The Murrayfield stadium in Scotland, home to the Scottish National Rugby team, has a capacity of 67,000 people and relies on Otis’ six elevator units and expert service.
In the world of sports, every second counts – whether it’s a game-winning play as the game clock ticks down, or the thousands of fans arriving just in time for the opening whistle. Behind the scenes, Otis elevators and escalators play a crucial role in ensuring fans, players and staff can move efficiently and safely across multiple levels and locations in some of the world’s most iconic sports arenas.
From football and baseball stadiums in the U.S. to world-class soccer or tennis venues in Europe and beyond, stadiums are complex structures requiring cutting-edge elevator and escalator solutions. And Otis teams around the world are experts in stadium environments – handling installation, modernizing older equipment and servicing existing elevators and escalators to ensure sports fans can move safely, freely and quickly throughout these high-traffic venues.
“Stadiums present unique challenges that standard commercial buildings don’t,” said Dirk Winkelhake, Senior Director of Global Infrastructure. “You’re dealing with massive crowds, peak-time surges, VIP access requirements, and the need for safety and reliability during major events.”
Watch this video to learn how Otis delivers reliable mobility at Murrayfield stadium in Scotland.
To tackle these challenges, Otis expert teams offer advanced solutions for your stadium project such as:
- Our Gen3™ range of elevators featuring patented coated steel belts monitored by our Pulse™ system transport passengers, players, coaches, and media personnel safely and reliably to and from locker rooms and press boxes.
- Heavy-duty freight elevators such as the Otis Gen3 Robust, designed to move large quantities of heavy-duty equipment, catering supplies and merchandise.
- The Otis Public Escalator, our flagship infrastructure product, which meets the demands of high-traffic areas and is integrated with advanced technology that makes travel seamless, efficient and reliable.
- Smart predictive maintenance technology, including the Otis ONE™ digital platform that combines our expertise in collecting and analyzing data with the power of the Internet of Things (IoT) to minimize disruptions and shutdowns, increase uptime and provide faster maintenance interventions.
Otis elevator and escalator modernization packages deliver seamless fan flow
An aging stadium can feel like it’s stuck in a time warp. Just like outdated audiovisual equipment, seating and other amenities can dampen fan experiences, as infrastructure systems and equipment age, the demand for safer, smarter and more accessible and connected mobility solutions becomes even more critical. Elevator and escalator modernizations incorporate advanced technologies to transform legacy systems in stadiums into modern transportation means that provide safe, accessible and memorable journeys for fans.
Elevator upgrades
When it’s time to upgrade elevators, Otis Gen3 MOD packages replace key components with new features. This may include the introduction of the coated steel belts on compact gearless machines that are 80% smaller than traditional geared and combined with advanced permanent magnet motor technology, for safer, smoother and more comfortable rides. Additionally, Otis ONE connectivity provides constant monitoring of the system in real time and the Otis ReGen™ drive feeds electrical energy back into the facility power grid during braking which can then be used to drive other equipment in the building.
Otis’ Compass 360™ destination dispatching technology allows customers to create custom experiences for VIP guests with special access to express elevators. Otis teams will help assess how this technology can be integrated with a stadium’s security system to deliver an even more seamless passenger experience from the moment guests arrive.
Escalator modernization
For escalator modernization, Otis offers an innovative mini moving skirt, self-adjusting handrail and a smart, proactive control system that is paired with the Otis ONE digital platform. Customizable aesthetic options including a variety of colors for handrails and programmable glass balustrades create unique experiences during game days or special events.
Connected service
With Otis ONE IoT technology, facility management and Otis technicians have access to real-time elevator and escalator performance information, enabling predictive maintenance and faster response times helping to make game-day experiences better. Otis also offers dedicated on-site support so there’s always an elevator expert – often the one who regularly maintains the equipment and is most familiar with it – at key events, ready to intervene if needed.
Accessible solutions
Otis elevators and escalators are not just about accommodating large crowds. They also provide mobility solutions to those with physical, cognitive or sensory barriers. Otis’ advanced elevator systems can be equipped with optional features that enhance accessibility, such as braille or auditory prompts for people with low or no vision, more spacious cabins, and lower control panels and intuitive controls. These features are crucial for individuals using wheelchairs, families with strollers, or anyone who might need a little extra help getting around.
Our comprehensive suite of solutions help stadiums tackle the real challenges faced when their facilities and legacy equipment begin to show age and are in more frequent need of repair. With modern mobility solutions such as connected IoT services and dispatching technology, stadium operators gain peace of mind knowing their elevators and escalators are ready for game day.
