10mm Clear Marlon FSX was the chosen material for the balustrades and handrails of the covered grandstand of the newly build Athletic Stadium in Pilsen, Czech Republic, the European Capital of Culture 2015.

Requirements:

• Transparent
• Impact resistant
• UV resistant
• Easy to fabricate

The project required an absolutely clear material to guarantee unobstructed views of the running track and inner field used for pole vault, long jump, high jump, javelin, hammer and discus, whilst delivering on impact resistance and UV protection.

Clear Marlon FSX was used as the double sided UV layer prevents damaging UV radiation from penetrating the sheet, thus preventing yellowing of the sheet over time and guarding against loss of strength, which results in a longer sheet life. In addition the high impact strength of the polycarbonate sheet offers a toughness and shatter resistance enabling the panels of the balustrade and handrails, located in high traffic areas, to stand up to constant handling and protect spectators. Combined with its light weight (half the weight of normal glass) and high natural light transmission, Marlon FSX polycarbonate proved to be the perfect material for the project.

The stadium is home to AK ŠKODA PLZEŇ athletic club and offers the most modern facilities, including a 122m long and 5 lanes indoor tunnel and covered spectators stand with 852 seats. The outstanding facility offers training opportunities to various clubs, schools and universities from across the country and being an IAAF certified stadium, it can be host to both national competitions and international championships.