Seating capacity Seating capacity refers to the number of people who can be seated in a specific space , both in terms of the physical space available , and in terms of limitations set by law . Seating capacity can be used in the description of anything ranging from an automobile that seats two to a stadium that seats over 100 , 000 people . The largest sporting venue in the world , the Indianapolis Motor Speedway , has a permanent seating capacity for more than 257 , 000 people and infield seating that raises capacity to an approximate 400 , 000 . Seating capacity in venues . Safety is a primary concern in determining the seating capacity of a venue , as " [ s ] eating capacity , seating layouts and densities are largely dictated by legal requirements for the safe evacuation of the occupants in the event of fire " . The International Building Code specifies that " [ i ] n places of assembly , the seats shall be securely fastened to the floor " , providing exceptions if the total number of seats is fewer than 100 , if there is a substantial amount of space available between seats , or if the seats are at tables . It also delineates the number of available exits for interior balconies and galleries based on the seating capacity , and sets forth the number of required wheelchair spaces in a table derived from the seating capacity of the space . The International Fire Code , portions of which have been adopted by many jurisdictions , is directed more towards the use of a facility than the construction . It specifies that " [ f ] or areas having fixed seating without dividing arms , the occupant load shall not be less than the number of seats based on one person for each 18 inches ( 457 mm ) of seating length " . It also requires that every public venue submit a detailed site plan to the local fire code official , including " details of the means of egress , seating capacity , [ and ] arrangement of the seating . . . " Once safety considerations have been satisfied , determinations of seating capacity turn on the total size of the venue , and its purpose . For sports venues , " [ t ] he decision on maximum seating capacity is determined by several factors . Chief among these are the primary sports program and the size of the market area " . In motion picture venues , " [ t ] he limit of seating capacity is determined by the maximal viewing distance for a given size of screen " , with image quality for closer viewers declining as the screen is expanded to accommodate more distant viewers . Seating capacity of venues also plays a role in what media they are able to provide , and how they are able to provide it . In contracting to permit performers to use a theater or other performing space , " [ t ] he seating capacity of the performance facility nust be disclosed " . Seating capacity may influence the kind of contract to be used , and the royalties to be given . The seating capacity must also be disclosed to the copyright owner in seeking a license for the copyrighted work to be performed in that venue . Venues that may be leased for private functions such as ballrooms and auditoriums generally advertise their seating capacity . Seating capacity is also an important consideration in the construction and use of sports venues such as stadium s and arena s . When entities such as the NFL ' s Super Bowl Committee decide on a venue for a particular event , seating capacity – which reflects the possible number of tickets that can be sold for the event – is an important consideration . Legal capacity and total capacity . Seating capacity differs from " total capacity " ( sometimes called " public capacity " ) , which describes the total number of people who can fit in a venue or in a vehicle either sitting or standing . Where seating capacity is a legal requirement , however – as it is in movie theaters and on aircraft – then the law reflects the fact that the number of people allowed in should not exceed the number who can be seated . Use of the term " public capacity " indicates that a venue can permissibly hold more people than it can actually seat . Again , this maximum total number of people can refer to the physical space available , or limitations set by law .