Stadium Construction Update
As a part of Phase One renovations at Bank of America Stadium, workers are installing new framework for the six light domes perched above the stadium's three entry gates.
Soon, the framework will support glass and lights that will produce a brighter, crisper look. The old domes featured figerglass.
Framework for the bigger and better video boards above each end zone is nearing completion. Here's how it looked a month ago...
...and here's how it looks now.
Possibly as early as next week, the process of installing panels that will cover the back of each scoreboard will begin, as will the installation of the LED panels that will make up the scoreboard. "It's a big jigsaw puzzle," facility manager Matt Getz said.
A view from the backside, where the addition of structural support for the heavier board is nearing completion.
"The addition of the wings on the scoreboard are to house a speaker system in case we lose power," Getz explained. "The old speaker system will be redeployed for that purpose and will be there in case something happens. It's on a backup generator system."
"With the new speaker system, we had to find new locations to house all the amplifiers. We had to be creative and cut out spaces," Getz said in reference to this new space on the 500 level. "This room will also house the new lighting package for the escalators and the domes."
The ribbon boards that will encircle the 300 and 500 levels continue to take shape.
Workers install brackets that will hold up the handful of LED panels not yet in place on the 300 level. About 85 percent of the ring is installed.
A worker installs one of those LED panels, which covers more than 35 square feet and weighs about 400 pounds.
The escalator bays, too, are rounding into form.
Getz points out the latest progress as work begins on the top level of the bay.
Flagpoles have been removed from atop the 500 ramps. The columns will now become a part of the escalator bay structure.
Soon, representatives from Otis will begin assembling the escalators on the 000 level before they're moved into place.
"There's a lot of work to get done over the next several months, but they're working fast," Getz said. "I feel good that we're going to meet the (July 1 goal) and that come the Fourth of July, I'll get to watch fireworks and not have to worry about construction."
