|
|||||||
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|||||||
|
The Colts Influence
Constructed, destructed and reconstructed
Colts
FORUM
Colts
BLOG
The Colts Influence
|
STATUS TIMELINE January 2002: Mayor Bart Peterson and the Colts begin discussions about the feasibility of a new stadium for the team June 2002: An Indianapolis Star poll finds that an overwhelming majority -- 71 percent -- of county residents disapprove of using tax dollars to fund a new stadium. November 2002: Peterson and Colts owner Jim Irsay begin formal negotiations on securing the Colts long-term presence in the city. March 2004: The city of Indianapolis asks architectural firms to submit designs for a new stadium.
July 23, 2004 City officials are reviewing designs for a new Indianapolis Colts stadium drafted by three architectural firms hired earlier this year to help determine whether a new Downtown arena is feasible. September 2004 Hunt Construction Group is hired by the city to investigate whether any obstacles exist that would block construction of a new stadium south of the RCA Dome. Dec. 13, 2004 The city releases the results of a $114,000 study by PricewaterhouseCoopers which says a new stadium would pump an additional $30 million a year into the local economy. Dec. 19, 2004 Peterson and Irsay announce they have reached an agreement for a $500 million, 63,000-seat retractable roof stadium to be financed by slot machines in Downtown Indianapolis.
Funding
the project with slot money was pretty much wishful thinking. Dec. 20, 2004 One day after the stadium plan is announced, details show the actual cost could be $190 million higher than announced. Dec. 26, 2004 "We have a deal," said a smiling Mayor Bart Peterson as he and team owner Jim Irsay held up their arms in victory before a roaring crowd of more than 55,000 that had turned out to see the Colts take on the Baltimore Ravens. 2005
January
2005 March 2005 A plan to finance the stadium with revenue from slot machines dies in the state legislature.
April 2005 Following months of tense negotiations between the state and city, Peterson announces he will allow the state to take control of the stadium project. April 29, 2005 The General Assembly approves a $900 million financing plan for a new stadium and expansion of the Convention Center. It calls for an increase in hotel, car rental and admissions taxes in Marion County and restaurant taxes in Marion and the surrounding counties. May 11, 2005 Gov. Mitch Daniels signs the bill authorizing funding for a new football stadium and expansion of the Convention Center. June 1, 2005 $48 million promised to the Colts by the city was not included in the state's funding plan -- setting off a dispute between the city and the state over who will pay the missing amount. June 8, 2005 Hancock is the first county to vote on, and pass, the regional 1 percent food and beverage tax to help pay for the stadium. June 10, 2005 To cover the missing $48 million, an agreement is made to cut the contingency fund to pay for unforeseen construction problems from $90 million to $50 million. June 13, 2005 The City-County Council approves a 2 percent food and beverage tax for Marion County -- doubling the present tax. June 14, 2005 Boone County passes the 1 percent food and beverage tax. June 22, 2005 Johnson and Shelby counties pass the 1 percent food and beverage tax. June 27, 2005 Hendricks and Hamilton counties pass the 1 percent food and beverage tax; Morgan County rejects it. Aug. 25, 2005 Construction crews begin demolition at the stadium site. Aug. 30, 2005 The city and the Colts agree on a 30-year lease for a new stadium, ensuring that the Colts stay in Indianapolis until at least 2034. September 2005 Before excavation began, the 38-acre site was primarily a parking lot, the site of pregame tailgating for the RCA Dome. Beyond digging up asphalt, site preparation also included demolishing a Comfort Inn constructed in the 1990s, says Scott Blanchard, contract manager for Hunt Construction Group, the contractor, as well as a warehouse painted with a giant Colts horseshoe.
The Indiana Stadium and Convention Center Building Authority approves an agreement with the city and the Colts, clearing the way for construction to begin. The authority also agrees to a $40 million loan so construction can begin and $15 million in contracts for fencing, excavation and sewer construction. Sept. 20, 2005 A groundbreaking ceremony is held for the new stadium -- several weeks later than the Aug. 1 date originally scheduled. N.K. Hurst Co., located on nearly 4 ½ acres needed for stadium parking, proposes a land swap which allows it to remain at its present site but the state building authority refuses to budge, saying it would use eminent domain if necessary to remove the company. Update The stadium authority files a lawsuit to seize the Hurst bean factory and avert legislative efforts to make it more difficult to take the property. Update 2006 Feb. 27, 2006 Hillsdale Fabricators is awarded an $82.8 million contract to provide steel for the stadium's retractable roof, bringing to more than $225 million the amount awarded in contracts for the project. February 28, 2006 It was announced that Lucas Oil purchased the naming rights to a future NFL stadium, to be called "Lucas Oil Stadium" in Indianapolis, Indiana for $120 million over 20 years. Also February 28, 2006 REI receives contract to help oversee New Colts Stadium construction March 1, 2006 The Colts and Lucas Oil Products agree to a 20-year, $121.5 million naming rights deal. March 13, 2006 The Capitol Improvement Board signs off on the naming rights agreement, making the deal official. March 22, 2006 Lucas Oil Stadium will have 142 suites, compared with 104 in the RCA Dome Prices and perks of the suite life A compromise deal is reached between the state and N.K. Hurst Co. which gives Hurst $1.97 million for 1.7 acres, allowing it to remain at its current location. The agreement, however, may cost the state an additional $15 million for a garage to make up for lost parking spaces. May 25, 2006 Four indianapolis Based Architects Selected for Convention Center Expansion Project June 2006 Concrete Work Making Progress: The general outline of the new stadium is beginning to become apparent as concrete work continues at a fast pace. Much of the foundation for lower level seating has been completed, and entry level concrete columns in all Quads are now done. Pouring of concrete to support the upper decks is now well under way. Meanwhile, bid packages for painting, flooring and other interior finishes are being prepared for July. At the same time, bids will be submitted for ornamental handrails, stadium seating and additional sitework. The project remains on schedule for an August 2008 completion. CM, Architectural Firms Chosen For Convention Center Expansion: The Indiana Stadium and Convention Building Authority (ISCBA) has chosen Indianapolis contractor Shiel Sexton Co. Inc. as the lead construction manager for an expansion of the Indiana Convention Center that will start upon demolition of the RCA Dome and the 2008 completion of the Lucas Oil Stadium. Powers & Sons, a Gary construction firm, was chosen as an associate CM. The $275 million Convention Center project is currently in the design stage. Authority board chairman David R. Frick noted that Shiel Sexton personnel have completed 13 convention center projects over the last 23 years and have worked on 30 public assembly venues. August 2006 Concrete Work Continues to Top Construction Agenda: Extensive concrete work will continue to dominate the stadium's schedule during the month of August. Considerable work is slated for the upper decks and upper level suites as well as vehicular ramps. Meanwhile, three major bid packages are to be approved during the month: (1) teledata/controls; (2) finishes (painting, flooring, millwork/casework, lockers, specialties); and (3) ornamental handrails and stadium seating. August 12, 2006 A quickly-draining contingency fund has developers of the new Indianapolis Colts stadium worried about cost overruns. They set aside $50 million for unexpected costs, but the fund was down to just 17 million by the end of July. That may sound like a lot, but there are still two years before the stadium is complete. Indiana Stadium and Convention Building Authority executive director John Klipsch says they're looking for cost savings in the project, such as removing some catwalks from the roof and installing fewer self-flushing toilets. As of mid-August approximately 61,700 cubic yards of structural cast-in-place concrete was in place out of a total of 115,000 cubic yards (excluding slab-on-grade pours) being used to build the stadium. Crews had poured 367,700 square feet of decks and poured 849 columns. Aug. 22, 2006 Irwin Seating Co. of Michigan is awarded an $11.3 million contract for stadium seating. Construction Progress
Upcoming Bid Packages
Aug. 26, 2006 The Capitol Improvement Board admits there was no money appropriated for the day-to-day expenses for the new stadium. Aug. 27, 2006 Operating in the red zone. There isn't enough money to run it day-to-day. Aug. 28, 2006 Oops, we spent it again September 2006 At its late September board meeting, the ISBCA awarded a $15.9 million contract to install the stadium sound system and its broadcast cables. A joint venture of Ermco/Sachs of Indianapolis won the award to install cables, speakers and television outlets. Also participating in the contract are two Indianapolis firms, ESCO Communications and Electrical Equipment Co., Inc. Both will supply equipment to Ermco/Sachs. Because the stadium will include hundreds of thousands of feet of cables, TV stations will be able to transmit footage back to satellite trucks. Television sets scattered throughout the stadium will be enabled to show game footage. The TV units are not included in the bid package. September 13, 2006 Colts Announce Season-Ticket Relocation Plan for Lucas Oil Stadium. Current Colts season ticket holders will have the option to renew or upgrade into Club Seating, subject to availability, by completing a relocation survey. Once all current season ticket holders have been relocated, the Colts will then start assigning seats for fans on the Club Seat waiting list. September 25, 2006 "The project is starting to take shape," says Scott Blanchard, contract manager for Hunt Construction Group. A host of construction activities are under way, requiring the use of numerous cranes and a wide array of other equipment. During a recent jobsite visit by Construction Digest, crews were starting work on the seating bowl precast, beginning footings for roof structural steel temporary shoring towers and starting interior masonry. Also, preparations were being made for the start of architectural precast erection and for the arrival of cranes and material for roof structural steel. Steel erection is going to start at the end of September and run for 14 months. September 26, 2006 Construction Progress
Upcoming Bid Packages
October 2006 In a report citing progress to date, the ISCBA noted that excavation and site clearing is nearly complete and concrete work on the foundation and lower deck is nearly done. Significant progress also has been made in upper deck concrete work, and steel work on the retractable roof is to begin shortly. More specifically, 1,050 concrete columns are now in place to support the structure, and nearly 71,000 cubic yards of concrete have been poured. Also, 63,000 "fan friendly" seats are now on order from Irwin Seating Company to be installed next year. November 13, 2006 Indiana Equipment Distributors (IED) discussed construction of Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis and the planned expansion of the Indiana Convention Center during an Oct. 9 meeting in Indianapolis. David Sease, vice chairman of Sease, Gerig & Associates, the public relations firm designated for the new stadium, addressed IED members. November 21, 2006 Construction Progress
Upcoming Bid Packages
Mid December The project is approximately 35-percent complete: crews had set approximately 96,000 cubic yards of cast-in-place concrete out of a total of 130,000 cubic yards on the project; poured 80,000 square feet of decks out of 1 million square feet; poured 126,000 square feet of slab-on-grade out of 600,000 square feet; set 930 pieces of structural precast out of 3,700 pieces; set 125 pieces of architectural precast out of 1,440 pieces; and installed 96,000 concrete blocks out of 1.1 million pieces. The cast-in-place concrete superstructure work is continuing six days a week with a partial second shift. "The concrete superframe should be done by summer," says Blanchard. "Also, two-thirds of the precast seating should be in place by then." Construction in other areas is also moving forward. "We are about three months into a 14- to 16-month schedule for the roof structure," he says. "So, we have another good year's worth of work left to get that structure up."
During December, $17.2 million worth of construction was performed.
December 19, 2006 Construction Progress
December 31, 2006 $177.8 million (including off-site structural steel fabrication) worth of work had been performed for the future home of the Indianapolis Colts. Crews had placed 102,000 cubic yards of cast-in-place concrete out of 130,000 cubic yards; poured 869,500 square feet of decks out of 1 million square feet; poured 170,000 square feet of slab-on-grade out of 600,000 square feet; set 1,240 pieces of structural precast out of 3,700 pieces; set 197 pieces of architectural precast out of 1,400 pieces; and installed 134,000 concrete blocks out of 1.1 million pieces. 2007 January 2007 Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis continues to take shape despite being impacted by recent extreme cold weather and snow. Bids For Security Systems Now Under Review: ISCBA officials are now reviewing bids for a security and surveillance system that will make Lucas Oil System one of the most secure venues in the country. A final decision on the team to perform the work is expected in the next 90 days. The new high tech system will show all visitors on cameras, monitor movements as people pass through doors and keep close tabs on everything that goes on inside the stadium as well as in the plazas and parking lots. Included in the system will be card readers, door-monitoring devices and door controllers -- about 600 security devices altogether. January 31, 2007 $195.8 million (including off-site structural steel fabrication) worth of construction had been completed. Crews had set 105,700 cubic yards of cast-in-place concrete out of a total of 130,000 cubic yards on the project; poured 901,600 square feet of decks out of 1 million square feet; poured 187,000 square feet of slab-on-grade out of 600,000 square feet; set 1,710 pieces of structural precast out of 3,700 pieces; set 332 pieces of architectural precast out of 1,440 pieces; and installed 170,000 concrete blocks out of 1.1 million pieces. February 2007 Concrete Work Proceeding on Schedule One-fourth of the concrete work on the stadium's exterior is now complete, and another fourth will be done in March. Despite inclement weather, steel fabricators are now at work on the large roof beams that will support the retractable roof. Mechanical and electrical contractors also are gaining increased access to inside floors for their specialized work. Altogether, more than $178 million worth of construction has been completed - not yet halfway toward the stadium's $500 million construction budget. February 20, nearly 106,000 cubic yards of concrete had been put in place, leaving only 24,000 cubic yards to wind up that portion of the project. The concrete superstructure is expected to be completed within the next few weeks. Installation of structural and architectural precast and concrete and concrete blocks is in the early stages. Installation of 3,700 pieces of structural precast has not quite reached the halfway mark. Only 332 of 1,440 pieces of architectural precast has been set. Installation of concrete blocks is also in its earliest stages, with only 170,000 blocks out of 1.1 million pieces currently in place. Meanwhile, the construction calendar calls for escalator trusses in Quad C to be completed in March. By the end of January, $198.5 million worth of construction, including off-site steel fabrication, had been completed. March 1, 2007 First Super Truss Nearly Complete As of March 1, the first of two super trusses -- which will form the outer roof -- was 80% complete. Shown below is the horizontal steel super truss being held up by temporary supports. In the distance are some of the five transverse trusses that will eventually hold the super truss in place. March 12, 2007 Construction of Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis is approximately 40-percent complete. April 2007 First Super Truss Completed, Concrete Work 85% Completed One of two roof steel super trusses is essentially completed, along with four of the five transverse trusses on the stadium's west side. The super trusses, which form the backbone of the roof, run north to south and are 260 feet in the air. The eastside super truss work began in late March following the completion of one of the super columns, and construction of the second column at the other end of stadium also began. All roof steel should be installed by the spring of 2008. As of the end of February, $211.6 million of construction work has been completed toward the total cost of the entire project. Concrete work on the skeleton of Lucas Oil Stadium is about 85 percent complete. More specifically, 110,770 cubic yards of cast-in-place concrete have been poured out of approximately 130,000 cubic yards required. Only 70,000 square feet of concrete deck needs to be installed to complete the required 1.l million square feet. April 19, 2007 Lucas Oil adds $1 million to Super Bowl bid May 2007 Construction Progress Continues The cast-in-place concrete work on the superstructure at Lucas Oil Stadium is now virtually complete. Significant progress also is being made on the upper deck concrete work. More than 110,000 cubic yards of concrete is now in place out of 130,000 cubic yards required; 2,133 concrete columns are now in place to support the structure. Meanwhile, steel erection work on the fixed and retractable roof is about 25% completed with work being done on the east side superstructure (the west side superstructure is finished). Concrete, steel and precast brickwork combined, the project is now halfway completed. As of Mid May Crews had placed approximately 114,339 cubic yards of cast-in-place concrete out of a total of 130,000 cubic yards on the project; poured 1.09 million square feet of decks out of 1.1 million square feet; poured 330,000 square feet of slab-on-grade out of 600,000 square feet; set 2,670 pieces of structural precast out of 3,700 pieces; and installed 582 pieces of architectural precast out of 1,440 pieces. The upcoming construction schedule includes: August - seat installation begins in upper bowl; September - installation begins on rails and tracks for operable window in the north end zone; September/October - start lower bowl structural precast; October - work begins on retractable roof panels; and spring 2008 - retractable roof startup/commissioning. May 25, 2007 Four Indianapolis-based architectural firms were selected by the ISCBA to plan and design the expansion of the Convention Center: Ratio Architects, BSA Lifestructures, Blackburn Architects, Inc., and Domain Architecture, Inc.
June 2006 Concrete Work Making Progress: The general outline of the new stadium is beginning to become apparent as concrete work continues at a fast pace. Much of the foundation for lower level seating has been completed, and entry level concrete columns in all Quads are now done. Pouring of concrete to support the upper decks is now well under way. Meanwhile, bid packages for painting, flooring and other interior finishes are being prepared for July. At the same time, bids will be submitted for ornamental handrails, stadium seating and additional sitework. The project remains on schedule for an August 2008 completion. CM, Architectural Firms Chosen For Convention Center Expansion:
The
Indiana Stadium and Convention Building Authority (ISCBA) has chosen
Indianapolis contractor Shiel Sexton Co. Inc. as the lead
construction manager for an expansion of the Indiana Convention
Center that will start upon demolition of the RCA Dome and the 2008
completion of the Lucas Oil Stadium. Powers & Sons, a Gary
construction firm, was chosen as an associate CM. The $275 million
Convention Center project is currently in the design stage. Authority
board chairman David R. Frick noted that Shiel Sexton personnel have
completed 13 convention center projects over the last 23 years and
have worked on 30 public assembly venues. Change in Cost
With Lucas Oil is paying $121.5 million over 20 years for the naming rights of the stadium, the outlay by the Colts is completely offset, and then some.
On the
public funding side of the ledger, a 1 percent tax on prepared food
in nine of the 10 counties that surround Indianapolis is being used.
Marion County will add an additional 1 percent tax to the original 1
percent it already pays for the RCA Dome. But, while the current cost
is set at $675 million, there is already a funding gap looming for
the stadium before one game is played in it. The city's Capital Improvement Board estimates that the new stadium could cost an additional $10 million more a year to operate than the RCA Dome. With nearly all revenues for the stadium going to ownership, this gap has yet to be resolved. Yes, as you guessed, talk is about some form of taxation to fill the hole.
CONSTRUCTION
COSTS
June 25, 2007 Convention Center Expansion Plans Unveiled Schematic designs for the expansion of the Indiana Convention Center were revealed on June 25 at the monthly board meeting of the Indiana Stadium and Convention Building Authority (ISCBA). Bill Browne of Ratio Architects brought board members up to date about the $275 million project that is expected to start in late 2008, after completion of Lucas Oil Stadium. Completion is targeted for 2010. The expansion will include 254,000 square feet of additional exhibit space, 63,000 square feet of meeting rooms, a new banquet kitchen and 100,000 square feet of "pre-function space." A special feature will be a glass-enclosed, three-story entry pavilion at the corner of Capitol Avenue and Georgia Street. "These designs are spectacular; this is exactly what we need," said Bob Schultz, Director of Communications and Public Relations for the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association. "With these plans in hand, we now have something more concrete to show prospective convention and meeting planners." Upon completion, the Convention Center will be the 16th largest such facility in the nation and the second largest among peer cities, exceeded only by Atlanta. Stadium Cost Estimates Reviewed at Board Meeting Cost estimates for the new Lucas Oil Stadium were presented and reviewed at the June 25 ISCBA board meeting. The Authority reported that actual project costs are running higher than originally expected. Excess costs for contaminated soil cleanup, volatile insurance industry costs and huge problems in the global market for construction steel and copper have caused the stadium project to exceed the original projected $675 million project estimate. June 26, 2007 A national home builder is negotiating to purchase an entire downtown block for a retail and residential development-a project that could temporarily displace the landmark Shapiro's Deli. Dallas-based Centex Corp. says the block southeast of the planned Lucas Oil Stadium is among several downtown-area locations it is reviewing for its first local foray into urban residential development. Also June 26, 2007 Colts Stadium to Cost More Than Expected July 2007 Roof Construction Moving Along on Schedule Installation of the steel beams that will support the retractable roof at Lucas Oil Stadium is progressing on schedule. The first of the east-west trusses was installed in early July, and a second was put in place at the end of the month. Three more trusses remain to be installed, which probably will be in place by the end of the year, according to Hunt Construction Group. Each truss is made up of steel beams measuring 30 to 40 feet tall. They are assembled on the floor of the stadium and hoisted into place by giant cranes. Work will begin in early 2008 on installing roof panels - a task that should be completed early next summer. According to Hunt, the stadium is still on schedule for an August 2008 completion. mid July 850 workers were on site. Crews had placed 117,000 cubic yards of cast-in-place concrete, out of 130,000 cubic yards; poured 1.09 million square feet of decks, out of 1.1 million square feet; poured 380,000 square feet of slab-on-grade, out of 600,000 square feet; set 2,920 pieces of structural precast, out of 3,700 pieces; set 840 pieces of architectural precast, out of 1,440 pieces; and installed 4,914 pieces of exterior glass, out of 9,100 pieces. July 19, 2007 As of July 19, $502 million had been committed in total contracts for the Stadium Project. Noteworthy is the progress in concrete work, with 117,000 cubic yards already poured in place out of a final total of 130,000 cubic yards. Meanwhile, 4,914 pieces of exterior glass have been installed out of a total of 9,100 pieces. July 27, 2007 Roof takes shape on Lucas Oil stadium Some 850 people are now working at Lucas Oil Stadium, the future home of the Indianapolis Colts (NFL). Crews completed $20.6 million worth of construction in June alone. That includes the cost of materials, manpower, equipment and other expenses. Some of the most visible progress has been made on the roof. Earlier this month, contractors completed construction of the first of five massive steel trusses that run east to west and will support the retractable roof panels. The final pieces of another east-west truss are scheduled to be raised by cranes and bolted into place on Friday or Saturday. The pieces are 30 to 40 feet tall and took two to three weeks to assemble on the field. Stadium Authority reaches agreement with NK Hurst The fight over parking for the new Lucas Oil Stadium has reached an end. The Indiana Stadium and Convention Building Authority (ISCBA) and NK Hurst Company announced Thursday they have reached a solution that will keep the bean processing company at its current site. A compromise was reached for a land swap. The ISCBA wanted 4.2 acres owned by Hurst, located at 230 West McCarty Street, for the new Lucas Oil Stadium and expansion of the Indiana Convention Center. Under the deal, Hurst will own 2.5 acres and the stadium authority will acquire the remainder of the property for cash and the transfer of one acre of authority-owned land. Hurst will use the Authority's access road to Capitol Avenue and employees of the company will park on the authority's lot. This means the stadium authority is now free to continue with construction of the new stadium and expansion of the Convention Center. The next step is determining how much the authority will pay Hurst for the property. Those negotiations will take place over the next few months. If both sides can't agree, it could go to an arbitrator or to court. Meantime, the authority will pay Hurst $400,000 and will deposit in court an additional $1,648,000 as an estimate of the damages due Hurst for the condemnation of the property to be taken. Hurst plans on using a portion of the $400,000 proceeds to enhance its property. Another condition of the settlement is that the authority will have the right for the next 30 years to acquire Hurst property if Hurst ceases operations or sells the 2.5 acre site. History of the dispute NK Hurst offered the state a land swap months ago. The bean maker was willing to trade property on its north side for stadium parking. In exchange, it asked the state for other nearby property. The two sides still could not reach an agreement at that point, so the state sued to seize Hurst property by eminent domain. August 13, 2007 Approximately 800 workers are currently involved with the Lucas Oil Stadium project in downtown Indianapolis. As of June, crews had placed 116,258 cubic yards of cast-in-place concrete, out of 130,000 cubic yards; poured 1.09 million square feet of decks, out of 1.1 million square feet; poured 375,000 square feet of slab-on-grade, out of 600,000 square feet; set 2,885 pieces of structural precast, out of 3,700 pieces; and set 776 pieces of architectural precast, out of 1,440 pieces. September 2007 STADIUM STILL ON TARGET FOR AUGUST 2008 GRAND OPENING With slightly less than a year remaining before the start of the August 2008 National Football League season, construction of Lucas Oil Stadium remains on schedule, according to Hunt Construction Group. Nearly 900 people are now working on the Stadium each day, with the retractable roof currently the primary construction emphasis. Two of five steel trusses that form the peak of the roof have been installed, with the remaining three expected to be in place by the end of the year. The focus on the roof will shift from the steel to the retractable roof panels this winter. The schedule calls for the west side roof panel to make its first move by February 2008. The east side retractable panel is scheduled to move a couple of months later with the roof completely finished by early summer. The artificial playing surface will be laid down next summer. In addition, installation of the large operable window in the north end zone, which allows spectators to view the downtown skyline, will be put in place next spring. As of July 31, 2007, $311 million worth of construction had been completed on the project. CONTRACTORS NOW STUDYING RCA DOME DEMOLITION Project officials for the expansion of the Indiana Convention Center are now studying the options available to bring down the RCA Dome once Lucas Oil Stadium is completed. Architects and construction managers are exploring whether an implosion or conventional wrecking ball demolition will be the best approach, a decision made more problematic because the RCA Dome is connected to the existing Convention Center and share some utilities. "An implosion tends to be more spectacular," said Bill Browne, president of RATIO Architects, "but that the proximity of other buildings makes traditional demolition the more likely choice." Browne estimated that four to six months will be required to clear the site. The ISCBA would like to start demolishing the RCA Dome next April, but that decision hinges on progress at Lucas Oil Stadium. Colts officials want to make sure the new Stadium will be ready before they sign off on leveling the RCA Dome. September 21, 2007 The Indianapolis Colts kicked off the pre-season for the last time at the RCA Dome Monday night. Next year at this time, fans will watch from inside Lucas Oil Stadium. The landscape is also changing outside the stadium. That huge mound of dirt in the southwest corner is gone, used as backfill across the site. Workers are now paving over parts of the back lot for parking. The land swap with the NK Hurst Bean Company is also done. A new retaining wall runs along Hurst's new property line, with a fence to go on top. Rick Hurst, who fought to keep from moving his business, said he's pleased with the outcome. He also likes having a bird's eye view of the construction. Just west of the stadium, two new hotels, a Staybridge Suites and a Comfort Suites are going up, in along with a parking deck. All are set to open next spring. As of mid-September, crews had placed 116,900 cubic yards of cast-in-place concrete, out of 130,000 cubic yards; poured 1.05 million square yards of decks, out of 1.1 million square feet; poured 386,000 square feet of slab-on-grade, out of 600,000 square feet; set 2,920 pieces of structural precast, out of 3,700 pieces; set 930 pieces of architectural precast, out of 1,400 pieces; and installed 6,643 pieces of exterior glass, out of 9,100 pieces. With less than a year before Lucas Oil Stadium opens, the Indiana Stadium and Convention Building Authority is still in search of parking. It needs at least 1,000 parking spaces, maybe more, to fulfil its contract with the Indianapolis Colts, and not just because of the land swap with the NK Hurst Bean Company. The Stadium Authority is still sorting through issues with another neighbor, the downtown US Post Office. The Post Office owned a parking lot across the street from its main building at South and Capitol. That lot is now covered by the north end of the new stadium. "We have title to that property. We own it, but as part of the deal we made with the Post Office, in lieu of paying them for the land, we need to find them substitute parking next to their building," said Stadium Authority Executive Director John Klipsch. That is, he said, until the Post Office moves to make room for the city's new transit center or until 2025, which Klipsch says looks more and more likely. He said while the Authority initially thought the Post Office's downtown tenure would be short, "The city and Post Office have both reported those negotiations and that project could take years, not months." For now, the Stadium Authority is letting the post office use the lot at Capitol and South for employee parking and the southeast corner of the stadium site for postal trucks (which is actually slated for VIP parking.) Klipsch said the agreement says the authority must deliver a total of 2.3 acres. As for the options now under consideration? Klipsch said building a parking garage on or near the stadium is out. At $20 to $30 million, it's too expensive. He said getting a developer to build a garage near the stadium is also unlikely. The Colts would get all game day revenue and until that area develops, who'd park there weekdays? Klipsch said the authority has also looked at buying nearby property, but because of the stadium, it's become too pricey. As for the deadline, "The absolute deadline is August 2008," he said, in time for the season opener. December 11, 2007 The Indianapolis Colts have inked deals with all 14 founding corporate partners sought for Lucas Oil Stadium, with hometown retailer hhgregg becoming the latest Monday to announce its million-dollar-plus sponsorship. hhgregg's deal will allow the Indianapolis-based electronics and appliance company to plaster its name all over the stadium's south gate and show off its large-screen televisions and other products. The south gate will include a 26,000-square-foot hhgregg showroom where fans can interact with the latest products, get real-time scores from NFL games across the country and check their fantasy football results. Products won't be for sale, but staff will be on hand to answer questions. Two other gates are being sponsored by Huntington Bank and Lucas Oil. A fourth gate sponsor has yet to be named. October 2007 For the first time since construction began, more than 1,000 workers are currently on-site daily making steady progress so that Lucas Oil Stadium will be completed by mid-August 2008. Contractors continue to work on the structural steel for the Stadium's roof, with preassembly and erection of structural steel for the west retractable roof panel scheduled to begin before the end of the month. Construction crews also are trying to enclose as much of the Stadium as possible in preparation for the winter months, with the continuation of installation of exterior glass, metal wall panels, architectural precast and membrane roofing. Inside the Stadium, work has begun on the lower precast concrete seating bowl, windows for the suites and numerous other activities. Excavation has started for the underground pedestrian walkway that will connect the Stadium to the Indiana Convention Center. More Comfortable Seating Currently Being Installed Installation of the Stadium seats is now under way, and it is already obvious that the new seating will be more comfortable than those in the RCA Dome. Seats now being installed by Irwin Seating Company of Grand Rapids, Mich., range in width from 20 to 21 inches, compared to an average of 19 inches in width at the RCA Dome. They are all theater-style chairs with arms - there will be no bench seats. In addition, the space between rows at Lucas Oil Stadium ranges from 33 to 35 inches; far more spacious than the 31 inches that separates seats at the RCA Dome. "This helps confirm our continuing statements that our new Stadium is far more fan friendly than anything current RCA Dome customers have known before," said John Klipsch, ISCBA executive director. The $11.3 million seating package includes about 62,500 fixed seats. Standard seats are 20 inches wide. Club seats are 21 inches wide and are padded. The seating package also includes telescopic seating platforms on the sidelines and the north end zone to create flexibility for the multi-purpose Stadium. October 17, 2007 The stadium is about 65 % complete. Numerous construction operations - structural, exterior enclosure, interior work (including installation of ornamental railings and installation of seats), and site work (underground utilities, asphalt paving and retaining walls) - are proceeding. There are currently 1,000 workers participating in the project. October 30, 2007 State officials are challenging a $7-million assessment for a 2.3-acre parking lot sandwiched between the RCA Dome and Lucas Oil Stadium. The state has launched eminent domain proceedings, and the owner isn't challenging the taking. The hangup is value. The owner-a trust started by late local businessmen Anthony Maio and Ronald Palamara-says the land is worth $15 million. The state is offering $3 million. A local real estate broker who keeps track of downtown transactions said the land is worth at least $100 per square foot based on recent property deals, putting the price above $10 million. November 2007 Dome Demolition Plans Announced in Preparation for Convention Center Expansion After nearly a year of study, the Indiana Stadium and Convention Building Authority (ISCBA) announced at its October 2nd board meeting that the RCA Dome likely will be removed by traditional demolition. According to Shiel Sexton/Powers and Sons, the project's construction manager, the Dome's existing exterior utility piping and mechanical and electrical lines will be relocated from January through May 2008. During the spring and summer of 2008, workers will remove the Dome's fabric roof, followed by the large concrete structural beam that encircles the Dome at the highest level. Concurrently, the lower seating bowl will start being removed to gain room at field level for staging equipment, debris and trucking. The demolition, which is expected to last about five months, will move from north to south so construction can begin on the three-story expansion of the Indiana Convention Center late in 2008. Construction will start when the Dome is about two-thirds demolished. "While we won't rule out using some implosion, we expect our demolition experts, through their submission of demolition plans during bidding, to advise using traditional wrecking for the entire project," said Tom Scheele, senior vice-president of Shiel Sexton. Meanwhile, ISCBA Chairman David R. Frick said studies are now under way to determine what items in the RCA Dome can be reused in the newly expanded Convention Center and/or Lucas Oil Stadium. The studies should be completed by spring, 2008.
January
14, 2008
Country music star Kenny
Chesney will bring his summer tour to Lucas Oil Stadium. January 26, 2008 Worker Injured In Stadium Construction Incident - Fire Officials Say Worker's Safety Harness Failed A worker was injured at the Lucas Oil Stadium construction site Saturday morning when his safety harness failed, officials said. The worker is a subcontractor for Bright Steel Metal. The incident could have been far worse if it weren't for a secondary piece of safety equipment, which prevented a fall, according to the Indianapolis Fire Department. The worker had been working on the upper portion of the stadium. The worker, whose identity was not released, was taken to Wishard Memorial Hospital for observation.
January 29, 2008 About 1,050 workers are on site, with numerous construction operations proceeding. Structural steel work on the stadium's bowl is in place, and the cranes used for that operation have been removed. Work in the stadium suites continues, and crews continue to work on underground utilities, complete exterior curtain wall, install seats, place ornamental railings, and finish out concessions areas. As of early December, $402 million worth of construction had been completed. Crews had poured approximately 415,000 square feet of slab-on-grade out of 600,000 square feet; set 3,280 pieces of structural precast out of 3,700 pieces; set 1,123 pieces of architectural precast out of 1,440 pieces; installed 7,917 pieces of exterior glass out of 9,100 pieces; installed 9,350 seats (average of various stages of installation) out of 55,000 (excluding seats on retractable seating and suites). Construction of the retractable roof is well under way, with completion anticipated in mid-July. Plans for dome and convention center moving forward A New York-based company will tear down the RCA Dome starting this spring. The Stadium Authority selected Sabre Demolition of Baldwinsville, New York, the lowest of 13 bidders. Sabre will demolish the Dome for $3.5 million. Unlike Market Square Arena, the Dome will not be imploded. Stadium Authority Executive John Klipsch said Sabre is known for using "traditional demolition methods," such as wrecking balls and other equipment though they may use explosives to take down some of the concrete. Klipsch said the contract covers six months. "It will take six months to take it down and haul away the rubble," he said. "The rubble hauling is the extensive part of the time frame." Before any work begins, the Colts must sign off. They must know for certain that Lucas Oil Stadium will open August 15th in time for the preseason. Klipsch said it will. "We're installing carpet in the suites, so we're making good progress," he said. "We're pouring concrete on the stadium floor so I'm confident we'll open on time." As for what happens to everything inside the Dome -- including the seats -- Klipsch said they're trying to figure out a way to make souvenirs available to fans. He said the Indiana Sports Corporation is working with the Colts to see what might be salvaged. During an interview in September, former Capital Improvement Board President Fred Glass said the Dome held many memories for people and not just football-related. The Dome was also home to several NCAA events, including Final Fours. Glass said it wasn't just the seats people wanted, but all sorts of vending equipment, furniture and fixtures. "We do a lot of things that don't have a lot of sex appeal in terms of mementos," Glass said, "but maybe they could be used in a school or halfway house." The Dome is coming down to make way for phase five of the convention center, which will nearly double its size. Monday afternoon, architect Bill Brown of Ratio Architects shared pictures of what the expansion will look like when done. He said the interior and exterior were designed with the Indiana landscape in mind, from the shape of the building to the colors and texture. Brown said visitors would notice several differences between the existing building and the addition, namely the openness of the expansion and its use of natural light. "One of the benefits of this expansion is we're able to put the pre-function space to the outside of the building, which allows a lot more transparency into the building," he said. He said the open design also invites people to "interact with the building and the streetscape." The expansion is scheduled to open in the fall of 2010. The cost is $275 million, and Brown said so far, they're within budget. February 11, 2008 Amid myriad ethical concerns, Barnes & Thornburg's GOP kingmaker has ascended to a throne of his own: The Capital Improvement Board chose a new leader today as Mayor Greg Ballard's appointments change the makeup of the agency that controls the Lucas Oil Stadium and the city’s other major sports venues. The board's nine members unanimously chose Robert T. Grand, a partner at the law firm Barnes & Thornburg, as the new president. Grand replaced Fred Glass, an appointee of former Mayor Bart Peterson who stepped down at the end of last year. The CIB manages the Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium, Conseco Fieldhouse and Victory Field. Grand said his firm's ties with the Indiana Pacers will not become an issue in his role with the board, which functions as the landlord of the Pacers since it runs Conseco Fieldhouse. Grand said his written agreement with the mayor walls him off from any potential conflicts of interest. Ballard also appointed another new member to the board and may have a third appointment coming up. Anne Lathrop, a former city controller under former Mayor Stephen Goldsmith, was appointed to replace Alecia DeCoudreaux. Grand also said the board got word today that Kyle Lanham had also offered his resignation. February 11, 2008 Lucas Oil Stadium Construction Update New home of the Indianapolis Colts is just seven months shy of completion Construction of Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis is rapidly moving forward, with the sports and entertainment facility scheduled to open in August.
The project is approximately 70-percent complete, according to Bob May, a contract manager for Hunt Construction Group. Hunt is the construction manager for the project, and is assisted by Smoot Construction, LLC and Mezzetta Construction Inc. HKS Inc., Dallas, is the lead architect. About 1,050 workers are on site, with numerous construction operations proceeding. Structural steel work on the stadium's bowl is in place, and the cranes used for that operation have been removed. Work in the stadium suites continues, and crews continue to work on underground utilities, complete exterior curtain wall, install seats, place ornamental railings, and finish out concessions areas. As of early December, $402 million worth of construction had been completed. Crews had poured approximately 415,000 square feet of slab-on-grade out of 600,000 square feet; set 3,280 pieces of structural precast out of 3,700 pieces; set 1,123 pieces of architectural precast out of 1,440 pieces; installed 7,917 pieces of exterior glass out of 9,100 pieces; installed 9,350 seats (average of various stages of installation) out of 55,000 (excluding seats on retractable seating and suites). Construction of the retractable roof is well under way, with completion anticipated in mid-July.
February 23, 2008 We'll soon be paying double-digit credit card interest rates on the construction debt for Lucas Oil Stadium if something isn't done right away. But to hear Daniels' budget director describe the situation, it's no big deal. Full Story February 24, 2008 About 900 workers are on site, and $436 million worth of construction has been completed to date. Work continues on the stadium's retractable roof, with the structural steel and metal deck of the roof's west panel erected and installed. About 75 percent of the structural steel for the roof's east panel has been constructed. Workers also continue to work on the concrete slab that will lie underneath the stadium's playing surface and serve as the floor during convention events. Work also continues on suites and concession areas. What's next? In March, work will begin on the structural steel that will support the scoreboard. Work on wall panels for the stadium's east side also will begin. Any problems? While many portions of the stadium have been protected from the elements, most of it still is exposed to winter weather. Recent drops in temperature and the mix of rain and snow have made working in some of the exposed areas more difficult, particularly on the concrete slab that will lie under the playing surface. Still, supervisors say the project is still on schedule to be completed by Aug. 15. February 26, 2008 Refinancing sought for stadium's bonds Credit crisis causing interest rates to soar on $600M in bonds sold for Colts' home Retractable roof next step in stadium construction
Construction crews have just five months to finish Lucas Oil Stadium. Construction managers said the project is on time and on budget. While the floor of Lucas Oil Stadium looks like a muddy mess, half of it is concrete. Crews expect to have the other half covered with concrete in the next few weeks. High above the stadium floor, crews work on aligning the rails that will guide the computer operated retractable roof. Bob Mays of Hunt Construction said that by the middle of April crews are hoping to be able to close the roof for the first time. At the north end of the stadium, crews dangle on a platform as they construct a giant metal frame. The frame will hold glass panels as part of a retractable wall that opens up to the Indianapolis skyline. The laborious job of installing the 55,000 seats continues on a daily basis. Crews are close to half way done. While large amounts of work remain, construction managers say they are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. "We're getting to some parts of the building that are almost done. Ninety-plus-percent done and we're trying to push real hard to get 100 percent done in a bunch of areas and work our way around the building," said Mays. Many of the stadiums suites are now ready for their flat screen TVs and refrigerators. Protective cardboard covers the granite countertops. As constructions crews focus on the August completion date the city is already selling the facility to potential customers.
"We're not only getting
calls but we are bringing in meeting planners and convention planers
and when they see the space their jaws drop," said Bill Benner
of the Convention and Visitors Association. March 18, 2008 Super Bowl bid plans include pregame party, outdoor village Lucas Oil Stadium is at the heart of Indianapolis' efforts to bring a Super Bowl to the city in 2012. Two weeks from Tuesday the first draft of the Indianapolis proposal for the Super Bowl is due at the NFL offices in New York. That's when the fight to land the big game officially begins. But the effort to craft a winning bid is already well underway. An outdoor NFL village is part of the plan for Indy's 2012 Super Bowl bid. Mark Miles heads up the city's Super Bowl bid effort. The first step is raising $25 million from the private sector, an effort that was successful a year ago when the city's bid came up two votes short. "So far, everybody has signed up again for the same number and we added a couple of companies so that's not done, but very promising," said Super Bowl Committee Chairman Mark Miles. Miles said the cost of staging the Super Bowl is about $26.5 million. Most will come from the private sector, the rest from the city. According to Miles, the benefit in direct spending --that's money coming from out of state-- will be $120 million at a minimum. "If you can get five times your investment back that's a pretty compelling economic proposition," said Miles. Miles said there are two requirements from the NFL that pose potential problems for Indianapolis: Separate but equal practice facilities for each team and a party for 50,000 people the night before the Super Bowl when Lucas Oil Stadium is not available. Miles says the Colts complex will be used by the AFC and a field with an inflatable bubble connected to the IUPUI natatorium would probably be built for the NFC. As for the party: "If we're going to have a village and if we're going to ask Hoosiers to bundle up and come play in the village, we might as well use our downtown setting for the concert fireworks party that we'll have on Saturday night," said Miles. The celebration would be comparable to the Colts' season opener party this past September, only with jackets. After the first draft of the bid is submitted April 1st, Indianapolis will work with the league to refine it. The final bid is due on May 9th. Miles said the real wild card is the politics among the team owners. That, he said, is completely out of the hands of anyone but them. March 31, 2008 State sales tax jump going into effect Tuesday
Click on images below for enlarged view
The $700 million stadium is set to open in time for the 2008 season. Colts preseason games will be played there, but the official regular season opening is set for September 7th, with a re-match of Super Bowl XLI between the Colts and Chicago Bears. Also, the Colts released their pre-season schedule Thursday. The current schedule is as follows. Dates and times will be announced in two weeks.
August 3: vs Washington, Hall
of Fame Game, 8pm (NBC) April 04, 2008 The 2008 DCI world championships to be held in The new Lucas Oil Stadium, slated to be ready for the show, will NOT be ready in time. Drum Corps International had no choice but to move to another venue. In this case, the best substitute they could find was the 52,000 seat Memorial Stadium on the campus of Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.
April 07, 2008 Kite
plans retail at Pan Am site
April 15,
2008 Lucas Oil Stadium just 4 weeks
from deadline April 16, 2008 First Closing of Stadium Roof
April 23, 2008 Colts reveal stadium sponsorship plans May 03, 2008 Have Colts already outgrown new stadium? May 09, 2008 Whiteland High School to play in 1st event at Colts stadium May 12, 2008 RCA Dome demolition work begins May 19, 2008 Stadium construction has 'hiccup' May 24, 2008 The time is drawing near May 26, 2008 Team to get five percent of 2012 Super Bowl tickets Mike Chappell, of the Indianapolis Star, reports the Indianapolis Colts will receive five percent of Lucas Oil Stadium's capacity, about 3,650 seats, for the 2012 Super Bowl. Senior executive vice president Pete Ward said, "We don't know what the exact number is going to be and we haven't analyzed the implications. We just haven't sorted through that yet, but we will in the next year or two."
A new hotel complex is expected to bring hundreds of new rooms to downtown Indianapolis in time for the 2012 Super Bowl. July 1, 2008 LUCAS OIL STADIUM GRAND OPENING EVENTS July 8. 2008 Colts sign to be installed at Lucas Oil Stadium
July
9, 2008 Workers began installing the turf on the playing field Wednesday July 10, 2008 Cleanup and Repairs Continue at Lucas Oil Stadium July 11, 2008 Free tickets available for new stadium tours July 12, 2008 More rain in stadium
July 14, 2008 July 15, 2008 Stadium work continues July 16, 2008 How about that Lucas stadium view? July 22, 2008 Colts fans get second chance to tour new stadium July 23, 2008 Stadium Authority has contingency plan - RCA Dome? July 25, 2008 New buildings are storm ready July 28, 2008 Flooding in Colts new stadium adds 5.6 Million Dollars to cost
August 1, 2008
August 09, 2008 August 10, 2008 A distressing question
August 11, 2008
August 08, 2008
August 14, 2008 August 15, 2008 Stadium spurs development on south side August 15, 2008 Lucas plea: Don't call it 'The Luke'
August
17, 2008 August 18, 2008 Indiana Farm Bureau sponsoring Colts facility August 19, 2008 Colts to practice in new stadium August 21, 2008 Fieldturf is Again The Choice for Colts and Lucas Oil Stadium August 22, 2008 Four High Schools to Open Lucas Oil Stadium Peyton Manning will not be the first Quarterback to throw a pass in the new Lucas Oil Stadium. August 23, 2008 Finishing touches on the outer portions of Lucas Oil Stadium include murals of four Colts. Pictures of Sanders and Freeney already have been attached to the south side of the stadium, while the north side will feature Manning and wide receiver Marvin Harrison. The murals are 26-by-52 feet and are on each side of the windows August 24, 2008 Another Reminder Of How Badly Taxpayers Were Shafted By Lucas Oil Stadium Deal August 25, 2008 : Colts Stand to Make Millions Off Stadium Deal August 26, 2008 Gotta see it to believe it August 28, 2008 Help fans navigate stadium better September 07, 2008 Lucas Oil Stadium’s official introduction to the NFL will occur on a national, prime-time stage. The league has announced the Indianapolis Colts will open the 2008 season, their first in the state-of-the-art facility that will replace the RCA Dome, at 8:15 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 7, against the Chicago Bears. NBC will televise the rematch of Super Bowl XLI, which the Colts won 29-17. September 13, 2008 Kenny Chesney - the Poets & Pirates Tour coming to Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, September 13. This is THE concert event of the year featuring the biggest show on the road. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the first concert ever in the brand new Lucas Oil Stadium. Produced by TMG & AEG Live
Event: Kenny Chesney
& Poets & Pirates Tour 2008 September 13, 2008 You can kiss the RCA Dome goodbye -- starting in September September 16, 2008 Complaints About Audio Issues at very first concert inside the new Lucas Oil Stadium September 21, 2008 The stadium that goes on spending September 22, 2008 Lucas Oil Stadium operating costs mount October 13, 2008 Colts get 1st win at Lucas Oil Stadium October 16, 2008 Indianapolis' $720 million stadium isn't waterproof October 18, 2008 Canceling My Colts Seasons Tickets - Lucas Oil Stadium Stinks December 5, 2008 Basketball games at Lucas Oil Stadium February 07, 2009 CIB IN CRISIS No simple fix for $50M hole April 2, 2009 State lawmakers consider bailout for Indianapolis Capital Improvement Board April 4, 2009 Stadium Could Close If Deal Isn't Reached April 10, 2009 Lawmaker revives Downtown casino plan to help CIB April 10, 2009 Daniels Prefers CIB Solution Not Include Downtown Casino April 10, 2009 Gov. Daniels' silence on CIB financial struggles uncharacteristic April 14, 2009 Ballard Proposal To Be Considered April 15, 2009 Lucas Oil Stadium Still not finished April 16, 2009 CIB considers raising parking rates April 16, 2009 Lawmakers Expecting Colts to Chip in on CIB Bailout April 19, 2009 More On CIB Bailout Numbers Don't Add Up April 19, 2009 CIB rescue plan is a few bucks short April 20, 2009 Indy Lawmakers Demanding Reform Over Bailout April 20, 2009 State senate tackles CIB funding plan April 23, 2009 STATEMENT FROM THE COLTS on CIB MESS April 27, 2009 Colts owner doesn't want to renegotiate Lucas Oil Stadium lease April 30, 2009 CIB Out Of Business As Of September 1 July 14, 2009 Lucas Oil Stadium has shown success in bookings July 14, 2009 Light bulb switch at Lucas Oil Stadium July 16, 2009 New convention center on schedule July 27, 2009 Chevrolet drives off, but Colts sign new sponsorships to fill gap July 28, 2009 Lucas Oil Stadium sells out for 2009 Colts season July 28, 2009 A tax increase to keep Lucas Oil Stadium up and running
August 5, 2009 Colts have a new sponsorship deal
September 19, 2009 Stadium Sound Fixed?
This website is an unofficial source of news and information continually updated from thousands of sources around the net. A fan based site dedicated to the Indianapolis Colts and its fans and is not associated with the Indianapolis Colts, the National Football League, any school, team or league or any other media site. This website is the composition of many hours of research. Information contained within this site has come from numerous sources such as websites, newspapers, books, and magazines. Please take the time to visit the Source page to get a semi-complete listing of these sources, articles, sites and fans.
Pictures and logos, team names are
property of the National Football League and/or The Indianapolis Colts.
|
