Saoirse Downs
Arenas that host both hockey and basketball games have to undergo several changes to accommodate the different requirements of the two sports. The flooring is critical, with hockey rinks requiring ice and basketball courts needing a wooden surface. To convert from a hockey rink to a basketball court, the ice is melted and drained, and the floor is dried, cleaned, and polished to create a smooth playing surface for basketball. Then, the wooden playing surface for basketball is laid down, along with the necessary lines, hoops, and shot clocks. The seating configuration also needs to be modified, as hockey rinks are larger than basketball courts, and the locker rooms, media areas, and scoreboards may need adjustments to suit the different needs of basketball teams and spectators.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Court/Field Size | Basketball: Rectangular, 94 x 50 ft Hockey: Rectangular, 200 x 85 ft |
| Number of Players | Basketball: 5 players per team Hockey: 6 players per team |
| Ball/Puck | Basketball: uses a ball Hockey: uses a flat puck |
| Ball/Puck Movement | Basketball: Dribbling, passing Hockey: Puck handling, passing |
| Goals | Basketball: baskets at each end Hockey: nets at each end |
| Scoring | Basketball: 2 pts for field goal, 3 pts for 3-pt shot, 1 pt for free throw Hockey: 1 pt for a goal |
| Duration | Basketball: 4 x 12 min quarters Hockey: 3 x 20 min periods |
| Contact | Basketball: limited, no checking Hockey: full contact, body checking allowed |
| Uniform | Basketball: shorts, jersey, sneakers Hockey: jersey, padded shorts, socks, skates, protective gear |
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What You'll Learn
Seating configuration
Arenas that host both hockey and basketball games need to undergo several adjustments to accommodate the different requirements of each sport, including modifications to the seating configuration. Hockey rinks are larger than basketball courts, so the seating arrangement needs to be adjusted to bring the fans closer to the action for basketball games.
Retractable or removable seats are commonly used in arenas that host both sports. During hockey games, the seating behind the basketball hoops may be covered or retracted to prevent obstructed views. When the arena is converted for basketball games, these retractable seats are moved or adjusted to accommodate the smaller court dimensions and bring fans closer to the players.
In some cases, temporary seating structures may be set up along the sides of the rink during hockey games to accommodate additional spectators. These temporary structures can be removed when the arena is converted for basketball, providing more space for the basketball court and fans.
The conversion process from hockey to basketball typically takes around 24 to 48 hours, depending on the arena's size and the complexity of the modifications. A specialised conversion crew is responsible for handling the switch, ensuring that all necessary changes are made efficiently and on time for the next game.
Overall, the seating configuration is an important aspect of converting an arena from hockey to basketball, requiring careful planning and coordination to provide a seamless transition for both players and spectators.
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Ice rink removal
Ice rinks require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition. Over time, ice will become pitted and cut, and dust and bugs will dull the surface. To maintain a smooth, solid surface, which helps to prevent injuries and improves performance, the ice needs to be resurfaced. This process involves shaving, scraping, washing, and squeegeeing the ice surface, before putting down a fresh layer of water. This can be done manually, but most rinks now use ice-resurfacing machines.
Ice rinks are kept frozen through a refrigeration system that includes chillers, steel pipes, and brinewater (an antifreeze agent). The temperature is maintained at 16 degrees Fahrenheit. Over time, the quality of the ice can deteriorate, and the rink may need to be refreshed. This can be due to high mineral or impurity content in the water, or through general wear and tear.
To convert an ice rink to a basketball court, the ice surface must first be defrosted. This can be done by heating the brinewater through the slab, making it easier to break up and remove the ice. The walls and glass panels are then removed, and a layer of insulated plywood is laid out across the entire surface. Finally, the hardwood basketball floor is pieced together on top. This process can take a couple of hours with a large team of workers.
When converting between basketball and hockey arenas, the scoreboard may also need to be changed. Modern scoreboards are often designed for multi-sport use, and can be easily converted with a simple switch.
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Court installation
When it comes to court installation, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, the flooring is critical. For a basketball court, a wooden surface is typically used, with hardwood flooring providing a suitable playing surface. This is often laid on top of a concrete slab, which provides a stable and long-lasting foundation.
If the court is being installed in a multi-purpose arena that also hosts ice hockey, as is common in many cities, the process becomes more complex. In this case, the basketball court flooring must be installed on top of the ice rink. This is done by first laying down a layer of insulated padding or plywood over the ice to prevent the basketball floor from becoming too cold. Then, the wooden planking or hardwood flooring for the basketball court is placed on top. This process can be completed quickly, often in just a few hours with a large crew.
For outdoor basketball courts, it is essential to consider the elements and choose a surface that is durable and weatherproof. SnapSports, for example, offers a DIY court solution with tiles that are built to endure heavy foot traffic and outdoor conditions. Their system is customizable, allowing users to install their preferred colour patterns, game lines, and finishes. Additionally, their tiles are designed to be easy to install, requiring no construction expertise and only one or two people for assembly.
Whether installing an indoor or outdoor basketball court, proper planning and preparation are crucial. Marking the centre of key areas, such as basketball backboards, is an important first step to ensure symmetry in the design. For commercial installations, additional considerations come into play, such as the size and shape of the court, the type of performance surface, and the size of the basketball backboard goal.
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Locker room modifications
When modifying locker rooms, designers and clients must first consider the level of the users. For instance, community rinks typically have several locker rooms per ice sheet, all of which are similar in size and features. These rooms should be accessible from a player-specific entrance or a path from the building entry to avoid congestion in public spaces. Most facility managers want at least four locker rooms per ice sheet, with some even having five or six. This allows a high turnover with maximum efficiency.
The rooms must be sized to accommodate about 25 players and their gear, plus room for coaches to speak to the team. A discussion must be held to decide whether to exclude toilets and showers in some of the locker rooms. This is usually done for locker rooms intended for younger skaters. Recycled plastic or wood benches along the walls with a variation of hooks and small shelves above the benches are a common solution. This allows maximum occupancy of smaller rooms, which should be around 625 square feet each at a minimum (approximately 20 to 25 square feet per player), including dedicated toilets and showers.
The lockers themselves are key to the functionality of the room. They need to be durable, comfortable, and provide a place to easily store gear. Many lockers used for hockey are not purpose-built for the sport and lack performance. For example, wood lockers may look aesthetically pleasing but can lack the durability necessary to withstand damage. They are also porous, allowing moisture and bacteria to enter and cause deterioration. Metal lockers, on the other hand, are durable but susceptible to dents, scratches, and rust from water damage, and they may detract from the aesthetic appeal of the room. Acrylic solid surface lockers offer superior airflow, passive ventilation in lower drawers, improved organisation, microbial resistance, water resistance, high durability, and a modern yet traditional look.
To address the common issue of locker room smell, which is particularly prominent in hockey due to sweat, water, and low air circulation, materials and finishes can be chosen for their antimicrobial properties. For instance, skate-resistant flooring, high-wear tile surfaces in showers and toilets, and durable locker materials are critical. Lighting controls and direct or immediate access to the ice surface are also desirable features.
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Media and broadcast setups
When a stadium is converted from hosting hockey games to basketball games, media and broadcast setups must be rearranged and reconfigured. This process involves modifying the placement of cameras and other broadcasting equipment, as well as setting up spaces for pre- and post-game interviews. The transition should be seamless for media personnel, with press boxes, broadcast booths, and interview rooms adapted to suit the new sport.
The transition from hockey to basketball also requires adjustments to the playing surface, which can impact media and broadcast setups. For hockey, a protective glass wall and a penalty box are assembled on both sides of the ice. In contrast, the basketball court has an open floor plan, bringing fans closer to the action. The transition involves melting and removing the ice rink, drying and cleaning the flooring, and then installing the basketball court. This process can impact the positioning of cameras and broadcasting equipment, as the optimal viewing angles and equipment setups will differ between the two sports.
Additionally, the lighting requirements for media and broadcast setups may vary between hockey and basketball. Hockey arenas often have environmental control systems in place to manage the temperature, which can include specialized lighting configurations. When converting to basketball, the lighting may need to be adjusted to ensure optimal visibility for cameras and broadcasting equipment.
The transition from hockey to basketball may also impact the use of virtual advertising, which is commonly used in sports broadcasting to insert digital advertisements into the live feed. This technology allows broadcasters to overlay existing physical advertising panels with virtual content, providing region-specific advertising for different markets. The transition in playing surfaces and arena configurations between hockey and basketball can impact the placement and effectiveness of these virtual advertisements.
Furthermore, the audio setup for media and broadcasting differs between hockey and basketball. In hockey, microphones are positioned to capture the sounds of skates on ice and the puck, while reducing the pickup of players' voices. In contrast, basketball broadcasting focuses on capturing the sounds of basketballs bouncing, feet thudding, and bodies hitting the ground. The audio setup for basketball may also need to account for capturing the voices of players, especially when crowd noise is minimal or absent.
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Frequently asked questions
To convert a hockey rink to a basketball court, the walls and glass panels are first removed. Then, insulated plywood is laid out over the ice surface, and the hardwood basketball floor is pieced together on top. The basketball court is heavy enough to stay in place, weighing more than 25 tons.
Hockey rinks are larger than basketball courts, so seating configurations need to be adjusted to accommodate the different court dimensions. Retractable or removable seats are used to bring fans closer to the action during basketball games.
Hockey and basketball teams have different space requirements, so locker rooms, showers, and training areas need to be adjusted to suit the needs of basketball teams. Media areas, including press boxes, broadcast booths, and interview rooms, are also reconfigured for basketball games. This involves adjusting camera placements and setting up spaces for post-game interviews.
