In eight days, 65,000 football fans (some of whom hoping to catch a glimpse of Taylor Swift) will descend upon Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas to attend the most-viewed American sporting event of the year.
Restroom Efficiency: A Costly Friction Point
Between the hot dogs, the beers, and probably during Usher’s greatest hits, the Super Bowl spectators will likely visit one of Allegiant’s 297 restrooms. Long lines for the restroom are what architects call a “friction point,” and potentially a costly one. The average price for a Super Bowl ticket is currently hovering around $9,800, meaning a 15-minute wait for the restroom could cost attendees $612. Delays also take away from the fan experience and limit potential revenue for the stadium.
Designing for Efficiency and Flow
To address restroom congestion, states have building codes that require a certain number of restrooms per person. However, most modern arenas go beyond the minimum requirements. Designers and architects have stepped up their game by providing more fixtures and improving restroom flow. Lots of small restrooms are better than a few large ones, as travel distance is important. The goal is to get amenities, including restrooms, as close to the user as possible.
Gender Politics and Inclusivity
Gender politics also play a role in restroom design. Traditionally, women have faced longer wait times than men, leading to the concept of “potty parity” – equal speed of access to restrooms for both genders. Newer arenas, like Allegiant Stadium, are built to host a mix of events that attract different demographics. As a result, restroom design must account for the different crowds on different days. Some designers and architects believe that new buildings might trend towards gender-neutral restrooms in the coming years to address these issues.
The Importance of Restrooms and Inclusivity
Restrooms are not just a convenience but also a public health and human rights issue. Kathryn Anthony, an architecture professor, emphasizes the need for equal access to restrooms for men and women. Studies show that women take about twice as long as men to use the restroom, and this discrepancy has often been overlooked in the design of public facilities. There needs to be a reawakening of the importance of restrooms and the fact that everyone needs them.
The Future of Restroom Design
Groups like the World Toilet College, the American Restroom Association, and the World Toilet Organization advocate for the right to clean and readily available restrooms. Sports arenas have been lacking in this aspect, with awards for the best restroom often going to theaters, museums, or supermarkets. However, the Baltimore/Washington International Airport has set an example for the future of restroom design. A $55 million overhaul of some facilities addressed issues such as outdated designs, lack of space for luggage, and changing family dynamics. The redesign also prioritized the needs of the disabled, ensuring more privacy and convenience for all users.
Conclusion
Efficient and inclusive restroom design is crucial for stadiums and other large venues. By considering factors such as the number of fixtures, restroom flow, and gender politics, architects and designers can create spaces that enhance the fan experience, increase revenue, and promote equal access for all. The future may see a shift towards gender-neutral restrooms to further address these issues. It is time for a reawakening of the importance of restrooms and the recognition that they are a basic human right.