Sightline Commercial Solutions Celebrates 35th Anniversary

	"Our history is rooted in solving problems others couldn't, or wouldn't, touch," Chase says.

Founded in 1990, Sightline Commercial Solutions is celebrating its 35th anniversary. "For 35 years, we've been engineering solutions that not only meet structural needs but also elevate the visual and functional experience of the spaces we touch," says Jon Chase, chief engineering officer. "This milestone is not just about looking back; it's about honoring the journey of innovation, collaboration, and craft that has brought us here and charting where we go next."

Originally known as Staging Concepts, the company started by building platforms and risers for theatres and event spaces. As accessibility took center stage, the company helped venues meet ADA standards, and soon, railings became part of the mix. Its big break came in 2004, when a major railing project at Busch Stadium cast the company onto the national sports scene. Since then, Sightline has worked on some of the biggest venues in sports and entertainment, from Madison Square Garden and Yankee Stadium to the NCAA Final Four Tournament, American Country Music Awards, The TODAY Show, and the 2017 presidential inauguration.

Renamed Sightline Commercial Solutions in 2022, the company's custom-engineered railing and staging systems can be found across venues from stadiums and arenas to hospitals, hotels, and airports. Projects range from metal panel façade at Audi Field, 13 miles of architectural railing at SoFi Stadium, or custom-designed topiary towers at Target Field.

The 1990s marked a pivotal shift in the athletic and entertainment venue industry, driven by the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This legislation mandated accessible design in public venues, prompting a surge in demand for ADA-compliant infrastructure. Concurrently, there was a growing trend toward customizing venues to enhance the spectator experience and meet diverse event requirements.

Staging Concepts quickly carved out a niche by delivering custom staging and seating systems that could adapt to the evolving needs of live entertainment and athletic venues. Early on, Sightline responded to market demands for more flexible and inclusive infrastructure, introducing portable platform infill systems that aligned with the new ADA requirements. Whether enhancing accessibility or maximizing venue versatility, its focus on problem-solving and product customization made it a valued partner for projects of all sizes and types.

"The ADA changed everything because it forced venue owners and designers to rethink their spaces," Chase says. "We saw a need for adaptable, inclusive infrastructure and knew we had the technical talent to deliver it. That focus on accessibility pushed us to innovate early and helped us build the flexible, problem-solving mindset that has defined us ever since."

In the 1990s, Staging Concepts had many high-profile projects. At RFK Stadium in Washington, DC, the team added two rows of sideline seating along the front of the field-level bowl. For the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the company provided a stage pit and seating riser. To ensure accessibility for Baltimore Ravens fans at M&T Bank Stadium, the company supplied ADA-compliant platforms and a seating expansion. The team designed and implemented a custom stage setup for singer Patti LaBelle.

The construction of large-scale, multipurpose stadiums equipped with advanced amenities boomed in the 2000s as architects shifted their focus to creating venues that could host a variety of events, from sports and concerts to rodeos and more, and enhance revenue streams and audience engagement.

"Responding to the industry's demand for versatility, we expanded our product offerings to include modular staging and railing systems adaptable to diverse event requirements," Chase says. "Our expertise in delivering customized and scalable solutions solidified our reputation in the market and eventually helped us become the go-to resource for specifiers in the ultra-high-end construction contract arena."

Again, the company completed several major projects throughout the 2000s. At St. Louis' Busch Stadium, the company's first major railing job included the installation of a wheelchair-accessible platform section to create dedicated areas designed to cater to Cardinals fans with disabilities. AT&T Stadium, home field of the Dallas Cowboys, was outfitted with more than 35,000 linear feet of interior and exterior ornamental railing styles in five different configurations. The company has been a dependable partner for transforming athletic venues to host college basketball's Final Four tournament for two decades. Its custom risers add temporary seats to provide fans with an exceptional view of the action regardless of where they are seated.

Fan engagement took center stage during the 2010s, driving technological integration and improved amenities. Stadiums began incorporating high-definition video boards, advanced sound systems, and comfortable seating to attract and retain audiences. Aligning with these trends, Sightline invested in developing products that combined functionality with aesthetic appeal to elevate the overall spectator experience.

"There was a real shift happening where venues were no longer prioritizing just functionality; they had to feel elevated," Chase adds. "We leaned into that by creating architectural systems that were as visually striking as they were structurally sound. Our goal was to create experiences that didn't distract from the event but seamlessly supported and enhanced it."

Among its major projects in this decade, the company installed more than 16,000 linear feet of ornamental railing in Madison Square Garden. In addition to fabricating 40,000 linear feet of ornamental railing for Target Field the home of the Minnesota Twins, the company engineered a 35'-wide seating platform in the outfield bleachers that accommodates 168 seats and doubles as a lift-gate so vehicles can enter and exit the field with equipment needed for various event formats. The upper level of the Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Cener, the University of Notre Dame's basketball arena features more than 27,000 sq. ft. of semi-permanent grandstand seating paired with more than 5,000 feet of railing.

The current decade focuses on sustainability and smart technology integration within stadiums. Venues are adopting eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and digital technologies to improve operations and reduce environmental impact.

Sightline says it has embraced these innovations by developing sustainable products and incorporating smart technologies into its offerings. "Our commitment to environmental responsibility and technological advancement positions us at the forefront of modern venue solutions," says Chase.

In this decade, SoFi Stadium marks the biggest commercial railing project the company has ever undertaken. An unprecedented 73,000 linear feet (or 13 miles) of railing -- in nine different styles and 125 different configurations -- can be found in the seating bowl, suites, concourse, and vomitorium areas, as well as the monument stairs and canyons on each side of the venue. Utilizing 3D laser scanning to accurately model the unique geometries of Inuit Dome, the $2 billion, state-of-the-art home of the Los Angeles Clippers, the team contributed more than 17,000 linear feet of railing to create a safe, elevated environment with a sleek, modern aesthetic, unobstructed sightlines and ease-of-access for the many events on the Dome's busy schedule. Also, the PGA Tour's 187,000-sq.-ft. headquarters features a distinctive indoor-outdoor concept that emphasizes the lush environment while encouraging natural light to flow throughout the building. Enhancing sightlines and safety is more than 2,500 linear feet of clear glass Track Rail in the atrium and across the exterior balconies. And more than 15,000 linear feet of custom-engineered aisle, glass, cable , and drink rail throughout the interior and exterior of the arena complement the open and airy design of Hayward Field, the University of Oregon's track and field venue.

"Our history is rooted in solving problems others couldn't, or wouldn't, touch," Chase says. "That mindset still drives us today, and it's what positions us to lead the future of venue design through smarter solutions, deeper collaboration and a relentless drive to rethink how form, function, and the fan experience intersect."