REHAU & The Future of Stadium Comfort: A Game Changer at Guaranteed Rate Field
REHAU INDUSTRIES LLC, a leading global provider of polymer solutions, is quietly revolutionizing the fan experience at major sporting venues, including Guaranteed Rate Field, home of the Chicago White Sox. While fans cheer on their team during the White Sox vs. Athletics matchups (and all games!), a sophisticated system operating largely unseen is working to keep them comfortable, no matter the weather. You probably don’t see REHAU at a ballgame, and that’s kind of the point. We're not about flashy logos or in-your-face advertising. We’re about making things work seamlessly – quietly improving the environment for everyone. We're a family-owned company – been around for 75 years – based here in the US with a big plant in Leesburg, Virginia, and global reach. We make a lot of different things out of plastic – automotive parts, medical devices, construction materials… you name it. But a really interesting, and increasingly important, area we’re focusing on is creating comfortable and efficient environments for people, and that extends to places like stadiums. So, what exactly is REHAU doing at Guaranteed Rate Field? It’s all about radiant heating and cooling, using a system called REHAU ECC (Efficient Climate Control). Forget those big, clunky heaters you sometimes see in outdoor stadiums, or the stuffy, uneven air from traditional HVAC systems. REHAU ECC operates under the seating, in the concrete. Think about it: You're sitting in your seat, cheering on the White Sox against the Athletics. It's a chilly April evening. But instead of shivering, you feel a gentle warmth radiating up from beneath you. Or maybe it’s a hot July day, and you’re feeling a refreshing coolness. That's the REHAU system at work. How does it work? It’s pretty clever. We run a network of small-diameter, flexible tubing within the concrete slabs under the seats. Water, heated or chilled via high-efficiency boilers and chillers, circulates through these tubes. The concrete acts as a massive thermal mass, evenly distributing the temperature. Here’s what that means for fans at White Sox vs. Athletics games, and every other event at the stadium: Consistent Comfort: No more hot spots or cold drafts. The radiant system provides even heating and cooling throughout the seating areas. We’re talking about a huge improvement over the old days when certain sections of the stadium were miserably uncomfortable. Energy Efficiency: Traditional heating and cooling systems blast air, heating or cooling the air around people. A lot of that heat or cooling escapes quickly. Radiant systems heat or cool the mass of the concrete, which holds the temperature much longer. This dramatically reduces energy consumption. It’s not just about comfort; it's about being responsible with resources. The team at Guaranteed Rate Field is really committed to sustainability, and we’re proud to be helping them achieve their goals. Quiet Operation: No noisy fans or air handlers to distract from the game. The REHAU system operates silently, allowing fans to fully immerse themselves in the action on the field. Improved Air Quality: Radiant systems don't circulate air in the same way traditional HVAC does, which means less dust, allergens, and other airborne particles. "We were looking for a solution that would provide consistent comfort for our fans, while also reducing our energy consumption," explains a spokesperson for the Chicago White Sox. "REHAU's radiant heating and cooling system was the perfect fit. The difference is noticeable, and our fans are really appreciating it." But Guaranteed Rate Field isn't the only place you'll find REHAU technology at work. We’re also working with other sports venues, arenas, and entertainment facilities across the country. The demand for more comfortable and energy-efficient venues is growing, and REHAU is at the forefront of this trend. Beyond Stadiums: REHAU’s Broader Impact While sports venues are a key application, REHAU ECC is incredibly versatile. We're using the same technology in: Schools & Universities: Creating more comfortable and productive learning environments. Hospitals & Healthcare Facilities: Improving patient comfort and reducing energy costs. Office Buildings: Enhancing employee productivity and well-being. Retail Spaces: Creating a more inviting shopping experience. “We’re not just a plastics company," says a representative from REHAU INDUSTRIES LLC. “We’re a solutions provider. We’re committed to developing innovative technologies that improve people's lives and create a more sustainable future. Whether it’s keeping fans comfortable at a White Sox vs. Athletics game, or creating a more efficient hospital, we’re focused on making a positive impact.” So, next time you're at Guaranteed Rate Field, enjoying a ballgame, remember that there's more to the experience than just the action on the field. A sophisticated, unseen system is working hard to keep you comfortable, and that system is brought to you by REHAU. We're the quiet force behind a more comfortable and sustainable future, one stadium (and one seat!) at a time. To learn more about REHAU and its innovative solutions, visit [Insert Website Address Here]. You can also reach us at 313-892-5864 or at our Leesburg, VA headquarters: 1501 EDWARDS FERRY RD NE, LEESBURG, VA, 20176-6680.