A critical point of construction in Syracuse University’s stadium renovation was reached yesterday as the final steel structural beam was placed in support of the venue’s new fixed roof, completing the sequence of the crown-truss that provides the stadium with its iconic look. This work is a continuation of the University’s $118 million, multi-year upgrade of the sports arena.
“This achievement marks another significant milestone in our efforts to create a new stadium experience unlike anything ever seen here in Syracuse,” said Pete Sala, vice president and chief campus facilities officer. “The completion of the crown-truss was a critically important step and one that paves the way to begin construction of the roof itself. I am grateful for the efforts of so many who together have worked tirelessly to continue advancing this project.”
The fan experience aspect of construction remains in focus—including a vertically hung scoreboard, state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, and air conditioning.
“There is a lot of interior work being done,” Sala said. “Our goal was to get in the building and take care of the fan features first. The electricians are here every day putting in the infrastructure for the lighting, the sound and the video. They are doing all of the back-of-the-house wiring and communication fiber installation.”
The project continues with every precaution in place to ensure the safety of each person involved in the construction.
“At the beginning of every job meeting, we preach social distancing and work through any concerns of the crew,” Sala said. “The first 30 minutes of the day are dedicated to safety, social distancing and understanding the new normal. We are doing our best to maintain the construction schedule and benchmarking our target opening date on a weekly basis to check off where we are with the project. We are very pleased with where we are right now and are still working toward the original date.”
The stadium construction project, which was announced in May 2018, continues on schedule due to the dedication and commitment of many local entities working with the University and stadium staff.
“The people of Syracuse should know how talented and what a wonderful group of people we have here in the local community,” Sala said. “I want to specifically call out the IBEW Local 43, the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 267 and the Ironworkers Local 60, including Matt Nesbitt, president, and John Clark, business manager. This is an enormous undertaking of erecting steel in a very difficult environment. This was a tough job, challenging these guys to work more than 200 feet in the air. These guys are Syracuse guys. This is one of the biggest steel jobs in this part of the country. They are just amazing, and I can’t say enough about them.”
To stay up-to-date on the continuing progress on the stadium project, check out the Stadium Live Cam. For additional information, visit campusframework.syr.edu.
