The Winning Shot: How Stadiums Benefit from Project Photo & Video Documentation & Collaboration

Introduction

Whether they host college football, grand sporting events, rock concerts, dirt bike races or community gatherings, stadiums are more than just physical structures; they are the heart of entertainment and culture. Building and maintaining these colossal structures is no small feat, and documenting every project stage with photos and videos has proven immensely beneficial. In this blog, we will explore how stadiums benefit from project photos and videos and why this practice has become essential to the construction process and facility management lifecycle.

Visual Progress Tracking

One of the most immediate advantages of project photos and videos for stadiums is the ability to visually track the progress of construction and all the events afterward. From pushing dirt for foundations to laying the turn and turning it over to the owner, proper visual documentation saves time, streamlines communication, reduces delays, improves safety, and reduces the risk of costly disputes. These photo, video, annotation, and comment assets offer stakeholders, including owners, investors, architects, and builders, a comprehensive view of the evolving project. This real-time visual documentation helps make informed decisions, ensuring the project stays on track and within the established budget and schedule. When everything is time, date, and location stamped, it improves accountability and stops finger-pointing when things go sideways. 

Effective Communication

In the world of stadium construction and facility management, effective communication is key. Project photos and videos provide a shared visual language that all team members can understand without traveling across the project to view in person. Whether discussing design details, construction challenges, or any changes that need to be made, having visual documentation ensures that everyone is on the same page. This streamlines decision-making and reduces misunderstandings, resulting in a more efficient construction process. Photos and videos can be tagged. Tags can be used to track, and assign tasks, and become valuable data.

Quality Control

Quality control is crucial when building something as large as a stadium. Stadiums must be built to the highest standards to last for dozens of years.  The ability to capture high-resolution images at different stages of the project allows for a close inspection of the work by all parties involved in the building. Project managers can identify any issues or deviations from the original plans by analyzing these images. Early detection of problems means they can be addressed promptly, preventing costly rework or delays.

Legal Documentation

Stadium projects involve numerous legal aspects, from contracts and permits to compliance with building codes and safety regulations. Project photos and video assets serve as invaluable legal documentation. In disputes, having a visual record of the construction process can be a crucial tool for resolving disagreements and demonstrating compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

Marketing and Promotion

Stadiums are not only constructed for functionality but also for their visual appeal. Project photos and videos play a significant role in marketing and promoting the stadium and the events it holds. These images can be used in promotional materials, social media campaigns, and websites to generate public interest, attract sponsors, and ultimately increase the stadium's revenue potential.

Training and Knowledge Transfer

Stadiums require specialized knowledge and skills for both construction and maintenance. Project photos and videos are valuable for training new personnel and building institutional knowledge. New team members can study the images to understand the stadium's layout, infrastructure, and systems, making it easier to perform their duties effectively.

Historical Documentation

Stadiums often have a rich history and cultural significance. Project photos and videos capture the construction process and become an integral part of the stadium's historical archive. These images provide future generations with a glimpse into the evolution of the stadium, serving as a testament to the hard work and dedication of all those involved.

Facility Maintenance 

Once a stadium is built, it is alive. It requires ongoing cleaning, maintenance, painting, and repairs from HVAC and gates to chairs and all the equipment that makes a stadium what it is. Stadiums have ongoing events that range from out-of-town football games to rock concerts, races, and spiritual gatherings. It’s essential that the facility team properly document before and after conditions so that when an issue arises from the tenants' event, they can be held accountable for the cost of repairs. This is another time when time, date, and location-stamped photos and videos become invaluable. The FM can point to the before photos or videos showing no damage and after, so the issue is quickly resolved and costly disputes are avoided. 

Conclusion

Project photos, videos, and visual assets have emerged as an indispensable tool in the construction and management of stadiums. These images offer many benefits, from tracking progress to promoting the stadium and ensuring compliance with regulations. The visual documentation enhances communication and decision-making and plays a pivotal role in preserving the stadium's history. As technology advances, we can expect project photos and video assets to become even more integral to the success of stadium projects, ensuring they stand as iconic structures for generations to come.

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