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.

Outlines

00:00

🏟️ Groundbreaking and Vision for the New Raiders Stadium

The script introduces the construction of a state-of-the-art stadium for the Raiders, located west of the Las Vegas Strip. It details the selection of the 64-acre plot and the challenges of securing land for such a significant project. The process of finding a suitable location is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of land ownership in legitimizing the project. The narrative also touches on the urban setting's benefits and constraints, the stadium's design philosophy, and the collaboration with architect David Manica, who shares the vision of creating a modern, community-proud facility.

05:01

🏗️ Design Challenges and Collaboration for the Stadium

This paragraph delves into the design process of the Raiders' new stadium, focusing on the collaboration between the team and architect David Manica. It discusses the design inspirations, including the desire for the stadium to resemble a black sports car with fluid aerodynamics. The importance of four key elements to the Raiders organization is underscored: real grass, a clear ETFE roof, a curtain wall, and the open Paris style with lanai doors. The decision against a retractable roof due to cost and practicality is explained, and the design-build approach to the project's fast timeline is introduced.

10:02

🛠️ Construction Techniques and the Design-Build Process

The final paragraph discusses the construction phase of the stadium, emphasizing the design-build method which aims to condense a five-year workload into 31 months. It explains the roles of the design architect and the architect of record in transforming the concept into construction documents and overseeing the construction process. The paragraph highlights the challenges of the fast-paced schedule, the need for a flexible design team, and the importance of maintaining the project's momentum. It concludes with a teaser for an in-depth look into the construction techniques, technologies, and the people behind the creation of the ultra-modern stadium.

Keywords

💡Stadium

A stadium is a large venue for outdoor sports, concerts, or other events, typically consisting of a field or stage surrounded by tiers of seats for spectators. In the video's context, the stadium is the central theme as it discusses the construction of a new, state-of-the-art home for the Raiders, emphasizing its significance to the team and its fans.

💡Raiders

The Raiders refer to the Las Vegas Raiders, a professional American football team. They are the main subject of the video, which details the construction of their new stadium and the impact it will have on the team and its fan base, known as Raider Nation.

💡Design-Build

Design-build is a project delivery system where the design and construction of a project are contracted to a single entity or joint venture. This method is highlighted in the video as a key approach to constructing the stadium, allowing for a faster timeline and integration of design and construction efforts.

💡Architect

An architect is a professional responsible for planning, designing, and overseeing the construction of buildings. In the script, the architect plays a crucial role in envisioning the stadium's design, working closely with the team owner to create a modern and iconic structure that represents the Raiders' future.

💡Urban Setting

An urban setting refers to a location within a city or densely populated area. The video discusses the challenges and benefits of situating the stadium in an urban environment, taking advantage of existing infrastructure and proximity to entertainment venues while navigating space constraints and potential impacts on local traffic.

💡ETFE Roof

ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene) is a transparent plastic polymer that is used in the construction of roofs and walls for its light weight and durability. The video mentions the use of an ETFE roof for the stadium, which is a key design element that contributes to the building's modern aesthetic and functionality.

💡Landscaping

Landscaping involves the design and arrangement of outdoor spaces, including the use of plants, hardscape materials, and other elements to create an aesthetically pleasing environment. The script refers to the importance of landscaping around the stadium to create an inviting and cohesive environment for visitors.

💡Construction Timeline

The construction timeline refers to the schedule and sequence of activities involved in building a project. The video emphasizes the ambitious timeline of 31 months for the stadium's construction, which is a significant challenge given the project's size and complexity.

💡Joint Venture

A joint venture is a business arrangement where two or more parties agree to pool their resources for a specific project. In the context of the video, Mortensen and McCarthy form a joint venture to leverage their combined expertise and experience in constructing the stadium.

💡Retractable Roof

A retractable roof is a movable covering for a stadium that can be opened or closed depending on weather conditions. The video discusses the decision-making process regarding the roof, ultimately deciding against a retractable roof due to cost and practicality concerns, opting for a fixed dome instead.

💡State-of-the-Art

State-of-the-art refers to the highest level of development of a product, technique, or idea in a particular field. The term is used in the video to describe the new stadium, indicating that it will incorporate the latest technologies and design innovations to provide an exceptional experience for the Raiders and their fans.

Highlights

The groundbreaking for the Raiders' stadium began on November 13th, 2017, marking the start of an ultra-modern facility on a 64-acre plot west of the Las Vegas Strip.

The stadium project is a collaborative effort involving leaders from Nevada and the Raiders organization, aiming to create a state-of-the-art home for the Raider nation.

The process of finding a new home for the Raiders and developing a cutting-edge stadium has been a 20-year journey coming to fruition.

Securing the right parcel of land was crucial for the success of the stadium project, with the final location chosen for its adjacency to the Strip without causing traffic issues.

Owning the property for the stadium is essential, as it legitimizes the project beyond mere architectural renderings.

The stadium's design and gameday experience are intended to reflect a spectacular facility that enhances the urban environment.

David Manica, the stadium's architect, was chosen for his vision and worked closely with the Raiders' owner, Mark Davis, despite initial disagreements.

The design of the stadium was inspired by the fluid aerodynamics of a black sports car, aiming for a modern and future-oriented building.

Key elements of the stadium design include real grass, a clear ETFE roof, a curtain wall, and an open Paris style with lanai doors.

The decision against a retractable roof was based on cost and the practicality of maintaining consistent playing conditions.

The stadium's construction is a fast-paced design-build project, attempting to complete five years of work in just 31 months.

Mortensen and McCarthy, with their combined experience, were chosen as the construction team for their ability to manage large-scale projects within tight timelines.

The design-build approach requires a close collaboration between designers and builders, with the design team staying barely ahead of construction.

The stadium project faced challenges such as limited space for construction in an urban setting and the need for innovative design solutions.

The stadium's design and construction process is an unprecedented look into the techniques, technologies, and lives of those responsible for building it.

The stadium is intended to be more than just a building; it's a symbol of pride for the Raiders, the community, and all those involved.

The project's schedule is a significant concern, with little room for delays, emphasizing the importance of efficient decision-making and coordination.

Transcripts

November 13th 2017

the first shovel of dirt was removed

from a 64 acre plot of land just west of

the Las Vegas Strip

[Music]

the Raiders United with the team of

tireless leaders from Nevada are

creating an ultra-modern permanent

stadium for the Raider nation to call

home these are the stories of the people

and the project told from the ground up

anytime you build a new home there are

many things to consider for the Raiders

an undertaking is complex as a cutting

edge stadium will utilize much of the

organization's talent and focus it's

been pretty much my job for the last 10

to 12 years so to see it coming to

fruition is very satisfying the whole

experience of finding a new home and

developing a new state-of-the-art

Stadium for the Raiders is an overnight

success that took about 20 years for an

extraordinary moment here it's pretty

exciting but it's coming at us very fast

it happens like some other things in

life in two ways very very gradually and

then suddenly I can't believe this is

happening but holy cow I better get

everything organized because the pace is

gonna be furious and it has been since

we started NFL stadiums take a lot of

land and finding just the right parcel

is the key to a successful endeavor we

struggled with that and in previous

incarnations and trying to get stadiums

done and unless you have control in the

land you really don't have much of a

project owning the property legitimizes

the project meaning if you don't have

the land all you really have are well

some pretty architectural renderings

there were I believe 11 different sites

that were contemplated sites up and down

the strip we talked about some sites as

far away as the Speedway some sites down

south of 15 I think it's by far the best

location we could have found it's

essentially adjacent to the strip so

you'll have all that strip traffic but

it's not on the strip thus creating

problems not just for the stadium

patrons but for also the resort

properties you want to create a

nightmare for them that impacts the rest

of their business we're building a

spectacular facility together we are you

are and the entire gameday experience

needs to reflect that so even though

you'll hear about our plan today that

plan will will continue to evolve over

time this particular stadium site as you

know was selected intentionally to take

advantage of the urban environment you

know you have a couple different kind of

philosophies one is to develop the

suburban model where it's out in the

middle of nowhere easy to drive to a sea

of asphalt around it but nothing else

really going in its favor

locating large sporting venues inside an

urban setting has been a recent trend

for a lot of reasons however with the

upsides there comes some distinct

challenges you have all the attributes

of the urban network roads

infrastructure proximity to hotels

entertainment venues the downside is

developing something in an urban context

is more challenging you're more

constrained in terms of what you can do

in terms of how much space you can do it

in when you carve out 14 or 20 acres for

the footprint of the building and its

immediate landscaping and that doesn't

leave much space there's a whole lot to

pack onto this site there was you know

122 acres we'd find a way to fill it up

and say that we need more space with the

right location secured the Raiders now

need an architect with vision coming off

an unsuccessful bid to build a new

stadium in Los Angeles

David Manica is retained for this new

opportunity by owner Mark Davis known as

MD even though at first they didn't

necessarily see eye to eye

AMD hated the design that I'd done for

the Chargers absolutely hated it so the

day I met him he was not real fond of me

and really not fond of the design at all

and he said basically this is terrible

you know start over again it was really

clear to me that md wanted a modern

building so we were never gonna do brick

arches and a sort of historic

Indianapolis type building he wanted it

to be about the future he wants it to be

more than just a building he wants to be

something that the community is proud of

that the Raiders are proud of our entire

fan base our alumni our staff our

coaches our players everyone that's

that's touched the Raiders over the

years he wants them to look at that

building and know that they had a part

building it and that it's a beautiful

facility MD has an incredible vision an

incredible intuition so we worked with

him really closely and listened to him

and just kept going over and over

over and over again until he said don't

touch it how it's done

wanted it to look like a black sports

car to find those sort of fluid

aerodynamics seamless kinds of design

inspirations from automobile industry

and apply it to to what we're doing in

Vegas for the Raiders I need you and

David to work with me to educate him on

the cost of this element because if we

can't deliver that we shouldn't be

rendering it at this point so we need to

have that conversation with empty space

I think his expectations are at the 20

million dollar level and we can't even

deliver at the 8 million dollar level I

think we may have a way to make this the

silver look a lot nicer than what it

looked like in that mock-up for our firm

tool and one of the biggest NFL stadiums

ever built in the country

it's an incredible joy and a blessing to

work on buildings that make a difference

to cities as a part of the Raiders

Manica design there are four key

elements that are so important to the

organization they've taken on almost

mythical proportions I say there's no

stupid questions but there are four

questions that I don't ever want to hear

anybody ask can we get rid of the real

grass no can we get rid of the clear et

fe roof no can we get rid of the curtain

wall on the outside of the building it's

very expensive to have all the swoops

and in the dark glass and all that the

answer is no the open Paris style with

the lanai doors that open and close with

the view to the north across to the

strip can we remove that because that's

a big moving object and that's very

expensive the answer is no when we moved

to Vegas growing grass in the desert is

challenging but he said absolutely no

way can we have artificial turf we must

have real grass that's why football's

meant to be played the question was

should we have a retractable roof

stadium and I said I believe that would

be a mistake and here's why it's very

very expensive to build a retractable

roof stadium and the truth is that you

rarely use it

because in a retractable roof stadium

there are always people in one half of

the building that are in the Sun and the

other half that are in the shade and the

people in the Sun see the people in the

shade and complain so it might as well

be closed all the time if you can solve

the grass issue so we decided to do a

fixed dome Stadium in Las Vegas with an

ETF e roof the whole field tray slides

out from underneath the stadium and

gross in the Hot Desert Sun we created

what we called pear style and that was a

link to their days in LA at the Coliseum

and the old Olympic torch and the the

pair style end of that facility so it

was important for him to keep that with

land and hand and a beautiful design on

paper it's time to start construction

the Raiders look to Mortensen and their

decades of experience building sports

facilities and as the old adage goes

timing is everything we had just started

building the u.s. Bank Stadium for the

Vikings in Minneapolis we had just

started construction on the new arena

for the Golden State Warriors in San

Francisco we had other projects and we

had our hands full

they were very direct with us and they

said that the timing of this is not

perfect for us because we're trying to

finish up that project and that's so

important to us and that really

resonated that they were willing to be

honest about the fact that we might have

to pass on this project because the

completion of of the one we're working

on is so important to us we've never

allowed ourselves to get overextended

these projects take our best and if our

best are not available and we don't

pursue the project if you miss that he's

referring to 2015 when Mortensen

declined to bid on the Carson City

stadium project when everything was

delayed essentially a year and the Los

Angeles project went - to Inglewood

we knew that Mortensen would be

available and we jumped on it we really

liked and favored Mortensen from the

onset because we of

serve them put together the Minnesota

building similar timeline project around

31 months and they completed that

project with what we call zero punch

list it means they open the building

with no work that needed to be done in

order to leverage their talent gained an

expert in the local market and spread

the risk management on such a large

construction project Mortensen forms a

joint venture with McCarthy calling on

their 150 years of experience we've been

in Vegas for over 40 years so that kind

of long-standing local history is what

really led Mortensen to to team up with

McCarthy McCarthy has been a good friend

and partner for many many years you

blend the two together and you have a

fantastic combination for a construction

team for this project with the team

assembled the plan gains momentum to

facilitate such a fast timeline the

project will be what's known as a

design-build this stadium is one of the

largest and fastest design-build sports

projects ever undertaken in the country

design-build is a nice way of saying

we're gonna try to do five years worth

of work in 31 months there's a design

architect who's come up with the concept

and the image the character of the

building and then our role is the formal

final architect of record is to take all

that and convert it into construction

documents so we are the ones who

actually take kind of final

responsibility for it and then

overseeing the construction as the

building comes to life they build they

lay concrete we design that maybe three

or four months ago

well now we're designing the next level

up where the electrical goes and

everything as they're preparing to

already pour that concrete so we as

designers are barely ahead of the

project so if we delay it might cause

delay for them design bill has not been

used extensively in design and

construction of sports facilities

so this is relatively unusual this is a

massive sized project to be designed

build right there's a lot of moving

parts and a whole lot of design that

needs to be figured out the question

often gets asked you know what keeps you

awake at night

and it's absolutely the schedule the

schedule just doesn't afford a lot of

time to think about he decisions we've

needed a design team that has been

willing to sort of throw out some of the

old rules about how design documents get

put together what in what order they get

put together because this is really

about feeding that machine a new home

and a new destination for Raider Nation

now it's time for now the Raiders must

actually build a building stay with us

as we take you on an unprecedented look

into the techniques and technologies the

steel and the stress as well as the

lives of the men and women responsible

for building an ultra-modern Stadium

from the ground up