Steps to create multi-purpose playgrounds; key uses and tips

Establishing multi-purpose courts is a smart move that meets the needs of modern societies. These courts allow multiple sports to be played in a single space, such as football, basketball, volleyball, tennis, and handball. These sports facilities are highly flexible and cost-effective compared to building separate courts for each sport. With the growing interest in health and fitness, multi-purpose courts have become an ideal choice for schools, clubs, residential complexes, and government agencies. The types of court flooring used in these projects vary, including acrylic, tartan, artificial turf, parquet, and Vitile for indoor halls, each offering advantages that suit the nature of the sports practiced. Technical specifications, safety and quality standards, and appropriate site selection also play a vital role in the project’s success and sustainability. In this article, we review the most important steps in implementing multi-use courts, discussing the factors affecting cost, the best materials to use, and important tips for making the most of these modern sports spaces.

Learn about the best flooring for sports fields by reading our previous article!

5 Best Acrylic Court Flooring Types 2025; A Comprehensive Guide to Acrylic Flooring Specifications

What are multi-stadiums?

Multi-purpose courts, also known as multi-purpose courts, are sports spaces designed and equipped to be used for more than one type of sport and activity in the same location. These courts are a practical, cost-effective, and space-efficient solution, especially in areas where there is insufficient space to create a dedicated court for each sport.

These courts are usually equipped with flexible, multi-purpose surfaces, such as acrylic, tartan, or artificial turf, as well as parquet and vinyl flooring for indoor halls, and are equipped with lines and markings specific to each sport, such as football, basketball, volleyball, tennis, and handball.

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What are the top 6 uses of multi-purpose stadiums?

Multi-use courts are used for a wide range of sporting, social, and educational activities, making them an ideal choice for organizations seeking flexible, cost-effective, and space-efficient solutions. The following are the most prominent uses of multi-use courts:

1. Various sports activities
   : These fields are designed to accommodate several types of sports in the same space, such as:
   • Futsal
   • basketball
   • volleyball
   • tennis
   • handball
   • badminton
2. Schools and educational institutions
   use them to organize sports classes and school tournaments, as a single space can be converted to accommodate multiple sports according to the school schedule.
3. Sports clubs and centers
   provide these courts to enable members to engage in various activities without having to travel between multiple courts, enhancing operational efficiency and increasing user satisfaction.
4. Public parks and community facilities
   are used in public parks and residential complexes as recreational facilities that encourage residents to engage in physical activity and social interaction.
5. Youth camps and retreats
   provide ideal solutions for organizing intensive and diverse sports programs over a short period, making them a preferred choice for camps.
6. Sporting Events and Festivals
   Thanks to its flexibility, it can be used to organize mass sporting events and community events that include various competitions and sporting activities.

Steps to establish multi-use stadiums

Creating multi-purpose stadiums requires careful planning and professional execution to ensure the highest levels of quality and efficiency. Here are the most important basic steps when creating multi-purpose stadiums:

1. Determine the type of use and the required space.
   The types of sports the field will serve (such as football, basketball, volleyball, tennis) are first determined, in order to determine the appropriate dimensions, floor design, and regulatory lines based on international standards for each sport.
2. Choosing the right location:
   When building multiple playgrounds, it is preferable to choose a location that enjoys easy access, taking into account the type of soil, water drainage, and the availability of infrastructure (electricity, lighting, fences).
3. Architectural plan design:
   A detailed architectural plan is prepared showing the division of the field, the locations of the lines for each sport, seating areas, lighting, and any supporting facilities (such as changing rooms or bathrooms).
4. Ground preparation (soil leveling and foundation):
   The ground is leveled and compacted, with insulating and drainage layers applied if necessary. Then, the concrete or asphalt base layer is added, depending on the type of ground to be installed later.
5. Sports flooring:
   A suitable multi-use flooring is implemented when constructing multiple stadiums, and is often made of:
   1. Sports acrylic.
   2. Tartan (elastic).
   3. Artificial grass.
   4. Parquet and vinyl for covered halls
6. Sports Line Layout:
   The lines for each sport are drawn using different colors to ensure clarity and distinction between them, while adhering to internationally approved dimensions.
7. Lighting and barrier installation
   • Installing powerful LED lighting poles for night play.
   • Place a net or fence around the field to prevent the ball from going out and to ensure safety.
8. Adding sports equipment
   such as:
   • Two football models
   • basketball equipment
   • tennis and volleyball nets
   • Electronic or traditional scoreboards
9. Quality and safety tests are conducted.
   A comprehensive inspection is conducted to ensure the quality of the floor, the evenness of the lines, the strength of the lighting, and the stability of the equipment.
10. Delivery and Operation:
    After completion of all work, the stadium will be handed over to the beneficiary, with the possibility of providing training on operation or periodic maintenance.

Advantages of establishing multi-purpose stadiums

Investing in multi-use playgrounds is a smart and effective choice for schools, clubs, residential complexes, or government agencies, given the numerous advantages they offer, most notably:

1. Diversity of sports uses:
   The same space can be used to practice several sports, such as:
   • Futsal, basketball, volleyball, tennis, badminton, handball and more.
   • Provides a complete sports experience in one location.
2. Cost and space savings
   • It reduces the need to create separate fields for each sport.
   • Saves on construction, land, maintenance, and labor costs.
   • Ideal for locations with limited space.
3. A practical solution for educational institutions
   • Ideal for schools and universities to organize classes and various sports activities.
   • Helps in utilizing the schedule and space in a flexible and efficient manner.
4. Easy to maintain and manage
   • Modern multi-purpose flooring is easy to clean and wear-resistant.
   • Maintaining it is less complicated than maintaining several separate courts.
5. Encouraging physical and community activity
   • Attracts children, youth and adults to exercise regularly.
   • It strengthens social ties and encourages events and competitions.
6. Flexibility in daily use
   • Court use can be programmed by time (e.g. tennis in the morning, basketball in the evening).
   • Suitable for school, recreational and training activities.
7. Year-round usability
   • With weather-resistant flooring, the playground can be used in all seasons.
   • Some models are designed to fit both indoor and outdoor spaces.
8. Increase the investment value of the site
   • Enhances the value of the facility or property surrounding the stadium.
   • It can be rented out to sports teams or events, generating additional income.

What are the dimensions of multi-purpose courts?

The dimensions of multi-purpose courts depend on the type of sports to be incorporated within the same space, but there are common dimensions used as a reference to provide a safe and suitable sports environment for multiple activities. The following are the most common dimensions:

1. The most common standard size:
   This size allows for games such as futsal, basketball, volleyball, and handball to be played on the same floor and is:
   • Length: 28 to 40 meters
   • Width: 15 to 20 meters
2. Flexible and universal size suggestion: 40m x 20m
   is the ideal size used extensively in schools and clubs, and can accommodate:
   • Futsal
   • basketball
   • volleyball
   • tennis
   • badminton
3. Other sizes according to specific uses:
   • 30 x 15 meters: Suitable for small spaces or residential complexes.
   • 36 x 18 meters: Often used for school tournaments and intermediate spaces.

What flooring is suitable for creating multi-use playgrounds?

Choosing the right flooring is one of the most important factors in ensuring the success and sustainability of multi-use stadiums. The flooring must be safe, flexible, and multifunctional to accommodate a variety of sports in the same space. The following are the most common types of flooring used in these types of stadiums:

1. Acrylic Sports Flooring
   • Slip resistant.
   • Shock absorbing.
   • Withstands heavy use.
   • Suitable for outdoor environments.
   • It has multiple colors and can be easily drawn with different lines.
   • Mathematical proportion:
     1. basketball.
     2. Tennis.
     3. Handball.
     4. volleyball.
     5. Badminton.
2. Tartan Flooring / PU Rubber
   • Made of flexible rubber material.
   • Safe for children and adults.
   • Weather resistant.
   • Excellent for shock absorption and joint protection.
   • Suitable sports:
     1. Running.
     2. Handball.
     3. basketball .
     4. School activities and fitness.
3. Artificial Turf
   • Gives a feel close to natural grass.
   • Weather resistant.
   • Suitable for football and multiple activities.
   • It requires less maintenance than normal.
   • Suitable sports:
     1. Futsal.
     2. volleyball.
     3. Free physical activities.
4. Sport Parquet
   • Provides a hard, durable surface.
   • Comfortable to move and slide.
   • Gives a professional look to gyms.
   • Suitable sports:
     1. basketball.
     2. volleyball.
     3. Handball.
     4. Gymnastics (for indoor use).
5. PVC sports flooring
   • Easy to implement.
   • Soft and comfortable surface.
   • Resistant to bacteria and moisture.
   • Relatively economical.
   • Suitable sports:
     1. Table tennis.
     2. Gymnastics.
     3. Children’s activities.
     4. volleyball.

How long does it take to build multi-purpose stadiums?

The duration of a multi-purpose playground depends on several key factors, such as the size of the project, the type of flooring used, site equipment, and weather conditions. However, in general, the time period can be estimated as follows:

1. Expected implementation period

The construction of multi-purpose stadiums is expected to take the following period of time:

• 3 to 6 weeks on average for medium spaces (e.g. 20x40m).
• It may take up to 8 weeks or more for large or complex projects that include additional fixtures such as lighting, bleachers, or locker rooms.

2. Factors affecting implementation time

There are many factors that positively or negatively affect the duration of construction of multi-purpose stadiums, including:

• Field Area:
  The larger the area, the longer it will take to excavate, level, and install.
• Floor type:
  1. Acrylic and tartan require several coats and gradual drying.
  2. Artificial grass is relatively faster to install.
  3. Rubber or PVC flooring can be installed in a short period of time once the surface is ready.
• Site conditions:
  1. Soil type.
  2. Availability of infrastructure (water, electricity, sewage).
  3. Easy access to equipment and materials.
• Weather and climate:
  During rainy or very hot seasons, application may be delayed, especially for floors that require a specific drying time, such as acrylic.
• Number of workers and equipment:
  Providing a professional work team and modern equipment speeds up completion.

Top 10 Factors to Consider When Building Multipurpose Stadiums

Here is a list of the most important factors to consider when building multi-purpose playgrounds to ensure quality, safety, success, and efficient use:

1. Determine the type of sports activities required
   • The types of sports the field will be used for must be determined in advance (e.g., football, basketball, volleyball, tennis, etc.).
   • This affects the floor design, type of materials, and dimensions of the court.
2. Choosing the right floor
   • When creating multi-purpose playgrounds, the flooring must be multi-purpose, safe, non-slip, and shock-absorbent.
   • Popular options include: Acrylic Sports, Tartan, Artificial Grass, and PVC Sports.
   • It should withstand heavy use and be suitable for all age groups.
3. Dimensions and engineering planning
   • The field is designed to be of appropriate dimensions for multiple sports without overlapping the lines or reducing the space.
   • Use different colors to clearly distinguish the lines of each sport.
   • Observe safety distances outside the lines.
4. Choosing a suitable site for construction
   • The location should preferably be easily accessible and have good infrastructure (water, electricity, drainage).
   • The nature of the soil and its ability to settle and bear must be examined.
5. Good drainage system
   • An effective drainage system is essential to prevent water from pooling on the ground, especially in outdoor playgrounds.
   • Contributes to maintaining floor quality and user safety.
6. good lighting
   • Install strong, consistent lighting (especially if the stadium is used in the evening or indoors).
   • Use energy-efficient LED lights with thoughtful light distribution.
7. Safety and protection factors
   • Installing a fence or netting around the perimeter to prevent balls from going out and to secure the players.
   • Ensure there are no sharp corners or exposed tools.
8. Sports equipment and supplies
   • Providing goalposts, basketball equipment, nets, balls, and other equipment suitable for each sport.
   • Install equipment safely and according to approved technical standards.
9.  Ease of periodic maintenance
   • Choose flooring and materials that do not require complex maintenance.
   • Develop a periodic maintenance plan to ensure continued performance and quality of use.
10. Commitment to technical specifications and international standards
    • The project must be implemented in accordance with the specifications of international sports federations (such as FIFA, FIBA, ITF…)
    • This ensures acceptance into official tournaments and professional use.