S.B. 巴拉德体育场 Begins Taking Shape
2019年2月26日
Work progresses at S.B. 巴拉德体育场. Photo by Chuck Thomas/ODU
作者:Harry Minium
After nearly three months of demolition, pile driving and pouring foundation, the new S.B. 巴拉德体育场 has finally begun to rise out of the ground.
Construction began last summer with the installation of underground utility lines, then was halted for the 2018 football season.
Demolition of the old stadium began Nov. 19, two days after ODU played its football home finale against VMI. That game was followed by an emotional farewell ceremony to S工头油田.B. 巴拉德体育场.
Demolition was done in just three weeks and 670 piles were driven by Dec. 22, days ahead of schedule. S.B. Ballard Construction has been pouring the foundation for the new stadium in the two months since.
A crane recently began installing precast concrete that will form the indoor space on the ground floor of the new east and west sides of the stadium, including concessions stands, restrooms and equipment and storage rooms.
A tower that will house an elevator and stairwell for the new west side press box is now three stories high and growing.
Construction will end before the home opener of the 2019 football season.
Work began on the west side on Valentine's Day. 格雷格•杜波依斯, vice president of finance and administration, calls the installation of precast and steel "one of the crucial phases of construction."
Precast concrete is used in most of the world's best stadiums. It is more durable than facilities constructed on site. It also limits vibration and allows for faster construction.
By mid-March, more cranes will be on site erecting the steel that holds up new stadium seating.
ODU的价格是67美元.5 million renovation that will provide new seats on both sidelines. Both will have two levels of seats, and the west side will be topped by a new press box and also contain the $2.5 million Priority Automotive Club.
S工头油田.B. 巴拉德体育场 had a maximum capacity of 20,118. The new stadium will seat 21,895名粉丝, with an all-in capacity of 22,480如果媒体, 招待员, ticket takers and others are included.
ODU is scheduled to meet Norfolk State on Aug. 31 in the first game in the new stadium.
Work at the stadium can be viewed on three S.B. Ballard video cameras.
