Sports Arena Game Day Safety Check

Sports arena game day inspections ensure fan safety from the moment gates open through post-game egress. This checklist covers arena facility safety for indoor venues hosting hockey, basketball, concerts, and other events, addressing NFPA 101 assembly occupancy requirements, fire code compliance, and crowd safety management.

Industry: Sports and Recreation
Frequency: Before each event
Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
Role: Arena Operations Manager / Event Manager
Total Items: 28

Emergency Exits and Egress

Verify all emergency exits and evacuation paths.

All required emergency exits unlocked and operable before doors open to public?
All exit signs illuminated with emergency backup power?
All seating aisles and concourse pathways clear of obstructions?
All vomitory gates and portal doors opening outward and unobstructed?
Emergency lighting tested and functioning throughout arena?
Maximum occupancy load posted at all entrances?
All event staff briefed on emergency exit assignments?

Seating and Concourse Safety

Inspect seating areas and concourse conditions.

Seating free of broken seats, loose sections, or unstable risers?
All handrails and guardrails at elevated seating sections secure and at code height?
Concourse floors dry with no spills, wet areas, or ice creating slip hazard?
ADA accessible seating sections clear with companion seats available?
Scoreboard and center-hung display securely rigged with no unusual movement?
No cables, equipment, or trip hazards in spectator circulation areas?
Concession stands inspected and food safety requirements met?

Playing Surface and Field of Play

Inspect playing surface for the sport or event.

Ice surface in safe condition with no cracks, holes, or ruts?
Basketball or sport court floor dry and free of hazards?
Arena boards and protective glass panels secured and intact?
Dasher boards and doors latching and functioning correctly?
Penalty boxes, benches, and team areas safe and properly equipped?
Zamboni access doors functioning and CO exhaust venting system operational?
Protective netting properly positioned to protect spectators?

Fire Safety and Medical Readiness

Verify fire safety systems and medical coverage.

Fire suppression system functional and not blocked by event setup?
Fire extinguishers at all required locations with current inspection tags?
Fire department standpipe hose connections accessible?
AEDs at required locations throughout arena with trained responders?
First aid stations staffed and stocked for event attendance?
Security personnel briefed and positioned per event security plan?
Game day inspection log completed and signed?

Related Sports Recreation Checklists

Related Event Venues Checklists

Why Use This Sports Arena Game Day Safety Check?

This sports arena game day safety check helps sports and recreation teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for arena operations manager / event manager professionals, this checklist covers 28 critical inspection points across 4 sections. Recommended frequency: before each event.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Sports Arena Game Day Safety Check cover?

This checklist covers 28 inspection items across 4 sections: Emergency Exits and Egress, Seating and Concourse Safety, Playing Surface and Field of Play, Fire Safety and Medical Readiness. It is designed for sports and recreation operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed before each event. Each completion takes approximately 2-3 hours.

Who should use this Sports Arena Game Day Safety Check?

This checklist is designed for Arena Operations Manager / Event Manager professionals in the sports and recreation industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.