Veldeman Builds Indoor Football Hall...

KRC Genk football team plays in Belgium's first division. The team have been national champions three times, won the Belgian cup three times and they will participate in the Europa League in the 2012-2013 season. This year they even played in the Champions League with a creditable draw against the final winner.

It is only normal that such a top class team should be able to train in all weather conditions. Up until now bad weather meant the team always had to head for an arena, where they were reduced to playing on sand in somewhat uncomfortable conditions. This is why KRC Genk went on the lookout for an alternative. Their search led them to Veldeman Structure Solutions, which designs and manufactures temporary, semi-permanent and permanent fabric structures, including sports halls.

Veldeman presented a proposal for an indoor football hall, in the first instance both for hire and for purchase. Following an extensive study the club decided to purchase a hall at the end of 2011. A steel structure was decided upon (SFS, Steel Fabric Structure) of 40m by 70 m with a side height of as much as 8.40m.

Following approval of the building application, in February 2012 the foundation work began. The hall has been completed and ready for use since the end of May.

It has translucent roof fabrics which let in natural, uniform light, thus bringing down lighting costs and leading to major energy savings. Playing comfort is also improved. Fabrics in the blue of KRC Genk have been used for the side walls and gables, and the club's logo, covering a surface area of 16 m², is clearly visible on both gables. The side walls can be readily removed thus creating a semi open atmosphere in summer whilst protecting against glare, rain and overheating. There is boarding for additional variations on the game. Along the length of the hall (70 m) this is 3m high, along its width (40m) 2m high.

The main advantage of this indoor football hall is that it can be used throughout the year. Rain, snow and frost are no longer a problem, and high temperatures need no longer stop play either, thus ensuring the profitability of the investment.

For more about Veldeman, please click [here].