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Since groundbreaking of the new Cardinals Stadium in April of 2003 stadium construction has transformed 165 acres of cotton fields in the West Valley of Phoenix. The opening of the new Cardinals stadium in just nine months away and several milestones continue to be reached in the construction process.
“In terms of the stadium construction goes, we are on time, on schedule and on budget,” offered Cardinals Vice President and General Counsel Michael Bidwill, to a group touring the stadium Monday afternoon.
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One of the most important features of the Cardinals stadium is the retractable roof. This was a vital component for Cardinals ownership and the community because of its ability to create a comfortable environment for fans regardless of weather conditions. While recent stadiums have incorporated retractable roofs, this design called for the roof panels to move along an arc, which is an engineering first.
Following the roof lift in February, which was also the largest roof raise in North American history, workers have made progress on completely enclosing the stadium. Over the next two months the stadium should be air tight, however fans will not feel like they are indoors due to special design elements that were incorporated into the stadium.
“We really wanted the stadium to have an open air feel to it,” added Bidwill, as he showed people around the stadium site Monday.
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The stadium roof will be comprised of two retractable panels which will allow the stadium to be closed and air conditioned during the hot summer months and remain open during the cooler times of the year. Another unique aspect of the roof design is the translucent fabric called birdair, which covers the remaining portion of the roof, will allow the natural sunlight to penetrate through the fabric, still giving an open, airy feeling even while the roof is closed.
“There is also a halo area that surrounds the panels where the roof will move along which will also allow light in,” said Bidwill in referencing a circular section surrounding the main panels of the roof.
In addition stadium designers used the unique exterior features of alternating metal panels intended to reflect the shifting desert light alongside magnificent vertical glass slots, allowing patrons a spectacular view of the horizon from any level of the interior. The 21 vertical slots around the stadium that also allow light to enter and also provide scenic views out to Arizona’s desert landscape.
Another aspect of the stadium that adds to the fan experience is the open concourses at both the main and terrace level.
“This is something we did deliberately for the fans so when they get up from their seats and still see and hear what is going on in the game,” confirmed Bidwill.
The openness of the stadium is just one of many aspects of the stadium that will ensure a unique fan experience.
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Contrary to stadiums of the past, designers of modern venues have set out to create structures that do more than just accommodate thousands of people. Instead designers are seeking to create buildings that are a reflection of the city and the teams they are built for. With this concept in mind, the Cardinals are building a stadium that would not only reflects the unique beauty of the Arizona desert but will be a significant and enduring contribution to the ever-evolving urban landscape of the Valley of the Sun.
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“We’re really excited about the opportunity to come here to the West Valley in our new home and play football,” said Bidwill. “This structure is something that we will look back thirty years from now and still see it evolving with design.”
http://www.azcardinals.com/news/news_details.html?iid=3179
