Magherafelt Sports Facility the Largest of its Kind
April 7th, 2008 by Rubb
The new state of the art Meadowbank Sport Arena, at 70mx145m and with sidewalls of 9m, is currently the largest of its kind in Europe. Designed to bring sports facilities into the 21st century, this top regional venue situated in Magherafelt in the heart of Mid-Ulster, Northern Ireland can now provide the widest range of indoor and outdoor facilities for sports.
The arena’s indoor synthetic surface measures 137m x 70m on which a whole host of sporting activities can take place simultaneously. The space can be quickly divided by use of rebound boards which are removable at court positions — for example, it can cater for a full size hockey/soccer pitch, plus 4 mini-pitches (all 4 badminton court sized). Rubb’s sophisticated electrical netting system allows the court to be expanded so that the full space can be used. Alternatively, it can also accommodate an indoor 300m track. All sports set-ups are complemented with seating for 450 spectators on a first floor gallery located along one sidewall and one gable end.
Like all Rubb buildings, the backbone to the Meadowbank Sport Arena is a well engineered structural framing system. Post production hot dip galvanizing of all welded components provides the best corrosion protection in the industry with the truss frame construction creating the platform for the clear span and high vertical walls. The exterior has been built with a combination of brick, goosewing gray, steel clad walls (Kingspan material) and high strength architectural fabric. To maintain the external appearance of the building, a system of rainwater gutters were included along the 145m sidewalls.
The use of white semi translucent roof fabric provides a light, bright airy atmosphere to the building. All services are fully integrated with the lighting, ventilation and demudification system providing the perfect sports environment.
The arena features a traditional three level brick and block built amenities facility, comprising of changing rooms, bar, reception, simple storage and a viewing gallery located on the top floor completed by the main contractor FP McCann. The centre is also fully accessible to wheelchair users and special needs groups.
Outdoors, the new arena offers a 400m, 6 lane synthetic athletics track, facilities for associated field events, sand based soccer and gaelic/rugby pitches; outdoor Astroturf/2 tennis courts, children’s play area and pavilion along with additional car parking. All outdoor facilities are floodlit and offer a secure setting with excellent provision for spectators and visitors.
In addition to providing this impressive array of sporting activities, the arena provides Magherafelt City Council with a multi-functional building which has the flexibility to host exhibitions, regional sports competitions, national tournaments and other events.
