WO1998022929A1

WO1998022929A1 - A method and system for promoting a sport, especially snowboarding

Info

Publication number: WO1998022929A1
Application number: PCT/US1997/021881
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lisa R. Juris
Original assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
Priority date: 1996-11-20
Filing date: 1997-11-20
Publication date: 1998-05-28
Also published as: AU5590498A

Abstract

A method and system promotes a sport in conjunction with serving refreshments to participants of the sports. The method and system can utilize an enclosure or hut temporarily located proximate to the sporting venue. Participant can readily enter and exit the enclosure or hut. Refreshment facilities are provided within the enclosure or hut as well as a video display. This video display will show a portion of the proximate sporting venue. This venue can be an area where snowboarding, roller-blading or skateboarding is taking place.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

A METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROMOTING A SPORT, ESPECIALLY SNOWBOARDING

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and system for promoting a sport in conjunction with serving of refreshments. In particular, the method and system relate to the promotion of snowboarding.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND ART

While the popularity of certain sports have exploded, companies have not appreciated providing services for these developing sports. In particular, snowboarding, rollerblading and skateboarding have become very popular but there are often few facilities or promotions tied with these sports. These sports are especially popular with teens 12 to 17 years old. This population, however, is very individualistic and can be antiestablish ent. Therefore, it is important to uncover ways in which to reach this market without alienating them. It is then desired to increase sales of a particular product to this market.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to promote sports in conjunction with serving of refreshments and in particular with the serving of beverages.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a "cool" hangout for participants of sports such as snowboarding, rollerblading and skateboarding.

It is an object of this method and system to promote the sport in a way which is relevant to the participants' life style so that they would be receptive to products associated with the promotion.

A further object of the present invention is to heighten brand imagery among the target audience in particular, teens who are 12 to 17 years old.

In this manner, it is a further object of the invention to increase sales of the product associated with the method and system and in particular to increase sales of served beverages.

Moreover, it an object of the present invention to provide an enclosure for participants of the sport which is temporarily located adjacent to the sporting venue.

These and other objects of the present invention are fulfilled by providing a method for promoting a sport in conjunction with serving of refreshments to participants of the sport, wherein the method comprises the steps of temporarily locating an enclosure proximate to the sporting venue; providing refreshment facilities within the enclosure; providing at least one opening for participants to enter and exit the enclosure; and selectively displaying a video within the enclosure, the video showing at least a portion of the proximate sporting venue.

These and other objects of the present invention are also fulfilled by a system for promoting snowboarding in conjunction with serving of refreshments to snowboarders comprising a hut, the hut being temporarily located proximate to a snow-board run; a video camera for viewing at least a portion of the run; a video display within the hut for showing the portion of the run viewed by the camera; refreshment facilities located within the hut; and a rest area provided within the hut. Moreover, these and other objects of the present invention are fulfilled by providing a prefabricated enclosure for housing people, the enclosure being associated with and proximate to a sports area in which at least some participants from the sport use the enclosure, the enclosure comprising at least one opening for ingress and egress; vending machines for serving beverages to people within the enclosure; a video display for viewing the sports area, the video display being viewed from within the enclosure; a rest area; and transport means for facilitating relocation of the enclosure as a unit such that disassembly of the enclosure prior to movement is unnecessary, the transport means being on an exterior of the enclosure.

The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:

Figure 1 is a sectional view showing a portion of the enclosure of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic view showing the environment of the system of the present invention; Figure 3 is a schematic view showing a video camera for viewing a portion of a snowboard run; Figure 4 is a plan view of an interior layout of a first embodiment of the enclosure;

Figure 5 is a left-hand end view of the interior of the first embodiment of the enclosure; Figure 6 is a plan view of a layout of a second embodiment of the enclosure; and

Figure 7 is a left-hand end view of the interior of the enclosure of the second embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring in detail to the drawings and with particular reference to Figure 1, an enclosure or hut 10 used in the present system and method is shown. It is anticipated that this enclosure or hut 10 will be a comfortable atmosphere in which athletic participants can take a break. For example, this hut can be used adjacent a snowboarding run. Therefore, the hut will provide a comfortable atmosphere in which to take a break while either hiking the pike or riding the park. The amenities within the enclosure or hut 10 will be aesthetic in nature. In other words, there will be items that snowboarders really use but they will be casual in design and style. The overall design will be somewhat playful and provide undertones of product branding as will be described in more detail below. It is desired that this enclosure or hut 10 will be "cool" place on the mountain to hangout.

Referring to Figure 2, a schematic view of one environment in which the system of the present invention can be used is shown. In particular, a schematic view of a trail map for a ski resort is shown. It is contemplated that the lodge 12 can be located at the bottom of several ski runs 14 as is conventional. Also as is conventional, several chair lifts 16, tow ropes, gondolas or the like can be provided. Also, one or more snowboard runs 18 can be provided. Proximate to the bottom of the snowboard run 18, the enclosure or hut 10 can be provided. It should be noted in Figure 2 that this enclosure or hut 10 is separate from the main lodge 12. It is desired that the enclosure or hut 10 will have an off-the-beaten-track feel. It is contemplated that this enclosure or hut 10 will not be on the trail map and not too close to the lodge 12, ski school, ticket office or other associated buildings and curtilage. It is desired for the enclosure or hut 10 to be close to the snowboard runs 18 thereby providing a perception of "snowboarders" only and no fun family or skiers allowed. This will aid in making the enclosure or hut 10 feel comfortable for snowboarders.

While Figure 2 is a schematic view showing a trail map of a particular ski and snowboard area, this diagram of Figure 2 is not to indicate any particular ski resort. Moreover, the number of trails, chair lifts and the like could be readily varied.

It is noted that a snowboard run 18 is indicated in Figure 2. This snowboard run 18 has a beginning 20 of the run as well as the slope 22 on which snowboarding takes place. It is contemplated that cameras can be at locations 24 as indicated. In other words, a camera 26 can be located on the slope 22 as shown in Figure 3. This camera will view a portion of the run whereby snowboarders 26 can be televised. Instead of locating the camera 26 on the run 22, it could alternatively be located at the beginning 20 of the run. In that manner, snowboarders getting off the lift 16 could broadcast messages via camera 26 to the enclosure or hut 10 as will be described.

Within the hut or enclosure 10, a television 30 is provided. The portion of the run which is viewed by camera 26 can be broadcast via the television 30. Therefore, people within the enclosure or hut 10 can watch the snowboarders. If there is a camera 26 located at the beginning 20 of the run, then as the snowboarders exit the lift, they can send messages to the people in the enclosure or hut 10 at the bottom of the run 18.

By providing the camera 26 and television 30, snowboarding-relevant entertainment can be provided. The television monitor 30 will enable live and/or delayed-ti e video of on-hill activity. This will make the enclosure or hut 10 a snowboard video training facility which can be opened every day of the season.

While certain camera locations 24 have been indicated in Figure 2, it should be noted that a single camera 26 could be used or that a plurality of cameras 26 could be used. Moreover, while only a single television 30 is contemplated in the enclosure or hut 10, a plurality of televisions 30 could be used to simultaneously broadcast from the same or different run locations. Also, plural cameras 26 can be used and they could sequentially show different portions of the run on the television 30. The particular camera locations 24 indicated in Figure 2 are not to be construed as being limiting. The cameras 24 are merely located in a convenient location such that the action on the run can be viewed.

The camera 26 further includes means generally designated at 32 for sending audio messages. This can merely be a microphone in order to pick up the noise from the slope 22 or to send messages from the beginning of the slope 20. The means 32 will broadcast through the television 30 or other speakers 34 located in the enclosure or hut 10. These speakers 34 can serve as means for receiving audio messages. Communication from the camera 26 and means 32 for sending messages to the television 30 and speakers 34 can be by microwave transmission, wiring or any other suitable source.

It should be noted in Figure 2 that the enclosure or hut 10 is located away from the main lodge 12 as noted above. It is contemplated that the enclosure or hut 10 will not be staffed such that there are no "watch dogs" or full-time staff. This will provide a sense of freedom and escape for the snowboarders in the hut. Moreover, the enclosure or hut 10 has Quonset" hut appearance as indicated in Figure 1. In other words, the hut or enclosure 10 is a prefabricated portable hut having a semicircular roof of corrugated metal that curves down to form walls. Of course, materials other than metal can be used to form the hut but this appearance sets it apart from the other conventional resort facilities. The hut or enclosure is made of material sufficiently strong to be of snowboarder-proof construction.

Moreover, another feature of the enclosure or hut 10 which sets it apart from the rest of the resort facilities is that it is readily transportable. In particular, the prefabricated enclosure or hut 10 will have means 36 for facilitating relocation. These means 36 can include a plurality of skids 38 located on the underside of the enclosure. It is contemplated that these skids 38 will be permanently mounted to the bottom of the enclosure or hut 10. As can be seen in Figure 1, a portion of the area surrounding the rear of the skids 38 has been removed. This is to indicate that the skids 38 will normally be covered beneath the snow when in use. Of course, mulch, soil or other suitable materials can be used to temporarily hide the skids 38 if so desired. Otherwise, a skirt could be placed around the bottom of the enclosure or hut 10 or the skids 38 could simply be visible. The front of the skids 38 will have upturned ends similar to skis. This feature will facilitate pulling the enclosure or hut 10 over the snow. One or a plurality of cross bars can be provided between the skids 38 in order to strengthen them and help hold them in position. Moreover, the forwardmost cross bar can have an eye hook or other suitable attachment means for affixing a tow line to the enclosure or hut 10. Of course, this attachment means can be located in any suitable location. When a cable, chain or other suitable connection is placed on the attachment means, the enclosure or hut 10 can be dragged to a new location. Therefore, the enclosure or hut 10 is only temporarily located at the position indicated in Figure 2.

This enclosure or hut 10 can be moved to other locations at the same resort or to new resorts. Moreover, rather than being located at the bottom of a run, the enclosure or hut 10 can be located mid-mountain or at the top of the mountain or any other suitable location. It is merely desired that the enclosures or hut 10 be located in a relatively flat area having a minimum area of 20 feet by 20 feet, for example. It is also desired that the area is accessible so that the hut can be towed by a groomer, snow cat or other suitable equipment. Moreover, the location for the enclosure or hut 10 should be close to an electrical hookup or should have access to a propane generator or other source of heat and/or electricity.

Outside of the prefabricated enclosure or hut 10 as shown in Figure 1, amenities are provided such as a bench 40 or a toolboard 42. This toolboard 42 can have various tools 46 for binding and stance adjustment of the snowboards. These would include a screwdriver, open-end crescent wrenches, etc. attached to the toolboard 42 via cables 44. Therefore, the tools 46 will remain with the toolboard 42. While the toolboard 42 is shown as being attached to one side of the enclosure or hut 10, it is contemplated that this toolboard 42 can be free standing or mounted to any other suitable position on the enclosure or hut 10. Moreover, a plurality of benches 40 can be provided outside the hut 10 as desired. Within the enclosure or hut 10, Adirondack^* chairs 48 are shown in Figure 1. This furniture is merely one style which can used in order to give a certain aesthetic appeal to the enclosure or hut.

Turning to Figures 4 and 5, another furniture arrangement within the hut 10 is disclosed. While Figure 1 only shows Adirondack" chairs 48, it is contemplated that other elements of the invention as will be discussed with regard to Figures 4-7 will also be included in the Figure 1 embodiment of the enclosure or hut 10. In Figures 4 and 5, a plurality of pyramid seating arrangements 50 are provided. The pyramid arrangements 50 are a dual-level large functional, pyramid-styled seating blocks. The pieces can consist of two straight sections and a dual-level pyramid for the center. The furniture can be constructed by two-by-four plywood pieces with the seats or backs finished with pretreated decking lumber, for example. The furniture could be painted with a sealer or left natural. The pyramid seating arrangements 50 are movable will a little muscle to give the room a different look every now and then. The furniture is conductive to multiple purposes. Snowboarders can position their bodies in many ways while lounging. This pyramid seating arrangements 50 can be covered with indoor/outdoor carpet if so desired. Within one of the pyramid seating arrangements 50, a trash receptacle 74 can be provided. Another of the pyramid seating arrangements 50 can have a recycling receptacle 76. A three and a half inch round hole can be used to place cans within the recycling receptacle 76. Another opening can also be provided in the trash receptacle 74. A glyph can be provided on each pyramid seating arrangement 50 to indicate the contents for the receptacle. The ends of the pyramid seating arrangements 50 can be hinged in order to provide access to the interior of the receptacles 74 and 76. That way trash removal and recycling can be easily carried out. It is contemplated that the ends will be locked in order to prevent the trash or cans from falling from the pyramid seating arrangements 50. While the center pyramid seating arrangement 50 has not been indicated as having a trash or recycling receptacle 74, 76, this pyramid seating arrangements could also have such receptacles. Also, each pyramid seating arrangement itself could have more than one receptacle, for example, receptacles could be at both ends thereof, or no such receptacle could be provided.

The pyramid seating arrangements 50 are generally arranged to face a television 30. This television 30 is located on top of at least one vending machine 52. In that way, when the people within the enclosure or hut 10 watch the television in the comfort of the hut or enclosure 10, they will have a positive associative reference to the items vended from machines 52.

While three vending machine 52 for beverages are shown in Figure 5, it should be appreciated that any number of vending machines can be used. Apart from vending machines for beverages, it is also possible to have vending machines for food, supplies or the like. In Figure 4, only two vending machines 52 are shown. As seen in Figure 5, three or, for that matter, any number of vending machines can be used.

Adjacent the television 30, other electronic equipment 80 can be provided. This electronic equipment 80 can be located on one of the vending machines 52 or it can be free standing. The electronic equipment can include the speakers 34. In addition, another television, a tuner/compact disc changer and speakers can all be incorporated into the electronic equipment 80. This electronic equipment 80 therefore provides means for broadcasting music within the hut or enclosure 10. All the electronics can be provided in a wooden box which is locked with Plexiglas^* over the exposed features (i.e., the television screen, speaker etc.). As previously mentioned, a toolboard 42 with tools 46 can be provided on the exterior of the enclosure or hut 10. Within the enclosure or hut 10, a toolbench and storage area 54 can be provided. This toolbench 54 can also have a plurality of tools 46. These tools 46 are not shown, however, in Figure 5. The tools 46 of Figure 4 can include screwdrivers, open-end crescent wrenches, etc. on weighted return cables. The toolbench 54 also provides a tool station for binding and stance adjustment.

Beneath the toolbench 54 is the storage area. A plurality of bins 56 are provided. These bins can be 1 foot by 1 foot storage spaces for gloves, hats and goggles. Of course, the size of the bins could be varied. The bins can tilt backward to allow water to drip out of the bins and avoid pooling of water. The top left storage bin can have a secured door 58 with a slot therein. Riders can leave their comments for the resort in this area. Also, a log book can be left in the storage area so that writers can leave their name, address and comments in the book if so desired. The toolbench 52 is contemplated as being affixed to the floor of the enclosure or hut 10.

As seen at the right-hand end of the enclosure or hut 10, a standard seven foot by four foot door can be provided. Of course, any suitably sized door can be used. A window can be provided in this door or in either of the end walls of the enclosure or hut 10 if so desired. On the opposite end wall of the hut or enclosure is a seven foot by eight foot overhead door 62. Again, any other suitable door could be used. From a fire safety standpoint, it is merely desired that two doors are provided. Therefore, ingress and egress to the enclosure or hut 10 is provided for allowing people to enter and exit the hut. The standard size door 60 can be used as a main traffic area while the large overhead door 62 can be left open on warm, sunny days. Two skylights 64 can be provided to augment the lighting system 66. While a single skylight can be used if so desired, provision of two skylights will help to insure a bright, sunny interior for the enclosure or hut 10. While snow cover could dark the skylight 64, the heat from within the interior of the enclosure or hut 10 should melt snow off the roof. While two skylights are shown, it is contemplated that any number of skylights can be used. Rather than using skylights which are in the roof of the hut or enclosure 10, it is also possible to locate skylights or windows at a lower position on the sides of the enclosure or hut 10. Of course, the skylight 64 can be omitted if so desired. In fact, it should be noted that such skylights 64 are not shown in Figure 1.

Apart from the skylights 64, the lighting system 66 can include a five foot, four-light tracking strip with cages to secure the bulbs. Of course, any other suitable lighting arrangement can be used. In fact, if a sufficient number of skylights 64 are used or if the enclosure or hut 10 is made from some opaque or transparent material, then it may be possible to totally omit the separate lighting system 66.

In the midsection of the enclosure or hut 10, Figures 4 and 5 show hooks 68 for coats and packs. The hooks 68 on the right-hand side of the enclosure in Figure 5 are above the heater 70. This heater 70 will aid in drying gloves and clothing on the hooks 68. Also, the heater 70 is designed to heat the interior of the hut or enclosure 10. While only one heater 70 is shown, any suitable number of heaters can be used. These heaters can be electric, propane or gas or any other suitable heating source.

On one side of the hut or enclosure 10, a board storage area 72 is shown. Two snowboards are shown in the storage area 72 in Figure 5. While not shown, a board storage area can also be provided on the exterior of the hut.

Also, an optional electric dryer can be installed in the hut or enclosure for drying wet snowboard clothing and the like. Trash cans, fire extinguishers and other suitable equipment can also be provided in the enclosure of hut 10.

Adjacent the standard door 60, an entrance mat 78 can be provided. It is contemplated, that crushed beverages cans can be incorporated into the floor in order to form this entrance mat 78. Silver tops of the beverage cans will be exposed forming an entry area boot scraper. The entry area of the mat 78 can be approximately three fee by four feet, for example. Other items within the enclosure or hut 10 can include a message board or large chalk board. Snowboarders or other people within the hut can then leave messages for one another. Resort information could also be provided. A clock 82 can also be provided within the enclosure or hut as indicated in Figure 4. It is noted that this clock 82 is on the opposite end of the enclosure or hut 10 than the vending machines 52. This clock can also have an indication of the brand of beverages or other items dispensed from the vending machines 52. Therefore, regardless at which end of the enclosure or hut 10 somebody is looking, they will see some reference to the brand of beverage or other product being dispensed. Therefore, positive associations with the beverage can be obtained. Turning now to Figures 6 and 7, a second embodiment showing a different layout for the enclosure or hut 10 is indicated. This second embodiment includes many of the same elements of the first embodiment. To simplify the explanation, a discussion of these common features will now be omitted. However, it should be noted that the pyramid seating arrangement 50 has been replaced by spool tables 84, benches 86 and spool chairs 88. It is contemplated that the benches 86 will be wooden and will be either relatively heavy or will be fastened to the floor in order to keep them off of the run. A recycling bin 90 and a trash bin 92 will be provided. These bins 90, 92 can be aluminum barrels which are secured to the flooring of the enclosure or hut 10.

It is should be noted that the particular furniture and other amenities within the enclosure or hut 10 can be readily modified. As will be appreciated, it is desired that this hut maintain an individualistic, unpretentious arrangement which would appeal to the target audience of snowboarding teens. It is designed such that the enclosure or hut will be the ultimate snowboard hangout and by positive association will get snowboarders to drink more of the products vended from machines 52. It is not contemplated that such a large volume of sales will be made from the machines 54 in the hut or enclosure 10 but rather that a positive associations between the products sold from the vending machines 52 and the hut and enclosure 10 will be formed. In other words, the snowboaders will believe that the manufacturer of the products recognizes the consumer and is in tune with their life style.

While the application has discussed the enclosure or hut 10 as being used in association with snowboarding, it should be appreciated that it could be used in conjunction with many other sporting events. For example, an enclosure or hut could be located at a sporting venue where rollerblading, skateboarding or any other sport takes place. Such sports could be generically referred to as sports which involve foot- related equipment.

While it has not been shown in Figure 1, the enclosure or hut can have a scaffolding attached thereto. This can provide a judges' stand or observation deck for sporting events. Moreover, decking can be provided around the exterior of the enclosure or hut if so desired.

The instant invention will provide for a method for promoting a sport. The method will include the steps of temporarily locating the enclosure or hut 10 adjacent to sporting venue such as a snowboard run 18. Refreshment facilities such as vending machines 52 can be provided within the enclosure or hut 10. At least one opening 60, 62 is provided such that the participants can enter and exit the enclosure or hut 10. The television 30 can selectively display a video from the sporting event. This video can be from the slope 22 of the snowboard run or at the beginning 20 of the run as noted above or at any other suitable location. It is merely contemplated that the video 30 can show the sporting action for which the hut is associated in real time or delayed time. It is therefore possible for participants and other people within the enclosure or hut 10 to be connected with the sporting activity. This video will not only serve as a teaching aid but it can also serve as a means for communication between people at the sporting venue and people within the enclosure or hut 10.

The instant invention will therefore provide a system for promoting a sport such as snowboarding in conjunction with the serving of refreshments such as beverages from the vending machines 52. The enclosure or hut 10 will be temporarily located adjacent the sporting venue. The camera 26 will view a portion of the venue and enable a display of this venue over the television set 30. Refreshment facilities such as vending machines 52 and a rest area 94 adjacent the Adirondack" chairs 48, pyramid seating area 50 or benches 86 and spool chairs 88 is provided. The enclosure or hut 10 is prefabricated and the transport means 36 for facilitating relocation will allow movement of the enclosure or hut 10 without substantial disassembly thereof. The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method for promoting a sport in conjunction with serving of refreshments to participants of the sport, the method comprising the steps of: temporarily locating an enclosure proximate to the sporting venue; providing refreshment facilities within the enclosure; providing at least one opening for participants to enter and exit the enclosure; and selectively displaying a video within the enclosure, the video showing at least a portion of the proximate sporting venue.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the sport involves foot-related equipment and wherein the method further comprises the step of providing tools for adjusting foot-related equipment associated with the sport.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the sport is one of snowboarding, rollerblading and skateboarding and wherein the step of displaying further comprises the step of showing the portion of the proximate sporting venue in real time.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the sport is snowboarding and the sporting venue is a snowboard run and wherein the method further comprises the steps of: providing a video camera to view a portion of the snowboard run, the snowboard run having a slope for snowboarding and having a starting area at the beginning of the slope, the portion of the snowboard run viewed by the video camera being either the slope or the beginning area of the slope; the step of displaying comprises showing the portion of the run viewed by the video camera within the enclosure, the video being displayed on a television; and mounting the television adjacent the refreshment facilities.

5. The method according to claim 5, wherein the video displayed further comprises an audio portion and wherein the method further comprises the step of sending audio messages from snowboarders on the viewed portion of the run to the enclosure.

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein the refreshment facilities comprises at least one vending machine and wherein the step of mounting comprises positioning the television on top of the at least one vending machine.

7. The method according to claim 6 , further comprising the steps of: broadcasting music at least within the enclosure; providing seating within the enclosure; and providing a tool bench within the enclosure, the tool bench having tools for adjusting snowboarding equipment.

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein the enclosure is a prefabricated hut and wherein the method further comprises the steps of: mounting the hut on skids, the skids being on a bottom of the hut; and moving the hut by dragging the hut on the skids.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the enclosure is a prefabricated hut and wherein the method further comprises the steps of: mounting the hut on skids, the skids being on a bottom of the hut; and moving the hut by dragging the hut on the skids.

10. A system for promoting snowboarding in conjunction with serving of refreshments to snowboarders comprising: a hut, the hut being temporarily located proximate to a snow-board run; a video camera for viewing at least a portion of the run; a video display within the hut for showing the portion of the run viewed by the camera; refreshment facilities located within the hut; and a rest area provided within the hut.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the hut is prefabricated and wherein the run includes a slope for snowboarding and a starting area at the beginning of the slope, the portion of the run viewed by the camera being either the slope or a beginning area of the slope.

12. The system according to claim 11, further comprising means for sending audio messages from snowboarders on the viewed portion of the run to the hut.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the video display is a television and wherein the refreshment facilities include at least one vending machine, the television being mounted on the at least one vending machine.

14. The system according to claim 13, further comprising: at least one of a radio and compact disc player for broadcasting music within the hut; seats provided in the rest area of the hut; and at least one tool bench, the at least one tool bench being either within or outside the hut and having tools for adjusting snowboarding equipment.

15. The system according to claim 10, further comprising transport means for facilitating relocation of the hut, the transport means including skids mounted on the bottom of the hut.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein the transport means enable relocation of the hut without disassembly thereof and wherein the skids have upturned ends to facilitate sliding of the hut.

17. A prefabricated enclosure for housing people, the enclosure being associated with and proximate to a sports area in which at least some participants from the sport use the enclosure, the enclosure comprising: at least one opening for ingress and egress; vending machines for serving beverages to people within the enclosure; a video display for viewing the sports area, the video display being viewed from within the enclosure; a rest area; and transport means for facilitating relocation of the enclosure as a unit such that disassembly of the enclosure prior to movement is unnecessary, the transport means being on an exterior of the enclosure.

18. The prefabricated enclosure according to claim

17, wherein the enclosure is a portable hut having a semicircular roof of corrugated metal that curves down to form walls of the enclosure.

19. The prefabricated enclosure according to claim

18, wherein the transport means includes a plurality of skids provided on the bottom of the hut, each of the skids having one upturned end to facilitate sliding of the hut during relocation.

20. The prefabricated enclosure according to claim 17, wherein the video display comprises a television for showing a sport in the proximate sports area such that people within the enclosure can view the sport and wherein the television is located adjacent the vending machines in the enclosure.

21. The prefabricated enclosure according to claim 20, wherein the television is located on top of the vending machines and wherein the enclosure further houses at least one of a radio and compact disc player for broadcasting music within the enclosure, the at least one of the radio and compact disc player being located proximate to the vending machines.

22. The prefabricated enclosure according to claim 20, further comprising means for receiving audio messages from participants at the proximate sport, the television and means for receiving audio messages being related such that people within the enclosure can see participants at the proximate sports area while simultaneously receiving audio messages from participants at the proximate sports area.

23. The prefabricated enclosure according to claim 20, further comprising: seats provided in the rest area of the enclosure; and at least one tool bench, the at least one tool bench having tools for sporting equipment associated with the sport at the proximate sports area.