Amphidion is a system innovation for multifunctional stadiums and sports- and event accommodations.

The problem
If a sports stadium is used for only one kind of activity, for instance soccer, the return on investment will be unsatisfactory. From a commercial viewpoint it is therefore necessary to realize sports accommodations that can host a variety of activities, such as various sports, concerts, trade shows and conferences. To realize this, in particular the floor design faces large challenges. To play soccer, natural grass is preferred, but that does not grow under cover. Horseback riding shows need sand, but sand in turn is not an ideal basis for a dance party. Trade shows need a long period of set-up, but that time is not available if for instance a concert is being held the previous night.

The technical solution
Amphidion is a patented concept for effective and efficient exchange of stadium fields and floors. It is based on the principle that floatation provides the best means to move large and heavy objects horizontally. The fields and floors therefore float in a water basin system and can be moved by pumps. In a typical situation there are three fields and/or floors. While one is being used, the other two can be prepared for future use or they can be used outside the covered stadium. Initial calculations and estimations show that the investment and exploitation costs of Amphidion are considerably lower that those of alternate systems.

Amphidion allows for an economically attractive and simple exchange of the floatation body on which the fields and floors rest. The system consists of lateral tubing inside the floatation unit, through which water is being pumped. The floatation units fit snugly in the water basin system. In connection with systems for propulsion, control and guidance, this comprises the innovative shunting system.

The market and the need for multifunctional accommodations
The market for multifunctional sports accommodations is global, large, growing and diverse. World population increasingly concentrates in delta metropolises. These show a rising demand for stadiums and sport accommodations of different sizes. Also, space is often scarce in these locations and the best possible connection to costly infrastructures for transportation is paramount. In The Netherlands, there are plans galore for new stadiums of all shapes and sizes, including Rotterdam and Amsterdam. These, and similar developments abroad, offer an excellent market opportunity for Amphidion.

Amphidion not only fits in new accommodations. The system can also be retrofitted in existing ones, thus modifying facilities to span a much larger scope of activities than originally could be foreseen, leading to a dramatic increase of commercial performance.