What is a Stadium Vomitory?
Managing spectator flow is a key factor in ensuring event safety. When discussing arena or stadium grandstands, one essential architectural feature is the vomitory. Although this term, inherited from Ancient Rome, might sound confusing, it refers to a crucial passageway that ensures smooth crowd movement. Alcor presents everything you need to know about stadium vomitories (definition and history).
Vomitory: Definition and Brief History
The term “vomitory” comes from the Latin word “vomitorium,” referring to an opening that allows a crowd to exit an amphitheater or stadium quickly. This concept, originating in Roman times, was used to facilitate public movement in vast arenas and amphitheaters, such as the vomitories of the Colosseum. Today, vomitories serve the same function in modern grandstands.
In contemporary stadiums, such as the Stade de France, vomitories are strategic passages, typically located between rows of seats. They allow spectators to quickly reach their seats or exit in an emergency. At major events, these openings prevent crowd congestion and reduce risks during evacuations. Vomitories are numbered to help guide each spectator to their seat.
Though the term “vomitory” may seem unusual, it has nothing to do with digestion. Instead, it refers to the idea of “discharging” crowds into a space. The Latin word “vomitorium” is derived from “vomere,” meaning “to expel.”
What Is the Purpose of a Grandstand Vomitory?
The vomitory in a grandstand plays a crucial role in organizing spectator flow and ensuring event safety. It helps regulate the movement of people entering and exiting the venue, especially in stadiums and arenas where thousands must move simultaneously.
These openings are designed for rapid circulation, whether for seating or emergency evacuation. Famous venues like the Nîmes Arena and the Stade de France are equipped with well-distributed vomitories to ensure spectator safety.
For What Events Are Vomitories Useful?
Vomitories are essential for any event that gathers large crowds in an enclosed space. In Roman arenas, such as Nîmes, they were used during games or gladiator combats to allow spectators to enter and exit quickly and safely. Today, vomitories are present in stadiums like the Stade de France.
Vomitories are also critical when renting temporary modular grandstands, such as those Alcor provides for one-off events. By managing crowd flow efficiently, they ensure a seamless experience—whether for a sports competition, concert, or festival. Compliance with safety standards is crucial to guarantee spectator security.
Vomitory Regulations in France
In France, vomitory design adheres to strict safety regulations. Their size, placement, and number are governed by rules that ensure fast evacuation when needed.
Vomitories must be wide enough to allow large numbers of spectators to pass through without creating bottlenecks. This width is calculated based on the cumulative width of the zones they serve. They must also be accessible to individuals with reduced mobility, in line with current accessibility standards.
These regulations apply to both permanent installations and modular or temporary grandstands. At Alcor, we follow these standards in the design and installation of our grandstand solutions. For more information, see our article on grandstands regulations.
Alcor: Your Modular Stadium Expert
Alcor Équipements is a leading provider of modular stands. Our structures comply with safety standards, including vomitory requirements.
Whether for sports, cultural, or musical events, we offer custom solutions that incorporate vomitories designed to ensure smooth spectator flow and safety. Our grandstands are available for purchase or rental, in France and all around the world.
Contact Alcor for more information on our modular grandstands with vomitories. Whether you need a small removable stadium or a large permanent arena, we have the expertise and experience to meet your needs.
