From The Ground Up - Ep. 1: "More Than Just A Building"

Summary

In November 2017, the Raiders embarked on constructing a state-of-the-art stadium on a 64-acre plot near the Las Vegas Strip. The project, a culmination of over a decade of planning, involves a collaborative effort with Nevada leaders. The stadium, designed by David Manica, features a fixed dome with an ETFE roof, real grass, and an open Paris-style design. The construction, led by Mortensen and McCarthy, is one of the largest and fastest design-build sports projects in the US, aiming to complete the stadium in just 31 months.

Takeaways

• 🏟️ The construction of the Raiders' new stadium began on November 13th, 2017, on a 64-acre plot west of the Las Vegas Strip.
• 🔨 The stadium project is a collaborative effort between the Raiders and Nevada leaders, aiming to create a state-of-the-art facility for the team.
• 🌱 The search for the perfect location was crucial, with 11 different sites considered before settling on the current plot for its strategic adjacency to the Strip.
• 🚧 The urban setting of the stadium presents unique challenges, such as limited space and the need to integrate with existing infrastructure, while avoiding disruption to nearby businesses.
• 🏗️ The stadium's design, led by architect David Manica, emphasizes modernity and reflects the vision of Raiders' owner Mark Davis, who wanted a building that represents the future.
• 🌿 The stadium features include real grass, a fixed dome with an ETFE roof, and a curtain wall design, all of which were non-negotiable aspects for the Raiders' organization.
• 🏈 The decision against a retractable roof was based on cost and practicality, as it would rarely be used and could lead to uneven sunlight distribution.
• 🔩 Mortensen Construction, with their experience in building sports facilities, was chosen for the project, partnering with McCarthy due to their local expertise and history in Las Vegas.
• ⏱️ The project is one of the largest and fastest design-build sports projects in the U.S., aiming to complete five years of work in just 31 months.
• 🛠️ Design-build methodology is being used, which is unusual for such a large-scale project, requiring a highly coordinated effort between design and construction teams.

Q & A

What significant event occurred on November 13th, 2017, related to the Raiders' stadium project?

On November 13th, 2017, the first shovel of dirt was removed from a 64-acre plot of land west of the Las Vegas Strip, marking the beginning of the construction of the Raiders' new stadium.

What was the main challenge in finding a suitable location for the Raiders' stadium?

The main challenge was finding the right parcel of land that would be key to a successful stadium project. The team struggled to find a location that would not create problems for the stadium patrons or the resort properties nearby.

Why is owning the land for the stadium project considered crucial?

Owning the land legitimizes the project. Without land ownership, the project would only consist of architectural renderings without a solid foundation.

What were some of the different site considerations for the Raiders' stadium?

There were 11 different sites considered up and down the strip, including locations as far as the Speedway and south of 15. The chosen site is adjacent to the strip, which provides benefits without being directly on it.

What is the significance of the stadium's location being adjacent to the Las Vegas Strip?

The stadium's location is significant because it takes advantage of the urban environment, providing easy access to traffic, hotels, and entertainment venues, while avoiding the potential negative impacts on resort properties.

What was the architectural vision for the Raiders' stadium according to Mark Davis?

Mark Davis envisioned a modern building that represents the future and is something the community, the Raiders, and their fan base can be proud of. He wanted the stadium to resemble a black sports car with fluid aerodynamics inspired by the automobile industry.

Who was the architect retained for the Raiders' stadium project and what was the initial challenge?

David Manica was retained as the architect. The initial challenge was that Manica's previous design for the Chargers was disliked by Mark Davis, requiring him to start over with a new design.

What are the four key elements of the Raiders' stadium design that are considered non-negotiable?

The four key elements are: real grass instead of artificial turf, a clear ETFE roof, a curtain wall on the outside of the building, and an open Paris style with lanai doors that open and close, providing a view to the north across to the strip.

Why was a retractable roof stadium deemed unsuitable for the Raiders' stadium?

A retractable roof stadium was deemed unsuitable because it is very expensive to build and rarely used. Additionally, it creates an uneven experience for spectators, with some being in the sun and others in the shade, leading to complaints.

What construction method is being used for the Raiders' stadium and why is it significant?

The construction method being used is design-build, which is significant because it allows for the project to be completed in a much shorter timeline of 31 months. This method is not commonly used in large sports facility construction, making this project relatively unusual.

What was the main concern for Mortensen when considering their involvement in the Raiders' stadium project?

Mortensen's main concern was the timing of the project. They were already involved in other projects and did not want to overextend themselves. They prioritized completing their ongoing projects before committing to the Raiders' stadium.