the stadium from the early stages. Waiting until the birds have made themselves at home is too late. Architects and engineers often turn to proven bird deterrent experts like Bird-B-Gone. They can evaluate the structure design and the type of birds that are roosting in the area. Once they know the extent of the problem, they will suggest the best, most humane option(s) to design into the stadium decor.
Bird netting can prove to be one of the best options. This polypropylene netting is made with a knotted or unknotted polyethylene mesh. The netting comes in 3/4” (generic for all birds), 1-1/8” (starlings or pigeons), or 2” mesh (pigeons or seagulls). The netting is heavy-duty and UV stabilized to last up to 10 years without deteriorating. It shuts off the favorite bird roosting spots and the frustrated flyers are likely forced to find other accommodations. The best part is that it is almost completely invisible so it will let all the pizazz of the stadium design details shine through.
The cost of outfitting a large athletic stadium with bird netting is cost effective, but could be up to a few thousand dollars (depending on size of stadium). Still, the cost for weekly cleanup, including materials, labor and customer dissatisfaction could be many times greater. Building bird deterrent systems into the stadium at conception is sure to be a home-run for the home team fans.
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