Understanding the Impacts of Heat on Sporting Spectators, Stadiums, and Events at a Southeastern University through Interdisciplinary Approaches

Abstract

Introduction: Auburn University is home to multiple NCAA Division-I sports teams, which draw in hundreds of thousands of fans every year for sporting and other mass gathering outdoor events. For fan safety, the increase in the heat index, a combination of air temperature and humidity, particularly 105 °F (41°C) and above is considered dangerous and a major concern for organizers. Spectators come from all walks of life and have a myriad of medical conditions, backgrounds, and characteristics that may influence how greatly heat impacts them individually. The three studies aim to (1) understand the spatial distribution of heat within the sports stadiums on the university's campus, (2) learn about spectators’ experiences during gamedays, in order to improve fan safety and health for future events, and (3) understand how stadium form can influence temperatures and provide recommendations for future renovations which can reduce heat risks.

Materials and Methods: For aim one, fifteen (football) and twenty (baseball) iButton Hygrochron devices were evenly dispersed around the stadiums, recording data at 10-minute intervals. Heat index was calculated for each sensor to determine thermal environment of stadium seating. For aim two, an 18-question mixed method survey was deployed to gather information about spectators' knowledge, risk perceptions, experiences, and behaviors related to heat on game days. Non-parametric statistical tests, multiple linear regression and inductive thematic coding were used to analyze the survey instrument. For aim three, a computational fluid dynamic model was used to run meteorological simulations over the university campus to determine how the built stadium environment influences individuals’ thermal comfort. Modeled results were validated against iButton measurements to determine the usefulness of the model.

Results: To date, it has been found that northern sections within Jordan-Hare Stadium (football) (~125 °F/52 °C) and student sections within the Plainsman Park (baseball) (~111 °F/44 °C) had some of the highest gameday heat index. The survey highlighted gaps in individuals knowledge about heat and particular groups are at heightened risks to heat compared to others. Through inductive coding, it has been found that individuals are aware that heat is an issue during gamedays and take various actions to reduce their exposure. Some even take more extreme measures by no longer attending sporting events during the hottest part of the season or not attending games, period. Model results indicate oppressive thermal conditions within the football stadium and campus areas. Results show good agreement between modeled and in-situ data indicating the model is a valid tool to use for understanding thermal environment of fields of play.

Conclusion: There are many areas in which the university can continue to improve in order to provide an exceptional experience for our fans and visitors. Additionally, the university can think about how to implement more sustainable practices and green solutions in order to create a safer game day environment. The findings from this study will: (1) provide Auburn University Campus Safety and Security and Athletics with empirically supported evidence about their sports stadiums and fan base to improve the current gameday Heat Action Plan (HAP) and (2) develop a practical, ready-to-use study design framework that can be directly implemented and replicated by other universities or sporting organizations conducting analysis of extreme heat.