Safeguarding the stage: why venues and stadia need specialised solutions

Safeguarding the stage: why venues and stadia need specialised solutions

In the dynamic world of live entertainment and sporting events, venues and stadia face a unique set of risks that demand more than your standard insurance coverage.

They require specialised solutions.

In the Pacific region, venues and stadia are more than just architectural landmarks - they are key economic and social hubs that host everything from international sporting events to cultural celebrations. 

These high-profile structures face a growing array of risks. The increasing frequency of natural catastrophes like cyclones, earthquakes, bushfires and floods, primarily driven by climate change, presents a particularly alarming threat. We live in a region that is particularly vulnerable to these events, meaning the financial and operational consequences of damage or downtime can be more severe than in other parts of the world.

When Cyclone Gabrielle struck New Zealand in 2023, several sporting facilities sustained significant damage. Those with comprehensive PDBI and DSU coverage would have been able to recover faster and resume operations.

Preventing and responding to cyber-attacks or technological disruptions also represents a complex challenge. Specialised insurance solutions are essential not only for financial protection, but also for preserving reputation, ensuring operational continuity, and supporting the long-term sustainability of these key landmarks. 

From risk to resilience: the role of insurance in venue operations

Insurance is critical at every stage:
 

Venues and stadia are inherently multidimensional structures that require a detailed understanding of the technical, legal and contractual risks. They demand comprehensive insurance products that are capable of covering a large range of risks with multiple stakeholders. At Howden, our team will support and strengthen your risk insurance strategy and ensure that it consists of a tailored, innovative solution that is unique to the risks involved.

What types of insurance exist for venues and stadia?

During construction

• Contract Works and Delay in Start-Up (DSU)
• Third Party Liability 
• Marine Cargo and DSU 
• Environmental Impairment Liability 
• Professional Indemnity 
• Latent Defects Insurance

Once operational

• Stadium Property Damage and Business Interruption 
• Third Party Liability 
• Terrorism, Strikes, Riots and Civil Commotion
• Management Liability (Directors & Officers, Professional Indemnity, Social Engineering, Employment Practices)
• Cyber Insurance
• Personal Accident 
• Cancellation and Abandonment (revenue protection)

Our project experience

Australia

• Sydney Football Stadium Renovation
• Perth Stadium

Canada

• Rogers Place Arena Construction (NHL) - Edmonton AB
• Rogers Centre Renovations (MLB) - Toronto ON
• Scotiabank Arena Renovations (NBA/NHL) - Toronto ON

US

• LA Chargers Training Facility (NFL) - Los Angeles CA
• Crypto.com Arena Renovations (NBA/NHL) - Los Angeles CA
• Dodger Stadium Renovations (MLB) - Los Angeles CA

UK 

• Birmingham Stadium Refurbishment - Commonwealth Games
• New London Stadium
• Stratford Aquatics Centre - Olympic Games
• Kensington Olympia Redevelopment 

Our operational experience

UK 

• Twickenham Stadium
• Ascot Racecourse
• Wembley Stadium
• London (Olympic) Stadium 

Anticipate, adapt, protect: the role of risk profiling in venue success

For venues and stadia, operational risk profiling is a critical first step in identifying potential threats - from safety hazards and system failures to external disruptions like natural disasters or cyber-attacks. 

As a venue operator, gaining visibility into your venue’s exposures is non-negotiable.

A robust risk management strategy, including contingency planning and business continuity systems, ensures the venue can respond quickly and remain resilient to unexpected events. With the right framework in place, venues are better equipped to protect their people, assets, and reputation - ensuring the show can go on, no matter what.