The Isle of Man is preparing to host the Commonwealth Youth Games (CYG) September 7-13, 2011. With a confirmed 71 countries participating in the 6 day event, ensuring sporting venues are world class is essential. The Bowl stadium, formally known as the King George Bowl, is seeing a massive transformation. As the venue for both Opening Ceremonies and Rugby 7’s, the bowl will certainly have its day in the spotlight.

Fabric Architecture was approached by architectural firm, Savage & Chadwick on behalf of the Isle of Man Government to help re-develop the Bowl because of our expertise and history in working with both world class sporting events, and stadiums/sports arenas.

Having designed and installed sports venue canopies at Gateshead Stadium, Wellington College, Manchester City Fan Pavilion, The Yards in Washington DC, and Aintree Racecourse, we have become industry experts. In addition, Fabric Architecture installed canopies and structures for the Olympic Games in Atlanta, Sydney and Portsmouth for the London 2012 Games – we know how to create visually stunning canopies for global events.

Working in partnership with Savage & Chadwick, the design result is a series of connected bespoke canopies influenced by the Barrel shapes of some of our Signature Structures and the cantilevered stadium canopy at Gateshead. Fabric Architecture Installation Engineers have just finished installing 26 bays measuring 5.7m by 6.5m each. The bespoke canopies cover the 3,000 seats for the new Bowl stadium creating dry space for fans. White PVC and white painted marine grade steelwork offers a clean fresh modern look for the stadium.

To create a sense of arrival, a bespoke Quad Conic is being installed over the ticket kiosk and stadium guest facilities creating a striking entrance feature.

With the canopies almost fully installed, works can now commence on the pitch. Main Contractor Avidyn Construction has been pressing forward supporting the regeneration of the Bowl to welcome the world on 7 September.

After Closing Ceremonies, the stadium will be turned over to the Manx Football club as part of a Legacy Programme.

Construction pictures below sent in via Iphone shows the canopies being installed around the circumference of the pitch.