A grandstand is a structure that provides seating for people who watch events, such as sports, horse racing, and car racing. It is similar to a part of a stadium but does not go all the way around the area where the event happens. Grandstands often have individual chairs, like those in a stadium, and are usually covered by a roof but have an open front. Many grandstands have several levels.
Grandstands can be found at places like Epsom Downs Racecourse and Atlanta Motor Speedway. They are also common at fairgrounds, circuses, and outdoor areas used for rodeos. In Canada and the United States, smaller seating areas are called bleachers. These are simpler and usually have only one level, unlike grandstands. The word "grandstand" was used later when separate baseball parks were built, after earlier games were held at fairgrounds. A covered bleacher area might be called a "pavilion" to differentiate it from a grandstand.
The term "grandstanding" comes from the idea of performing or acting for people sitting in grandstands. It is sometimes used to describe someone who tries to gain attention for themselves.
Gallery
- Polo Grounds grandstand and bleachers around 1922
- Redland Field pavilion and grandstand around 1920
- A smaller grandstand located at Harrogate Rugby Club
- The Quirino Grandstand in Manila, which is not connected to a stadium or sports area
- The Pueblo Deco-style grandstand at the Arizona State Fairgrounds in Phoenix, Arizona