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Stadium Insurance Policy Information

Stadium Insurance

Stadium Insurance. Stadiums - huge outdoor facilities that can host thousands, and in some cases even over 100,000, spectators - are, of course, primarily known for the fact that important sports events take place within them.

Stadiums are designed for large public gatherings: business events, cultural events, educational events, political events, sporting events, or other types of programs. They can be open-air, covered, or have retractable roofs.

They can be owned and operated by governmental or private entities. They generally have a large field surrounded by tiers of seats for spectators. A stage may be added to the field accommodate concerts or speakers.

Often private box seating or suites are available which can be leased to individuals or corporations. Stadiums usually have gift shops, locker rooms for athletes, private meeting rooms, restaurants, and snack bars.

Liquor may be sold, particularly at sporting events. Stadiums can often hold tens of thousands of patrons.

Although many stadiums were indeed designed and constructed solely with one particular sport in mind, multi-purpose stadiums are instead intended to be much more adaptable. Besides sports, stadiums are also a popular venue for concerts.

The enormous capacity stadiums have is itself sufficient to illustrate the indisputable reality that managing a stadium is a risk-fraught venture - with the breathtaking number people visiting stadiums during special events also come endless possible disaster scenarios.

This begs the question: what kinds of stadium insurance might be needed if something does go wrong? This short guide offers core insights.

Stadium insurance protects your facility and its operations from lawsuits with rates as low as $87/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.

Below are some answers to commonly asked stadium insurance questions:


What Is Stadium Insurance?

Stadium insurance is a type of insurance coverage designed specifically for stadiums and arenas.

It typically includes coverage for liability, property damage, loss of income, and other risks associated with operating and hosting events in a stadium or arena. This type of insurance may also include coverage for natural disasters, terrorism, and other unexpected events that could cause damage or disruption to the stadium or arena.

The goal of stadium insurance is to protect the owners, operators, and other stakeholders from financial losses due to unforeseen circumstances.

How Much Does Stadium Insurance Cost?

The average price of a standard $1,000,000/$2,000,000 General Liability Insurance policy for small stadiums ranges from $57 to $79 per month based on location, size, revenue, claims history and more.


Why Do Stadiums Need Insurance?

Full Stadium

Carrying the right insurance is important for everyone. Private individuals will need it to safeguard their homes and health, for instance, many professionals require it to protect them from liability risks, and small- to medium-sized businesses depend on insurance to protect their financial future.

Large commercial ventures such as stadiums don't just need insurance because some types of coverage are legally required, or because lenders will not do business with under-insured companies.

stadiums should welcome the opportunity to invest in the right insurance because it can save them from devastating financial consequences if they are impacted by a major peril.

A stadium could be impacted by an act of nature, such as an earthquake, severe flood, or wildfire, for instance - in some cases, even with numerous guests inside. Acts of vandalism are another concern for stadiums, as supporters of opposing sports teams show their deep feelings in destructive ways.

Theft and accidents like fire pose another serious threat to a stadium's property, and we have not even discussed the ever-increasing threat of cyber crime yet.

In addition, stadiums have to consider liability issues. An employee could sustain an injury on the job, for example, or spectators could get hurt or suffer serious property damage (such as to their vehicles) on a stadium's premises. Even poorly thought-out marketing decisions have the potential to lead to lawsuits.

All of these perils, alongside others, come with enormous costs, but when it protects itself with stadium insurance, these challenges immediately become much more manageable.


What Type Of Insurance Do Stadiums Need?

Stadiums will need to carry a variety of different insurance policies to protect their considerable assets against financial losses that can result a wide spectrum of perils.

Because each stadium is unique, there is no simple answer to this question - the jurisdiction in which a stadium is based, factors relating to climate and terrain, the capacity of a stadium, and its number of employees are just some of the variables that influence a stadium's insurance needs.

A skilled commercial insurance broker who is deeply familiar with the needs of athletic facilities is best suited to craft an insurance plan for a stadium. Some of the most important types of stadium insurance, meanwhile, include:

  • Commercial Property - This form of coverage serves the purpose of protecting commercial property - which can include a physical building and its contents, but also outdoor property - in the event that it is damaged or lost due to perils like theft, vandalism, and natural disasters.
  • Business Interruption - After your facility is struck by a major peril, repair and replacement costs will likely cause (prolonged) business interruptions. This type of insurance helps you cover both lost revenue and employee wages in that case.
  • Commercial General Liability - Lawsuits are a realistic prospect in the modern world. When a stadium faces a third party bodily injury or property damage claim, this kind of stadium insurance will help cover their attorney fees and any settlement costs.
  • Athletic Participation - Since general liability coverage excludes athletic events, stadiums will require this form of insurance to guard against financial losses to sport-related liability claims.
  • Workers' Compensation - If an employee sustains a work-related injury, workers' comp will cover their medical bills alongside any income they lose as a result. In addition, it protects the employer from litigation on the part of the injured worker.

As operations in this industry have a complex risk profile and numerous insurance options exist to meet their needs, it is imperative that these businesses talk their stadium insurance needs through with a commercial insurance agent in-depth.


Stadium' Risks & Exposures

Tennis Stadium

Premises liability exposure is high due to the large numbers of visitors on premises and the strong emotions that can arise between rival fans during sporting events. Public and life safety code compliance is very important. Good housekeeping is critical to preventing trips, slips, and falls.

Any group tours must be staffed to adequately supervise participants. Escalators and elevators must be inspected regularly. Floor coverings must be in good condition. Adequate lighting, marked exits and egress are mandatory. Steps must have handrails, be well lit, marked, and in good repair. Balconies should be regularly inspected and maintained.

Parking areas should be well maintained and free of snow and ice. Security at events, in the building, corridors, and any owned parking area, needs to be carefully reviewed. There should be an evacuation plan for emergencies. The stadium may present an attractive nuisance hazard when not in use.

There must be adequate security to prevent unauthorized entry to children, vandals, or would-be terrorists. Personal injury losses may occur due to alleged wrongful removal, invasion of privacy, or discrimination. Contracts with suppliers, vendors, event planners, and performers must be clear as to all responsibilities.

Liquor liability exposure can be quite extensive at a sporting event if employees are not properly trained to recognize the effects of excessive alcohol consumption. There must be procedures in place for checking IDs and refusing to serve underage or intoxicated individuals.

There should be a "cut-off" time well before the end of the game or activity to prevent visitors from excessive alcohol consumption prior to driving home.

Products liability exposures can be high if the stadium operates the restaurants or snack bars. Employees should be trained in the proper handling of consumables to prevent foreign objects in food, food poisoning, or the spread of other transmissible diseases.

Other product liability exposures can arise from gift shops. If these are contracted out, the stadium should verify that the operators have adequate liability coverage.

Workers compensation exposure can be very high. Employees who set up, build, or transport stage settings, equipment, lighting, and scenery may be injured by cuts, puncture wounds, electrical shocks and burns, slips and falls, or back injuries, hernia, strains, or sprains from lifting or working from awkward positions.

Stage and lighting setup may involve above-ground exposures that need additional protection and precautions to avoid falling from heights or being hit by falling objects.

Hawkers, peddlers, and vendors employed by the facility to sell wares in the stands have high potential to slips and falls due to limited visibility as they ascend and descend steps carrying items to sell.

Animals brought to the stadium by performers can spread disease, bite, scratch, or kick workers. Ongoing exposure to noise levels can result in hearing impairment. Food preparation operations can result in cuts, scrapes, and burns.

Cleaning and maintenance operations can result in lung, eye or skin irritations, and reactions. Adequate security and training must be provided to employees handling money in ticket booths, gift shops, and concession stands to reduce the possibility of injury due to holdups.

Security personnel should be trained to deal with terrorist threats, holdups and unruly patrons.

Property exposure is very high due to the extensive electrical wiring for lighting, sound systems, and other electronic equipment. Event sponsors and performers will often bring their own equipment that must be fitted into the electrical system provided by the stadium.

It must be in good repair, adequate for the equipment used, and meet all current building standards. All circuit breakers must be well maintained with no overrides.

Stage preparations such as building, painting, or gluing scenery or displays that use wood, plastic, or flammables will contribute to the fire load. Some performers incorporate smoke or fireworks into their shows. These operations must be properly controlled, with all flammables stored in approved containers and cabinets.

If food preparation is done on premises, such as in concession stands, all cooking equipment must be properly controlled. Smoking should be prohibited throughout the facility.

There should be hard-wired smoke detectors throughout the facility. A sprinkler system is advisable. Domed roofs may collapse due to heavy wind or snow. Stadiums may be a target for vandalism. Loss of business income and extra expense may be high following a property loss due to the unavailability of backup facilities.

Equipment breakdown exposure may be high due to the heating and air conditioning systems, cooking equipment, hot water systems, electrical control panels, and lighting and sound equipment used for special events.

Breakdown and loss of use could result in a significant loss, both direct and under time element, if replacements parts are unavailable or repair time is lengthy.

Crime exposure is from employee dishonesty and money and securities. Employee dishonesty coverage should be extended to include volunteers. Background checks should be conducted on all employees and volunteers handling money. Employees who are in charge of ordering must not be the same who handle disbursements and billings.

Frequent inventories and audits must be conducted for adequate monitoring. If tickets are sold at the stadium, a significant amount of cash may accumulate. Cashiers' drawers should be kept stripped with regular deposits made throughout the day.

There should be a centrally located locked cash room with a guard on hand to protect employees, volunteers and money. All monies should be double counted and balanced with cashier balance sheets. All cashiers must be held accountable for shortages.

Inland marine exposures are from audio-visual equipment, computers, fine arts, musical instruments, theatrical equipment, and valuable papers and records for contracts with suppliers and vendors. Values can be very high because of the wide variety of equipment for sports, sound, lighting, scenery, and displays.

Owned equipment used or taken off-premises can be damaged in transit or stolen. If the stadium assumes responsibility for the equipment of athletes, entertainers or other occupants while on the premises, bailees customers coverage should be considered. Duplicates of records should be made and stored off-site for easy restoration.

Commercial auto exposure is generally limited to hired non-owned for employees running errands. If there is transportation of athletes, guests, performers, officials, or visitors, the exposure increases.

If there are owned vehicles, all drivers must be properly licensed and have acceptable MVRs. Vehicles must be maintained on a regular basis with all service documented.

What Does Stadium Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Stadium Insurance Claim Form

Stadiums can be sued for various reasons, including but not limited to:

  • Personal injury claims: If a fan is injured at a stadium, they may file a lawsuit against the stadium owner for negligence or premises liability. For example, if a fan slips and falls on a wet floor in a stadium restroom and suffers an injury, they may file a lawsuit against the stadium owner.
  • Property damage claims: If a fan's property is damaged at a stadium, they may file a lawsuit against the stadium owner. For example, if a fan's car is damaged in a parking lot due to inadequate security measures, they may file a lawsuit against the stadium owner.
  • Breach of contract claims: If a vendor or sponsor has a contract with the stadium owner and believes that the stadium owner has breached the terms of the contract, they may file a lawsuit against the stadium owner.

Insurance can help protect stadiums from the financial consequences of these lawsuits. For example:

Personal injury claims: Stadiums typically carry general liability insurance, which can cover the costs associated with defending against a personal injury lawsuit, including legal fees, settlement costs, and judgments.

Property damage claims: Stadiums may also carry property damage insurance, which can cover the costs associated with repairing or replacing damaged property, as well as defending against any resulting lawsuits.

Breach of contract claims: Stadiums may carry errors and omissions insurance, which can cover the costs associated with defending against breach of contract claims and any resulting damages.

In all of these examples, insurance can help protect stadiums from the financial impact of lawsuits, allowing them to continue operating and providing entertainment to their fans.

Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification


Description for 6512: Operators Of Nonresidential Buildings

Division H: Finance, Insurance, And Real Estate | Major Group 65: Real Estate | Industry Group 651: Real Estate Operators (except Developers) And Lessors

6512 Operators Of Nonresidential Buildings: Establishments primarily engaged in the operation of nonresidential buildings.

  • Bank buildings, operation of
  • Insurance buildings, operation of
  • Lessors of piers, docks, and associated buildings and facilities
  • Operators of commercial and industrial buildings
  • Operators of nonresidential buildings
  • Retail establishments, property operation only
  • Shopping centers, property operation only
  • Theater buildings (ownership and operation)

Description for 7941: Professional Sports Clubs And Promoters

Division I: Services | Major Group 79: Amusement And Recreation Services | Industry Group 794: Commercial Sports

7941 Professional Sports Clubs And Promoters: Establishments primarily engaged in operating and promoting professional and semiprofessional athletic clubs; promoting athletic events, including amateur; and managing individual professional athletes. Stadiums and athletic fields are included only if the operator is actually engaged in the promotion of athletic events. Establishments primarily engaged in operating stadiums and athletic fields are classified in Real Estate, Industry Group 651. Amateur sports and athletic clubs are classified in Industry Group 799.

  • Arenas, boxing and wrestling (sports promotional): professional
  • Athletic field operation (sports promotion)
  • Baseball club, professional or semi-professional
  • Basketball club, professional or semi-professional
  • Football club, professional or semi-professional
  • Ice hockey clubs, professional or semi-professional
  • Managers of individual professional athletes
  • Professional or semiprofessional sports clubs
  • Promoters, sports events
  • Soccer clubs, professional or semi-professional
  • Sports field operation (sports promotion)
  • Sports promotion: baseball, football, boxing, etc.
  • Stadiums (sports promotion)

Stadium Insurance - The Bottom Line

To get more about information the types of stadium insurance policies you'll need and how much coverage you should carry and the associated costs, consult with a reputable broker that is experienced in commercial insurance.

Additional Resources For Arts & Recreation Insurance

Read up on small business arts and recreation commercial insurance.


Arts And Recreation Insurance

The arts and recreation industry is a vital part of our society and culture, providing entertainment and enjoyment for people of all ages. However, as with any business, there are inherent risks and potential liabilities that can arise. This is where insurance comes into play.

One of the main reasons the arts and recreation industry needs insurance is to protect against financial losses due to accidents or injuries. For example, if a performer is injured while rehearsing or performing, their medical bills and lost wages could be significant. Without insurance, the cost of these expenses could potentially bankrupt a small arts organization.

In addition to protecting against accidents and injuries, business insurance can also cover damages or losses due to weather events, natural disasters, and other unexpected circumstances. For example, if a theater is forced to cancel a performance due to a power outage or extreme weather, insurance can help cover lost income and expenses.

Another important aspect of commercial insurance for the arts and recreation industry is liability coverage. This type of insurance can protect against legal claims and lawsuits if someone is injured or becomes ill while attending an event or using facilities. For example, if a patron slips and falls at a theater, they may file a lawsuit against the venue for damages. Liability insurance can help cover the costs of legal fees and any settlement or judgement.

Overall, the arts and recreation industry needs insurance to protect against financial losses and legal liabilities that can arise in the course of business. Without commercial insurance, small arts organizations and recreational facilities could be vulnerable to financial ruin in the face of unexpected events or accidents.

Minimum recommended small business insurance coverage: Business Income with Extra Expense, Employee Dishonesty, Money and Securities, Accounts Receivable, Commercial Articles Floater, Computers, Valuable Papers and Records, General Liability, Employee Benefits Liability, Umbrella Liability, Hired and Non-owned Auto Liability & Workers Compensation.

Other commercial insurance policies to consider: Building, Bailees Customers Floater, Money and Securities, Cyber Liability, Employment-related Practices Liability, Business Auto Liability and Physical Damage and Stop Gap Liability.


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