SPACIOTEMPO HAS TUNNEL VISION FOR FOOTBALL STADIA

The tunnels – which create a safe and sheltered showpiece entrance for players - are currently enjoying nationwide success and exposure in a number of professional clubs including Stoke City, Arsenal and Blackburn Rovers of the Premiership as well as Championship clubs Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest. 

The latest to recognise their potential are a series of semi-professional sides including: Blue Square team, Chelmsford City; Shamrock Rovers from the league of Ireland; Annan Athletic to mark its entry in to the Scottish football league and Cliftonville FC from the IFA Premiership (Northern Ireland).

The benefits of retractable tunnels are widespread, not only for player protection, but lucrative sponsorship opportunities. Branded with sponsors’ logos they become the focal point of attention as the players walk out on to the pitch in anticipation of the start of the game.

The range consists of five models of varying sizes with widths from 1 – 12m and heights from 2 – 4m. The lighter Ready Box 1 range consists of a standard and extra model which varies in specification according to the customers requirements. Both can be installed using rubber tyres that work without the need for the ground rail system, helping keep costs to a minimum.

The Readybox 2 also features two units both benefiting from bigger overall dimensions for larger applications. Nylon wheels run smoothly along the surface or sunken track way, which incorporates a lift-proof system to ensure the box remains firmly secured to the ground. On some applications they can be used with the rubber tyre option.

The Readybox 3 is the newest and biggest product in the range and offers a sturdier option combined with a greater height for larger capacity operations.

All units can stand independently, but, in general, for sporting applications they connect to the doors leading out from the stadium. When not in use, they can retract fully back to a minimum of 25cm freeing up additional space for alternative uses. The units are simple to operate and can be moved backwards and forwards easily by one person. In addition the whole unit can be easily relocated if it is needed elsewhere on or off-site. At Blackburn Rovers an alternative use for the tunnel highlights the versatility and flexibility of the product; an additional unit is sited at the entrance to the ticket office to protect customers from inclement weather.

Custom built to order and manufactured from hardwearing independent panels made of tough flame retardant PVC coated polyester fabric (BS543), a variety of colours can be ordered, whilst Spaciotempo can also organise appropriate graphics to decorate the unit. The tunnel structures consist of anodised aluminium structural arches assembled with cast aluminium joints and connected by galvanised steel pantographs for outstanding durability and longevity.