Mercedes-Benz Stadium is destined to become one of the best and most visually striking stadiums in sports when it finally opens. When the stadium will open, however, is starting to become a talking point, as the date has been pushed back again to Aug. 26.
The $1.6 billion-stadium, designed by HOK, was originally planned to open on March 1, 2017. Since that time the opening has been delayed three times to June 1, 2017, then to July 30, 2017, and more recently (and hopefully finally) to Aug. 26, 2017.
Originally, it was thought the delays were related to issues with getting the unique retractable roof to work correctly. While retractable roofs aren’t new to sports stadiums, most slide open like a large garage door. The roof of Mercedes-Benz Stadium takes a more complicated approach and opens in a circular motion, more closely resembling a blooming flower than a garage door.
Steve Cannon, CEO of AMB Group, the stadium’s owner, addressed concerns about the roof in a statement after the most recent delay. “No concerns about the operability of the roof have ever been expressed to us by the design or construction teams,” Cannon said in the statement.
Cannon went on to explain the reason for the delays. “Normal surveying and analysis of the roof structure, as well as steelwork in the roof, have both taken longer than planned. Those two things have had a cascading effect on overall workflows related to the roof, and that is the reason for the new timeline.”
The 71,000-seat stadium will be home to the Atlanta Falcons and the Atlanta United. It will also host the NCAA Peach Bowl and the Celebration Bowl. The stadium will host Super Bowl LIII on Feb. 3, 2019.
HOK collaborated on the design with tvsdesign, Goode Van Slyke Architecture, and Stanley Beaman & Sears. BuroHappold Engineering and Hoberman Associates handled structural engineer duties for the project.
Related Stories
| Jun 5, 2013
USGBC: Free LEED certification for projects in new markets
In an effort to accelerate sustainable development around the world, the U.S. Green Building Council is offering free LEED certification to the first projects to certify in the 112 countries where LEED has yet to take root.
| Jun 3, 2013
Construction spending inches upward in April
The U.S. Census Bureau of the Department of Commerce announced today that construction spending during April 2013 was estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $860.8 billion, 0.4 percent above the revised March estimate of $857.7 billion.
| May 31, 2013
Japan to transform canal into world's largest outdoor pool
A wild proposal by the city of Osaka, Japan, would transform the Dotonbori Canal into a 2,625-foot-long, 40-foot-wide pool.
| May 21, 2013
RSMeans cost comparisons: pools, racquetball courts, bowling alleys, hockey/soccer facilities
Construction market analysts from RSMeans offer construction costs per square foot for four building types across 25 metro markets.
| May 20, 2013
Jones Lang LaSalle: All U.S. real estate sectors to post gains in 2013—even retail
With healthier job growth numbers and construction volumes at near-historic lows, real estate experts at Jones Lang LaSalle see a rosy year for U.S. commercial construction.
| May 17, 2013
First look: HKS' multipurpose stadium for Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA), the Minnesota Vikings and HKS Sports & Entertainment Group have unveiled the design of the State’s new multi? purpose stadium in Minneapolis, a major milestone in getting the $975 million stadium built on time and on budget.
| May 16, 2013
Chicago unveils $1.1 billion plan for DePaul arena, Navy Pier upgrades
Hoping to send a loud message that Chicago is serious about luring tourism and entertainment spending, Mayor Rahm Emanuel has released details of two initiatives that have been developing for more than a year and that it says will mean $1.1 billion in investment in the McCormick Place and Navy Pier areas.
| May 7, 2013
First look: Golden State Warriors stadium by Snøhetta, AECOM
Architects Snøhetta and AECOM have revealed their latest renderings of a new stadium for NBA basketball team the Golden State Warriors on the waterfront in San Francisco.
| May 2, 2013
Holl-designed Campbell Sports Center completed at Columbia
Steven Holl Architects celebrates the completion of the Campbell Sports Center, Columbia University’s new training and teaching facility.
| Apr 30, 2013
Tips for designing with fire rated glass - AIA/CES course
Kate Steel of Steel Consulting Services offers tips and advice for choosing the correct code-compliant glazing product for every fire-rated application. This BD+C University class is worth 1.0 AIA LU/HSW.
