Grandstands AIS Canberra

Client name: Australian Institute of Sport

Project name: Track and Field & Swimming Centre Grandstand Seating

Project Location: Leverrier St Bruce ACT

Location:

Easily accessible from Canberra, the AIS is an iconic sporting facility nurturing Australia’s finest sporting talent. Only 2.5 hours down the highway from Sydney and short flights from Australia’s largest cities, Sydney and Melbourne, the AIS is in the nation’s capital.

Requirement:

Replacing Obsolete Grandstand Seating at AIS

In late 2021, Pat Callaghan from the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) expressed interest in replacing the grandstands seating at the iconic Track and Field Venue. The existing seating had been installed in 1981, when the venue first opened, and after decades of use by hundreds of thousands of spectators, its condition had deteriorated significantly. Years of wear and tear meant the grandstands’ seating no longer met modern expectations for comfort, safety, or compliance. Replacement parts were no longer available, making ongoing maintenance impractical and costly.

This situation created a clear requirement: the AIS needed a complete overhaul of the grandstands’ seating system. The goal was not only to provide spectators with a safer and more comfortable experience, but also to modernise the venue and ensure its facilities reflected the high standards of Australian sport. The project demanded a grandstand solution that would deliver durability, compliance with building codes, and a professional finish capable of withstanding decades of future use.

The AIS had confidence in our capability, having already partnered with BAB Aluminium in 2017 to successfully replace the grandstand seating on the main pool deck. This prior relationship established us as a trusted supplier and positioned us strongly when it came time to tender for the new project. Grandstands Australia, the new member of the BAB Aluminium Group, was the provider of the new grandstand seating.

Solution:

BAB Aluminium’s Modern Aluminium Grandstand Seating

By 2024, funding was allocated, and the decision was made to move ahead with the replacement. As with all large government contracts, the project went out to competitive tender. BAB Aluminium submitted a detailed proposal outlining our proven expertise, high-quality manufacturing process, and the long-term value of our aluminium grandstand seating systems. We were proud to be awarded the winning tender, reinforcing our reputation as the preferred supplier for large-scale sporting infrastructure projects.

The process began with a precise site measure to establish the scope of work and ensure that the new grandstand seating would perfectly align with the existing venue layout. From there, materials were carefully sourced, with seat supports fabricated and powder-coated to withstand the elements. End caps were manufactured for a clean finish, while each seating plank was cut, capped, and pre-drilled to enable a fast and efficient installation. To streamline logistics, the seating was flat-packed onto skids and transported to the venue on our own crane truck in early December 2024.

Installation was carefully planned to ensure minimal disruption. Our experienced contractors removed the old seating and installed the new aluminium grandstand seating over the course of a single weekend. This rapid turnaround allowed the AIS to maintain its busy training and event schedule without interruption, demonstrating our ability to deliver not only high-quality outcomes but also efficient projects.

Result:

A Safer, Modernised Grandstand with Long-Term Value

The outcome of the project was transformative. The new aluminium grandstand seating has completely rejuvenated the Track and Field Venue, giving it a fresh, modern look while providing spectators with a safe and comfortable viewing experience. The AIS now has the peace of mind that comes with a 20-year warranty, ensuring long-term reliability and reducing future maintenance costs. Just as importantly, BAB Aluminium’s modular seating system guarantees that spare parts will be readily available for decades to come, eliminating the frustrations that arose with the old, obsolete system.

From an operational perspective, the project demonstrated the value of partnering with an experienced supplier who understands the unique requirements of government sporting facilities. By delivering on time, on budget, and with minimal disruption, BAB Aluminium has reinforced its reputation as the leading name in grandstand seating across Australia. The AIS can now confidently host events knowing its facilities meet modern safety standards while projecting the professional image expected of Australia’s premier sporting institution.

Ultimately, this project is a showcase of how the right investment in grandstand seating can revitalise a venue, improve community engagement, and provide long-lasting value. For the AIS, the result is not just new grandstand seating—it is an upgrade that supports athletes, spectators, and the future of Australian sport.