Kenya is set to co-host the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in August 2025 as well as the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), and to do so, sporting facilities that will stage the tournaments must meet some stringent guidelines.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsIt is such requirements and regulations by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) that forced Kenya to close Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadium as well as begin the construction of Talanta Sports City Stadium.In Part 1 of the requirements, Mozzart Sport looked at the pitch and surrounding areas, teams and CAF officials, as well as medical-related areas.A look inside CAF stadium regulations that Kenya stadia must meet :PART 1In this second part of the CAF Stadium Regulations that Kenyan stadia must meet, Mozzart Sport will focus on spectator-related areas, VVIP, VIP and hospitality, media-related areas and TV and broadcast areas.Spectator Related AreasThe regulations require that there be seats in the stands which are fixed individually, numbered and with a backrest of a minimum height of 30 cm. Temporary stands are prohibited and each sector must be equipped with refreshment and catering facilities for spectators.##NAJAVA_MECA_8841910##For CHAN and AFCON, the stadia must have a capacity of at least 30,000 seats with the stadium management required to determine maximum safe capacity based on the number of people who can safely enter a stadium calculated as 660 people per hour.The holding capacity, as well as the exit capacity and emergency evacuation capacity, which is the number of spectators that can reach a safe area within eight minutes, is also considered safe.At least two external security rings should be created around the stadium’s external perimeter with the entry gates designed to avoid congestion.Manchester United legend backs Benni McCarthy to succeed at Harambee StarsThe exit doors and gates to the playing area from the spectator areas must remain unlocked but manned and open outwards into the field of play in case of an emergency evacuation.Additionally, the stadium must have modern electronic access and an automated counting system to deliver real-time attendance to avoid overcrowding. CCTV cameras must also be installed to cover all entrances and exits as well as critical infrastructure like generators.Further, the stadium must have an emergency lighting system for purposes of safety as well as a public address system secured against power failure as well as a giant screen that can also be used to deliver messages.##NAJAVA_MECA_8842349##Sufficient clean and hygienic sanitary facilities that include exclusive ones for persons with disabilities must be available and so are first-aid facilities for spectators spread across the stadium.VIP, VVIP and Hospitality AreasThe VVIP and VIP seats must be covered in the main stand and be as close as possible to the halfway line.Shabana FC respond to calls to host high stakes Gor Mahia clash in NairobiThe seats must be individual, fixed, and separated from each other with spacing that allows occupants to circulate without disturbing other guests.A dedicated lounge area must be available for both VIP and VVIP, dedicated entry and exit to the sitting areas, to the stadium as dedicated sanitary facilities.Media Related Areas##NAJAVA_MECA_8842559##There must be at least one room equipped with desks, power supply, printer, internet connection and television must be provided to be used as a Stadium Media CenterAdditionally, the media tribune should be covered and centrally located in the main grandstand with an unobstructed view of the entire playing surface. The tribune must have desks, big enough to accommodate a computer and notepad and equipped with power, internet supply and printer.The press conference room should be equipped with a podium raised above the floor that can accommodate four to six people, a camera platform, split box, spin system, WiFi and chair must be available in the stadium.Dunfermline coach backs Victor Wanyama to untangle club from relegation quagmireThe press conference room must also have at least 50 seats for media representatives, a camera platform 2mX3m with a height of 0.5m is required in a central position for the main camera is also required.An area at either end of the goalposts with seats, power extensions, internet connections and cables must be made available for photographers.Further, all media facilities must be easily accessible and within each other’s proximity and with a separate entrance from other entrances at the stadium and a dedicated parking for the media made available.##NAJAVA_MECA_8842567##TV And Broadcasting Related AreasOne main camera platform located on the grandstand west side and at a height above the pitch to ensure optimum picture quality and the camera position should be exactly in line with the halfway line at a height that forms an angle of 27- 35° must be made available.TV and radio commentary positions must be centrally located in the main grandstand and covered with each commentary position consisting of a desk with power supply and three seats with at least one commentary position having internet access.STARS ABROAD: Kenyan defender features as Bristol City boost Premier League promotion hopesThere also needs to be an OB Van area located as close as possible to the stadium and ideally on the same side as the main camera platform.Finally, a room dedicated for the Video Assistant Referees (VAR)/ Video Operations Room (VOR) that is close to the stadium measuring at least 4m x 3m and 50m from the OB van must be made available.The room should contain one individual seat toilet, five seats, three tables, good ventilation, food and drinks, first aid kits, high speed internet, sound isolated and a safe position and secure path to and from the field.##NAJAVA_MECA_8842546##Additionally, the room must contain two different sources of stable power- power 32 Amps monophase with the same power source as of the OB Van and guarantee direct, private and secure access for the officials from the dressing room to the VOR with safe arrival and departure from the stadiumIn Part 3 of the series, we will focus on the training ground requirements that Kasarani Annex, Police Sacco Stadium, Ulinzi Sports complex and Kirigiti Stadium must meet.
