Update From The Glendale Star
Cardinals' stadium featuring new design
By JASON STONE
Nothing ever seems to go smoothly for the Arizona Cardinals.
Even Mother Nature had a say in ruining the official groundbreaking for the team's new stadium in Glendale.
Rain forced the postponement of the City's ceremony March 18 until April, but that has not stopped the team and City from staying excited about the project.
"Mother Nature has reminded us why the new multipurpose stadium will feature a retractable roof," Cardinals vice president Michael Bidwill said. "We trust she'll cooperate next month when our community breaks ground on one of Arizona's most significant projects."
The ceremony has been pushed back to April 12, giving those who are interested in attending more time to view the new design.
Architect Peter Eisenman redesigned the exterior of the stadium to resemble a barrel cactus, with vertical slots that are in contrast to the smooth panels. The fabric on the retractable roof will allow light inside to provide the stadium with an airy feel.
The roof will have two large retractable panels that will completely uncover the entire playing field, while giving shade to fans. Like Bank One Ballpark in Phoenix, the roof is expected to be closed during hot months.
The stadium will seat more than 63,000 fans and include 88 luxury suites. The seating capacity can be expanded for bigger events such as the Super Bowl or Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.
Despite the postponement of the groundbreaking ceremony, construction on the stadium is not expected to be delayed. Design work and site preparation will continue, and the stadium bowl, located at Loop 101 and Bethany Home Road, is expected to begin in June.
"Glendale is thrilled with the new design of the stadium," City Manager Ed Beasley said. "It is our belief that the project will gain world-wide recognition and will provide our neighborhoods and surrounding communities what they were hoping for in a stadium design n one that complements the area and is pleasing to look at."
The Phoenix Coyotes move into the new Glendale arena, adjacent to the site, in December.