Retractable seating (sometimes called telescopic seating) consists of multiple tiers of a closed deck, seat or bench platforms that can be opened up for use and vertically stacked one under the other when not in use. When stored away, they present either a neat, flat-folded front or the closed back of the platform. To open, multiple tiers of retractable seating in the stack unfold one after the other automatically, until all seating platforms are finally in position. The automatic opening and closing can be operated manually or remotely.

Telescopic seating (sometimes called retractable seating) consists of multiple tiers of a closed deck, seat or bench platforms. From a neatly stored away position, multiple tiers of seating can be opened up when required. The telescopic action allows platforms to be vertically stacked one under the other when not in use. The platforms open in a progressive movement, one after the other as the stack opens, until all the platforms are in position. The automatic opening and closing can be remotely or manually operated.

A standard bleacher consists of tiered, horizontal rows of fixed seating benches (bleachers) with platforms underneath to accommodate feet, and access stairways between them. Bleachers are mainly (but not exclusively) found at sports venues. Bleacher seating’s worldwide popularity is probably because it's such a cost-effective option for seating large crowds.

Retractable bleachers consist of multiple tiers of closed deck, seat or bench platforms that can retract into a vertical, stacked position for storage, and opened up for use. When stacked and stored away they present either a neat, flat-folded front or the closed back of the platform. When opening, the tiers of retractable bleachers unfold automatically in a progressive action, until all seating is finally in position.

Venue seating generally comes in two different types with retractable and fixed seating choices. Retractable (or telescopic) seating is a preferred seating solution for many venues, from theaters and cinemas to auditoria, lecture halls and conference centers as well as significant sporting stadia and arenas.

Retractable seating can be wood, plastic or fabric, depending upon what most suits the venue. Wood is always popular in places that host both educational and sporting events. Plastic is considered the best bet for dedicated sporting arenas (think football, basketball and ice hockey matches). For venues that primarily host cultural events, fabric seats are the most suitable option. Whichever seating material is chosen, all offer stability and comfort: the two requirements a spectator most desires!

Retractable seating stands can be a consideration for audience seating at almost any venue. Built-in electrical systems that close and open the seating stands mean a venue can transition easily at gymnasiums and basketball, volleyball and handball arenas to accommodate large or small audiences. The stand can be opened up to any number of rows, depending on requirements. The retracting action shrinks the stand’s depth to a single row when closed, freeing up the space for other activities.

Telescopic seating designers have incorporated unique mechanisms into stands to make them completely configurable for the audience and the space. Integrated motors in the stands make forwards, backwards and 360° movement all possible as well as partial retraction which means retracting and extending only the required number of bleacher rows is easy!

A double-row of bleachers can be retracted or extended telescopically and is a perfect seating solution for low-ceilinged venues where two rows of seats per platform ensure the desired capacity is achievable. This configuration is ideal for a restricted space. The best designs have a built-in adjustable height mechanism, raising the row behind so the rows are staggered for optimum viewing.

Bleachers can be a combination of both individual chairs and long benches. A well-designed mobile bleacher seating design mounts single chairs on benches which fold away neatly beneath the bench into a specially integrated section. For maximum flexibility, some bleachers can be arranged as bare benches, with the foldaway chairs on other rows.