INDIANAPOLIS | Lucas Oil Stadium | Com

[NaptownBoy]

This thread is devoted to the new home of the Indianapolis Colts, Lucas Oil Stadium. All information can be found primarily at this site:
www.in.gov/iscba/

Some renderings
http://www.stadiumsofnfl.com/future/colts103.jpg
http://www.lucasoil.com/images/medialibrary/stadium_lg.jpg

[NaptownBoy]

State OKs deal with city and Colts
Stadium construction to start within days
By Michele McNeil
michele.mcneil@indystar.com
September 9, 2005

Construction will begin within days on a new Colts stadium that will have more luxurious seats, a street-level team store, escalators to whisk spectators up six major levels and an average of one toilet for every 45 fans.

The state board charged with building the $500 million, retractable-roof stadium unanimously approved a key agreement with the city and the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday that will govern how the stadium will be designed and built.

The approval of the development agreement comes after the city reached a deal last week with the Colts on the lease, a separate agreement that ensures the Colts will stay until at least 2034. The city's Capital Improvement Board authorized President Fred Glass to sign the lease and development agreements Thursday.

"It's a big day for the city," said David Frick, chairman of the Indiana Stadium and Convention Center Building Authority.

"The fun part really now begins."

Thursday, the state authority, which has been operating without any money, was able to jumpstart the action with a $40 million loan to cover some construction costs until the project's entire financing is arranged. That will take a $1 billion loan, which would pay for the new stadium and, later, an expansion of the Indiana Convention Center. On Thursday, the authority approved spending more than $15 million on contracts for fencing, excavation and sewer construction work.

The development agreement does not call for a ticket tax -- and makes it almost impossible for the state to impose one. If the state wants to try, the development agreement says, officials have to consult with several groups first, including the Indiana Pacers, the Indianapolis Indians, the city and hospitality groups. Even then, the Colts could break their lease if the ticket tax is imposed, said John Klipsch, executive director of the Indiana Stadium and Convention Center Building Authority.

The 63-page development agreement does everything from spelling out a construction timeline to saying when the Colts will seek an agreement with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles for a specialty team license plate.

The agreement requires a model of an actual stadium suite to be built by June 1 so the Colts could use it for marketing. The stadium seats also must be in place by March 2008, to help the Colts sell tickets.

Though the stadium will be game-ready by the start of the 2008 football season, the finishing touches, such as the last concession stands, are not expected to be complete until February 2009.

Still more details are in the so-called "program" that complements the development agreement -- details such as the number of toilets. The total could be as many as 1,400, but there's no word yet on how many will be designated for each sex.

There will be 10 to 13 escalators and 10 to 12 elevators for fans. The stadium will include a street-level team store and six levels. About 11 percent of the 63,000 seats will be roomier, club-level seats. Luxury suites will number from 140 to 150.

The playing field will be 25 feet below street level.

The stadium will be built with 15,000 tons of steel and 100,000 cubic yards of concrete, measuring up to 1.8 million square feet.

That will make the new stadium twice the size of Conseco Fieldhouse.

Bigger and better

The new stadium will be bigger and better than the RCA Dome in many ways. Here are just a few:
¥ Size: About 12 acres, or 522,720 square feet compared to the RCA Dome's stadium building area of 7.25 acres, or about 315,810 square feet.
¥ Seats: 63,000 seats, including 7,100 club seats, compared to 57,890 seats in the RCA Dome and about 5,000 club seats.
¥ Suites: 140 to 150 suites, compared to the RCA Dome's 104.
¥ Concession stands: 60, compared to the 38 temporary and 26 permanent in the Dome.
¥ Escalators: 10 to 13, compared to zero.

Slot machines in Indianapolis would be the key to financing a $500 million, retractable-roof stadium proposed Sunday night by the mayor and the owner of the Indianapolis Colts.

"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.

While the cheers at the RCA Dome were loud, the agreement between the city and the franchise marks only the start of what could be a contentious process.

The debate over expanding gambling in Indianapolis began Sunday and will reach into the Statehouse as the legislature considers the plan when it reconvenes next month.

Parts of the plan also must clear the City-County Council.

Sunday, Peterson and Irsay briefly set aside the potential political and practical hurdles facing the plan as they stood on the dome's artificial turf to announce their plans to ensure that Indianapolis' two-decade-long status as a National Football League city continues for a second generation. The announcement before a sold-out game culminated two years of negotiations.

The proposal calls for the city to build a 63,000-seat stadium, which could expand to seat 70,000, in time for the 2008 NFL season. The team will sign a new 30-year lease.

Already, lawmakers are looking for concessions.

Senate Tax and Financing Policy Chairman Luke Kenley, R-Noblesville, said he has asked city officials to make as many as 6,000 tickets to each Colts game available at prices of $25 or less to help win legislative support for their financing package.

"I want Joe Sixpack to have a price he can afford to pay for a ticket," Kenley said.

Peterson plans to sell the stadium deal as part of a larger $800 million package that includes a massive expansion of the Indiana Convention Center, which draws more than 800,000 visitors to the city each year and which officials contend is vital to the Downtown economy.

Peterson has said the Convention Center would be expanded on the site that now houses the dome, while a new stadium would be built to the south. In the face of criticism from those who oppose subsidizing a sports franchise, Peterson has argued that the team is key to the city's big-city image.

That assertion could be bolstered if building a new stadium helps the city land a Super Bowl, a prize the NFL has awarded other cities that have built new stadiums.

Advised lawmakers

Peterson and his aides briefed Gov.-elect Mitch Daniels and state lawmakers on the package's highlights several hours before the kickoff of one of the biggest games in franchise history, a nationally televised contest in which Peyton Manning made a run at breaking the NFL's single-season touchdown passing record.

Daniels, who recently expressed doubts about expanding gambling in Indiana, declined to comment on the plan Sunday.

Some of those briefed told The Indianapolis Star that the stadium would be paid for with borrowed money bankrolled by taxes imposed on yet-to-be-authorized slot machines in Marion County, as well as a contribution from the Colts and the NFL totaling about $100 million.

Late Sunday, Peterson spokesman Steve Campbell confirmed the financing plan would include roughly $400 million from pull-tab machines, which are similar to slot machines, and the remainder would come from the team and the league. He said further details would be released today.

City officials also have said they'd solicit money from Hoosier businesses, spend some of the Capital Improvement Board's cash reserves and seek money from the state and federal governments. The board acts as landlord for the Convention Center and the city's sporting venues.

Marion County GOP Chairman Michael Murphy, an Indiana House lawmaker from Indianapolis who was not briefed on the mayor's plan, said Peterson could have a tough time winning approval for anything resembling a Downtown casino.

"A Downtown casino would be controversial because it's a clear expansion of gambling," he said. "I'm sure the riverboats would fight it."

Sen. Murray Clark said he was not sure the city had any other good options for finding the money needed to finance the proposal before the mayor's self-imposed, end-of-the-year deadline to seal a deal with the Colts.

"I think they're going to need a lot of help from the legislature," said Clark, R-Indianapolis.

In addition, details to be released today could include a provision reducing the city's obligation to make annual payments to the Colts beginning in 2006 to keep them playing here. Under the team's existing contract, the city could owe the Colts payments totaling at least $36 million through 2008, when the new stadium would open.

Without a new lease, the team could leave Indianapolis after the 2013 season, and possibly earlier.

The Convention Center expansion would be paid for with higher restaurant, hotel, stadium admission and auto rental taxes, as well as by lifting the cap on a special taxing district that captures sales, income and other taxes generated by the city's major sporting venues, said House Ways and Means Chairman Jeff Espich, R-Uniondale.

Currently, the city keeps $6.5 million a year of the roughly $12 million the special sports taxing district generates. The district was created in 1997 to help build Conseco Fieldhouse. The rest of the money goes to the state.

State lawmakers have said including this element in the financing package could be a tough sell, especially while the state has a nearly $600 million deficit.

"I think that is a weak point of their argument," Espich said. "I don't think what they propose can be taken as gospel just yet."

House Speaker Brian Bosma, R-Indianapolis, said he expects Peterson to pitch financing for the stadium and Convention Center expansion separately. He said having a Super Bowl in the mix could help.

"Whether that price is too much will be answered during the legislative session," he said. "Certainly, Central Indiana's legislators understand the importance of our professional teams."

Downtown business boon

The city began negotiations with the Colts in 2002, as rumors spread that Irsay was considering moving the franchise to Los Angeles. Irsay said repeatedly that he was committed to Indianapolis but also warned that the RCA Dome, the smallest in the league, has contributed to the team trailing much of the league in revenue.

Supporters have said the team has played a crucial role in the revitalization of Downtown that took place largely after the Colts arrived from Baltimore in 1984.

Sunday, Jillian's on South Meridian Street was filled with a sea of blue-clad fans in the hours before the kickoff. When asked about the effect the Colts have on his business, general manager Jim Brown looked at the crowd.

"Do I really need to answer that?" he joked.

Brown said the bar's business on the day of home games is nearly double what it normally is.

"We love the Colts, and it's great they're going to be here for 30 more years," he said. "I just wish we had 30 more years of Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison and Edgerrin James, too."

[NaptownBoy]

New features:

Seating for football - 63,000
Corporate suites - 142
Colts Store one (1) accessible from two levels
Average seat width - 20 to 21 inches (all theater-type seats)
Distance between rows - 33-35 inches
Site covers 37.7 acres
Stadium footprint - 12 acres
Public Concourse (typical width) - 30 feet
1,200 toilet fixtures, 700 urinals and 800 lavatories (public areas)
Concession Stands
Fifty Eight (58) permanent stands
Ninety (90) portable stands
14 escalators
11 passenger elevators
Pedestrian ramps - two
Exterior Plazas - four with entrances at each plaza
Number of major levels - Seven (7)
Retractable roof

[NaptownBoy]

Stadium fact sheet, courtesy of the Indiana Stadium and Convention Building Authority


Lucas Oil Stadium Project Fact Sheet

Location: Indianapolis, Indiana - on a downtown site bounded on the north by South Street, on the east by Capitol Avenue, on the south by McCarty Street, and on the west by Missouri Street.

Description: A seven-level stadium with a retractable roof seating 63,000 for football. It can be reconfigured to seat 70,000 or more for NCAA basketball and football and concerts. It will cover 1.8 million square feet (over twice the size of Conseco Fieldhouse) with 140-150 suites. It will replace the RCA Dome, a tri-level domed stadium seating 57,800 for football with 104 suites.

Purposes: The multi-purpose stadium will be home to the NFL Indianapolis Colts, host NCAA Final Four men's and women's basketball games, and be used for major conventions, trade shows and events such as the annual Indiana Black Expo and Circle City Classic.

Developer: The Indiana Stadium and Convention Building Authority ("the Authority"), a group of civic and business leaders appointed by the Governor of Indiana and the Mayor of Indianapolis. The Authority is chaired by David R. Frick. Its Executive Director is John P. Klipsch.

Architect: The stadium is designed by HKS of Dallas, Texas, with significant assistance from local design firms such as A2S04 and Browning Day Mullins Dierdorf of Indianapolis and other Indiana design and engineering consultants.Construction Manager: The construction manager is the Hunt Construction Group, Inc., of Indianapolis, assisted by the local firms of Smoot Construction and Mezzetta Construction.

The project will be constructed by dozens of trade contractors, mostly from Central Indiana.Financing: The anticipated stadium project cost is about $675 million. This includes $500 million for actual construction, $125 in "soft" costs, and $50 million in contingencies. It is being financed with funds raised jointly by the State of Indiana and the City of Indianapolis, with the Indianapolis Colts providing $100 million. Marion County has raised taxes for food and beverage sales, auto excise taxes, innkeeper's taxes and admission taxes for its share of the costs. Meanwhile, a small increase in food and beverage taxes in six "donut' counties and the sale of Colts license plates completes the total.Benefits: In addition to retaining the NFL Colts in Indianapolis through a new long-term contract, the new stadium - upon completion - will pave the way for another expansion of the Indiana Convention Center. Taken together, these projects are expected to create $2.25 billion in economic benefit to Central Indiana in 10 years and create some 4,200 new permanent jobs, as well as 4,900 construction jobs during the life of the projects.Back to top

Frequently asked questions, and our answers

How are Central Indiana and Greater Indianapolis going to benefit from a new stadium and an enlarged convention center?
Both professional sports and tourism are highly competitive industries these days. We must retain our competitive edge in these fields because so much of Central Indiana's economic future depends on expanding the market we have already built.

Two separate independent studies, both by the consulting firm of Price Waterhouse Coopers, forecast that these two construction projects will generate enormous economic benefits to the area.

The two projects would create nearly 10,000 jobs, 4,200 of which will be permanent and 4,900 during construction. This will add some $2.25 billion to the state and regional economy over ten years and provide about $26 million in tax revenues for state and local government.

The Colts would not be the sole users of the new stadium. It also would be a venue for additional football games (like the Circle City Classic and IHSAA championship games), NCAA Final Four basketball games, concerts, trade shows and major conventions (such as Black Expo, FDIC, Dealer News, etc.)

Coupled with the subsequent addition to the Convention Center, the Convention & Visitors Association would be able to realize an additional 18 to 23 major conventions and trade shows and an additional four to five large consumer shows each year.

Why do we need to build a new stadium to help the Colts?
The Indianapolis Colts believe they no longer can be financially competitive with other NFL teams in the RCA Dome. Relatively speaking, it has too few seats and too few corporate boxes. By not building a stadium that will allow the Colts to be in the middle of the NFL pack economically, we face the possibility that some other major urban area could make them a more attractive offer. Their relocation would have a disastrous effect on Central Indiana, both from an employment and public image perspective.

The new stadium will seat 63,000 for football games and have 140 to 150 corporate suites. Seating can be expanded to 70,000 for basketball, conventions, concerts, Super Bowl, etc. The RCA Dome seats only 57,965 for football games and has only 104 suites. The differences are significant from the standpoint of revenue potential.

What are the prospects that the Colts will raise their ticket prices to help pay for their share of the new stadium costs?
Neither the State of Indiana nor the City of Indianapolis - and more specifically the Indiana Stadium and Convention Building Authority - has any jurisdiction over what the Colts charge for their games. That is purely a decision by the Colts in consultation with the National Football League.

We also have no regulatory authority to determine how the Colts put their tickets on sale. That was never a condition imposed on the Colts through the stadium lease.

How can you justify spending so much money on a stadium and convention center when police and firemen may be laid off and school athletic programs shut down?
This is not simply an entertainment versus education or public safety issue. This is an economic development issue in support of two industries - professional sports and tourism - that Central Indiana made a commitment to many years ago. To stay competitive in these fields, which creates thousands of important jobs and contributes millions to our tax base, we must have upgraded facilities.

Without these new facilities, we could see the Colts leave town, along with other major conventions we can no longer accommodate. Losing either or both would be devastating to our economy and create levels of unemployment that would be completely unacceptable. Since both activities generate tax revenues for both state and local government, they are assets that help pay the bills for education, public health and safety, good transportation and all the other amenities we enjoy.

Earlier experience also tells us that if we weren't making these investments, there is no assurance that such funds would be available for other public purposes.

The Indiana Stadium and Convention Building Authority is a state-authorized agency that derives the bulk of its revenue from the recent Marion County increases in food and beverage, auto rental, innkeepers and admissions taxes, plus higher food and beverage taxes in six other Central Indiana counties. It receives no funding from property taxes.

Neither the state nor the ISCBA has any role in determining the level of public safety personnel in Indianapolis, reductions of services or any other fiscal decisions that are the exclusive prerogative of the Mayor of Indianapolis and the City-County Council.

Why does the new stadium need a retractable roof? The Bears and Packers play outdoors in cold weather. Why can't the Colts?
The stadium planners took into consideration several factors before concluding that a retractable roof would be a valuable feature. First, other cities around the country have been building stadiums with retractable roofs because of the increased flexibility for various types of events, including both football and baseball. These include Toronto, Phoenix, Seattle, Houston (two stadiums), Milwaukee, and Glendale, Ariz., for the football Cardinals.

Second, we heard numerous expressions from football fans that Colts games, when feasible, should be played in the open air, like all college games in Indiana. Just as many fans, however, said they would not attend without a closed roof to protect them in inclement weather. The current plan gives us the flexibility to go either way, a decision that surely will be made by the Colts on game days and by college or high school teams that might use the stadium.

Finally, we must remember that the new stadium is to be used on many days for non-football events - like conventions, trade show, exhibits, etc. An open air stadium without a roof would be useless for such events.

Why do we have a Project Labor Agreement for the project?
The Authority is merely implementing the terms prescribed by the 2005 General Assembly in its legislation creating the Authority and the funding formulas for the project. The law required us to enter into a Project Labor Agreement.

The PLA is beneficial to the project in two ways. The unions signatory to the agreement commit to providing all the qualified craftsmen needed on the project when they are needed - at a time when there is an industry-wide shortage of trained craftsmen in some specialties. In addition, the unions - through the PLA - are guaranteeing that this time-sensitive project will not be interrupted by any jurisdictional strikes or other work stoppages that might jeopardize delivering the project in time for the first game of the 2008 NFL season.


Inquiries in writing should be directed to the Indiana Stadium and Convention Building Authority at the following address:

425 W. South St.
Indianapolis, IN 46225

[NaptownBoy]

Dynamic webcam photo:
http://oxblue.com/archive/8252a53cdf135347c0dd1d16228b6ff2/1024x768.jpg

[Indyman]

Thanks for that naptown boy! A thread on this was a great idea.

[kcmetro]

I'm looking forward to this opening. I can't wait to see the finished product. With this opening up soon, Indy will continue to get the Final Four on a regular basis and probably the Super Bowl pretty soon as well. I've been to the RCA dome for the '97 Final Four, and I'm sure I'll be to LOS eventually too.

[NaptownBoy]

^^Yeah man, it's going to impressive in comparison to other new stadiums that are being built.

[Absolut355]

I had no idea that LOS was so far along. Looks pretty sweet!!

And damn, how many cranes are there on site? I see about 10 in the pic above. More/less?

[NaptownBoy]

EDIT:^^They have 11 cranes at the site, and the highest of those is over 300 feet up!

[kcmetro]

I know LOS is downtown, but what's immediately surrounding it? Are there plans for any bars/restaurants next to it once it opens? Will there be parking garages next to it too?

[moochie]

^^They have 11 cranes at the site, and the highest of those is over 200 feet up!

More like 300 ft isn't it? The stadium will be around 270 ft tall, and from what I see, those cranes are a bit taller than where the tip of the roof will be.

[unvrsty07]

Yes there are actually a few bars right around the stadium. I do not know about rest. though? I am just hoping that there are sokme investments into midrise apartment buildings or townhomes near the new stadium. I think it would be possible but we will have to wait and see. There is a hotel by the new stadium and two more are being built a block away to the west, but they are suburban 6-7 storie pieces of shit!!!

[NaptownBoy]

More like 300 ft isn't it? The stadium will be around 270 ft tall, and from what I see, those cranes are a bit taller than where the tip of the roof will be.
Oh, my bad: I meant 300.

[kcmetro]

There is a hotel by the new stadium and two more are being built a block away to the west, but they are suburban 6-7 storie pieces of shit!!!

:lol:

Hopefully they won't look like Super 8's and Days Inn's.

[_ttam_]

I know LOS is downtown, but what's immediately surrounding it? Are there plans for any bars/restaurants next to it once it opens? Will there be parking garages next to it too?.

Kc, the picture above is taken from the south end of the downtown urban core looking away from the core of skyscrapers. That's why it doesn't look like there's much going on around it. The great thing about the current stadium, the RCA Dome is that even tho it's across the street from LOS, it's essentially right on the edge of the dense core of downtown skyscrapers that you see on all the skyline photos of Indy. The RCA Dome is an amazing venue for a downtown sports stadium. LOS is across the street from it and past a dingy rail road bridge and tracks. They seriously need to do something about this barrier to keep the urban stadium "feel" that currently exists in Indy. Something creative--big challenges are always great opportunities for amazing works of architecture. I'm thinking they should build some sort of arched arcade/causeway under the tracks, but I'm dreaming. There is no money for it.

[_ttam_]

Btw, now that a few trusses are up, I'd love to see a picture of how LOS fits into the skyline. What's the view like as you drive in from I-70?

[Absolut355]

.

Kc, the picture above is taken from the south end of the downtown urban core looking away from the core of skyscrapers. That's why it doesn't look like there's much going on around it. The great thing about the current stadium, the RCA Dome is that even tho it's across the street from LOS, it's essentially right on the edge of the dense core of downtown skyscrapers that you see on all the skyline photos of Indy. The RCA Dome is an amazing venue for a downtown sports stadium. LOS is across the street from it and past a dingy rail road bridge and tracks. They seriously need to do something about this barrier to keep the urban stadium "feel" that currently exists in Indy. Something creative--big challenges are always great opportunities for amazing works of architecture. I'm thinking they should build some sort of arched arcade/causeway under the tracks, but I'm dreaming. There is no money for it.

As I haven't been to Indy in a couple years, can you elaborate on this?? Or does anyone have any time for some Google earth fun?

I ask because it's interesting that you say its right next door to the RCA Dome, but then there are some RR tracks that you have to cross to get to it too. I looked at it on a satellite image (Google again) but couldn't really tell where it would go.

[CorrND]

As I haven't been to Indy in a couple years, can you elaborate on this?? Or does anyone have any time for some Google earth fun?

I ask because it's interesting that you say its right next door to the RCA Dome, but then there are some RR tracks that you have to cross to get to it too. I looked at it on a satellite image (Google again) but couldn't really tell where it would go.
Technically, it's across the tracks immediately south of the RCA Dome and then across South St. The LOS site is bounded by South, Capitol, Missouri and McCarty. The stadium itself angled toward Monument Circle and set on the northern 2/3 of the site.

[Absolut355]

Technically, it's across the tracks immediately south of the RCA Dome and then across South St. The LOS site is bounded by South, Capitol, Missouri and McCarty. The stadium itself angled toward Monument Circle and set on the northern 2/3 of the site.

I see it now. Thanks CorrND.

Wouldn't this be a great opportunity for some other projects to go up around it (aside from the hotels)? It seems pretty damn close to downtown - but, like I said, I haven't been in Indy for awhile and don't know whats exactly between DT and LOS.

[NaptownBoy]

Btw, now that a few trusses are up, I'd love to see a picture of how LOS fits into the skyline. What's the view like as you drive in from I-70?
I dont have any photos just yet but it looks VERY spectacular coming up from the airport on 1-70. It should fit right into the skyline from the south.

[moochie]

I noticed just this morning that you can actually see "The Luke" while going west on Washington st. just before you enter downtown.. I'm pretty surprised that it can actually be seen from Holy Cross.. I'll have to go to Highland Park and see if it's viewable.

[unvrsty07]

Yeah driving I-70 east from the airport it is kinda cool.... you can actually see it bout 5-6 miles outside of down town and because I-70 curves around the stadium looks like it moves around in the skyline :) It is truly amazing how tall this building is! the picture on the first page simply does not do justice...

[Strate]

According to the colts site previously it was 300' tall was this lowered?

[moochie]

According to the colts site previously it was 300' tall was this lowered?

I remember reading a good while ago that it was going to be 295'. I wonder if perhaps the roof was flattened a touch. I know the early designs didn't stand up to wind testing, which is why it was decided to use steel rather than white fabric for the roof. Perhaps they lowered the roof for the same reason.

Anyway, emporis.com lists it as 270'. They're just about the best source out there.

[cwilson758]

First of all, I love the nickname, "The Luke!!" Much better than the acronym "LOS."

Today I had time to kill after my IRTC meeting in Center Grove, so I decided to jump on I-70 and explore the progress of the airport and to see what The Luke looked like coming from the west.

The airport looks great. The structure is definitely identifiable and is huge. Once they start construction on the new Westin Hotel out there, it will be a massive facility.

The Luke is HUGE and dominates from I-70. I was also trying to visualize the JW Marriott. Assuming that the rumors I have heard are correct with regards to height (approx. 400', which is the height of Market Tower), the west side of downtown is really going to change. The skyline will be helped immensely with the new hotel, even though we aren't getting a 600-footer, because there will be nothing around it.

Final thought, it is very impressive driving into Indy from the west along I-70. You first notice 3 cranes at the airport building a brand new terminal and then there is the expansion at FedEx facility. Once you get downtown, you can't help but notice all of the cranes at the Luke and then the other cranes that dot the downtown area from IUPUI over to the Library and there will soon be 2 new ones for the Mass Ave and College Ave condo projects (both 10 stories).

[_ttam_]

I see it now. Thanks CorrND.

Wouldn't this be a great opportunity for some other projects to go up around it (aside from the hotels)? It seems pretty damn close to downtown - but, like I said, I haven't been in Indy for awhile and don't know whats exactly between DT and LOS.

It is downtown. I'm not being critical of the new stadium--I'm just saying that it's further away, and that little distance is going to make a big difference in the way we experience game day.

I can't be the only one concerned about this...That dingy railroad bridge and long walk are a definite barrier, and even tho the new stadium is only a little further from the existing one, that's a huge difference to all the people who will walk from the downtown hotels to the stadium. I'm just saying there are opportunities for great urban design here--it's just going to be too costly I'm afraid.

The railroad tracks are represented by the blue line.

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o120/_ttam_/LOS.jpg

[arenn]

South Street is hardly a "wide street".

The stadium authority is building an enclosed connector of some sort to link the stadium to the convention center.

There is huge opportunity for development south of the railroad tracks, but I'm hard pressed to think of a decent project done there. The fast food chains are awful. LOS itself is ok, but will be surrounded by acres of parking such that I don't see a lot of feed off the stadium itself. The hotels done in that area have been of the interstate highway variety.

[_ttam_]

South Street is hardly a "wide street".

Isn't it 2 lanes in both directions? Fine, let's say it's a perfectly narrow street that's just going to be fun to cross--am I the only one who thinks there needs to be a major urban development project at that railroad bridge and South Street? Narrow the street to two lanes...bollards maybe...open up the railroad bridge with arches and small shops...there are things that can be done.

The stadium authority is building an enclosed connector of some sort to link the stadium to the convention center.

I've seen the plans--pretty unimpressive. They need to open those tracks up with arches or a well designed tunnel. If they don't people aren't going to be walking to the stadium like they walk to the Dome--and Indy will have lost out on something great. There is a great opportunity here, but I don't see ANYONE caring a bit. I don't think people even understand it's a problem yet.

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o120/_ttam_/DCP_1367.jpg

[cwilson758]

Let's not forget that the Transit Center will be built at the site of the Post Office. Although it isn't official, it's a pretty safe bet that it will be built there in the near future. There are already plans for TOD to go south of that site and then west to south of the Stadium. There is also the immenent construction of Meridian Overlook at the corner of South and Meridan Streets. Although it isn't a huge project, it will be 3 stories and built to the ROW lines. The fast food restaurants are there for seperate "reasons." White Castle was moved due to the Anthem Campus construction. Arby's because of the Goldsmith administration, and Subway, because Arby's was alllowed. You will notice,though, that Subway is the only one with a zero-lot line and parking in the rear. You're welcome. ;)

Many officials are aware of the issues with the train tracks. You are correct that they pose as obstacles, but they are definitely "known."

[arenn]

I know the Lilly people were talking about removing the tracks. I'm not sure that's a good idea. Relocating the freight trains to use the Indianapolis Union Belt is a good idea - that frees up the existing lines for passenger service. Those tracks are a huge asset and the city could end up regretting it if it got rid of them. Even if it did remove the rails, the ROW would make a great linear park. NYC is rehabbing the elevated High Line into a parkway instead of just tearing it down.

[Strate]

I drove by part of the roof structure today on my way to work. Sure it could have been going somewhere else but I highly doubt it. The thing was massive, and had escorts, lol.

Kinda odd to be north of fort wayne and see part of Luke's rib cage drive by.

[moochie]

Isn't it 2 lanes in both directions? Fine, let's say it's a perfectly narrow street that's just going to be fun to cross--am I the only one who thinks there needs to be a major urban development project at that railroad bridge and South Street? Narrow the street to two lanes...bollards maybe...open up the railroad bridge with arches and small shops...there are things that can be done.



I've seen the plans--pretty unimpressive. They need to open those tracks up with arches or a well designed tunnel. If they don't people aren't going to be walking to the stadium like they walk to the Dome--and Indy will have lost out on something great. There is a great opportunity here, but I don't see ANYONE caring a bit. I don't think people even understand it's a problem yet.

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o120/_ttam_/DCP_1367.jpg


The Arby's and Subway and parking in your pic is soon to be "Meridian Overlook", 40 condos with street level retail. 3-4 stories tall.

The area between the RCA dome and The Luke is slated for future convention center expansion. The parking areas to the East, between Union Station and the Post office are slated to be used for future expansion of the proposed transportation hub which will be on the site of what is currently the Post Office. Feel better now?

Reducing South street to 2 lanes is an impossibility. With the new transportation hub located there, virtually every bus in the city will pass through the area many times a day.

Edit - I see Corey already responded..

[unvrsty07]

Honestly, I think the parking lots to the east of arbys and subway (to the left in the picture) would make for some amazing modern/post-modern townhomes... or a mid/high-rise building, especially if arbys and subway are going to be torn dow for the condo project moochie mentioned!!

[moochie]

Honestly, I think the parking lots to the east of arbys and subway (to the left in the picture) would make for some amazing modern/post-modern townhomes... or a mid/high-rise building, especially if arbys and subway are going to be torn dow for the condo project moochie mentioned!!

I spoke too soon.. Here's where Meridian Overlook's footprint will be:

http://www.loopnet.com/Attachments/B/0/6/B068EBB3-4476-4003-90C6-102C3BD1ECB8_or.jpg

http://www.loopnet.com/xNet/MainSite/Listing/Profile/ProfileSE.aspx?LID=14390532&linkcode=1070&sourcecode=1lww2t006a00001

[unvrsty07]

Moochie, what are they going to do with the parking lot behind arby's? Or do you even know?

[unvrsty07]

well really subway too?

[moochie]

Moochie, what are they going to do with the parking lot behind arby's? Or do you even know?

Nope.

Who parks in those lots anyway? Are they Lilly employees? I do think they're probably going to be developed in the next few years.

[moochie]

Huh.. I didn't know the exterior would be completed so quickly! The superstructure to be finished this spring, the roof to be completed this fall, and exterior touch up to be finished next winter.. We should really get a feel of the full scope of this thing's bulk in just a few months!

-------------
Project Timeline

Excavation, site clearing, groundbreaking - started September 05, anticipated completion winter 06

Foundation work - started winter 05, anticipated completion summer 06

CIP Superstructure - anticipated start spring 06, anticipated completion spring 07

Exterior Skin - anticipated start summer 06, anticipated completion late winter 07/early 08

Roof Structure - anticipated start fall 06, anticipated completion fall 07

Lower Bowl Precast Seating - anticipated start fall 07, anticipated completion late winter 07

Projected Substantial Completion - August 08

[moochie]

According to the colts site previously it was 300' tall was this lowered?

Looking at some early renders, it looks like The Luke was actually on a platform that could have approached 30' tall. Thankfully, it's being built at street level. Perhaps this accounts for the difference.

http://www.in.gov/iscba/media/photos/renderings_522/i-70.jpg

[NaptownBoy]

The playing surface is some 25' below street level, so it seems as if the entire building was lowered, not just the roof.

[Unionstation13]

What do they plan to do about street level activity? Shops and restruants would be really nice if they want to extent downtown towards the new stadium.

[arenn]

One problem is that a football stadium is so massive, it requires huge amounts of parking, much more so than basketball. This creates an inherent "physics problem". I believe LOS is scheduled to be surrounded by many surface lots, this will cut off immediate street life in the vicinity.

I wish they had not skewed the building on the site. One of the things that makes Conseco such an incredible arena is the fact that it respects the street grid of the city. It fits right in to the urban fabric. I wish the stadium developers had done the same thing with LOS.

Unlikely Conseco, there are only 8 home games per year in LOS + playoffs and pre-season. I don't think football stadiums are nearly the development catalyst that arenas can be. In fact, stadiums are much more likely to end up as empty black holes in the urban fabric.

The city could ask for more cutting edge architecture, which I've been a proponent of. But, Conseco and LOS both I think have very tasteful designs for what they are. They are far, far better than the hotel mundane. And the red brick, classic Indiana architecture will probably age better than most of the other designs, assuming arena trends don't lead to another quick round of obsolescence.

[_ttam_]

Feel better now?

lol, slightly, but only slightly. I'm not as optimistic as you regarding future development.

[cwilson758]

arenn-

Yes, there are only a handful of homes games, but the RCA Dome is used often and so will the Luke. Further, the NCAA games and potentially soccer (Indy is bidding on early World Cup rounds and aiming for a MLS team) will be there in addition to all of teh trade shows that will be coming here.

[Unionstation13]

One problem is that a football stadium is so massive, it requires huge amounts of parking, much more so than basketball. This creates an inherent "physics problem". I believe LOS is scheduled to be surrounded by many surface lots, this will cut off immediate street life in the vicinity.

I wish they had not skewed the building on the site. One of the things that makes Conseco such an incredible arena is the fact that it respects the street grid of the city. It fits right in to the urban fabric. I wish the stadium developers had done the same thing with LOS.

.

Cant they just construct large parking garages with street level retail? That would make more sense.

[arenn]

I believe there's a mix of surface and garage parking at LOS. The problem with street level retail for these facilities is that street traffic is purely event driven - for now. I just don't see it as feasible, but at least it would be a good idea to design garages to accomodate future street level retail.

Does anyone actually have a complete site map of the complex?

[NaptownBoy]

Because this is a dynamic photo I can post it throughout the thread:
http://oxblue.com/archive/8252a53cdf135347c0dd1d16228b6ff2/1024x768.jpg

[eweezerinc]

Tailgating in a parking garage.... never done that. Might be fun, but only the top level could have grills, probly, which sucks.

[cwilson758]

The majority of the parking is surface lot. The parking garage is only being constructed because a small bean factory at the SE corner of the site refused to move.

[CorrND]

The majority of the parking is surface lot. The parking garage is only being constructed because a small bean factory at the SE corner of the site refused to move.
Hehehehe, that's one way to put it! Another way would be to say that the building authority refused to give Hurst a reasonable buy-out so that they could move. I don't know who's right or wrong on this issue (or if there even is a right or wrong) but in the face of little evidence, I'm going to side with the little guy.

[moochie]

Hehehehe, that's one way to put it! Another way would be to say that the building authority refused to give Hurst a reasonable buy-out so that they could move. I don't know who's right or wrong on this issue (or if there even is a right or wrong) but in the face of little evidence, I'm going to side with the little guy.

Wise choice.

I doubt that Hurst would have settled for any price, fair or not. Think what they've gained in the way of free advertising for decades.. anytime a network camera sweeps the site, it'll show the Hurst building. And they'll of course have their tailgating chili cookoffs, count on it.

Good for them.

[k2h]

I sent the following e-mail message to the Regional Center Plan Organization many months ago and thought many of you frequenting this site might appreciate...

Being an avid supporter of the Regional Center Plan, I whole-heartedly believe in the great work being done to improve/develop urban design standards in Indianapolis. But I have to ask how one of the largest PUBLIC projects in the city’s history (Indiana Stadium) adheres to basically none of the recommendations detailed in the Plan?


Taking into account the overall positioning/design of the stadium would be better suited in the middle of a corn field rather than an urban setting, it appears Indiana Stadium Authority is veering even further away from suggested design standards and trying to use eminent domain tactics to seize control of the historic N.K. Hurst Bean Factory (“Suit to seize land offends lawmakers “ – Indianapolis Star 12/31) in order to build additional surface parking. Even if the Hurst Company decided to sell, why would the Authority choose to tear down a beautiful old structure which reflects the areas history and has potential to be a perfect adaptive-reuse project? The building could be converted into residential lofts/retail and contribute to the appeal of the area, while providing additional tax revenue for the City. It appears the design standards (or lack there of) being implemented by the Stadium Authority is in direct opposition to the urban design standards of the Regional Center Plan? Does the Regional Center Plan have any real relevance when actual projects are on the table?


Even if the Authority chooses not to adhere to suggested design principals, isn’t this an opportunity for the City (who supposedly backs the Regional Center Plan) to show their commitment to the Plan and, at the least, relax the parking ordinance. This is a perfect example of why people in Indianapolis do not use public transit – we make it too easy and convenient to drive your own automobile. I am positive that even with less parking availability, people will still find a way to get to frequent events held at the stadium (they might even start using IndyGo!).


Concerned citizen

[cwilson758]

Great letter. Did you ever get a response?

[Unionstation13]

Well, if its dominatly surface lots I dont see downtown expanding southward anytime soon.
BTW, great letter, hopefully you get an intellegent response.

[kangaroo1]

I sent the following e-mail message to the Regional Center Plan Organization many months ago and thought many of you frequenting this site might appreciate...

Being an avid supporter of the Regional Center Plan, I whole-heartedly believe in the great work being done to improve/develop urban design standards in Indianapolis. But I have to ask how one of the largest PUBLIC projects in the city’s history (Indiana Stadium) adheres to basically none of the recommendations detailed in the Plan?


Taking into account the overall positioning/design of the stadium would be better suited in the middle of a corn field rather than an urban setting, it appears Indiana Stadium Authority is veering even further away from suggested design standards and trying to use eminent domain tactics to seize control of the historic N.K. Hurst Bean Factory (“Suit to seize land offends lawmakers “ – Indianapolis Star 12/31) in order to build additional surface parking. Even if the Hurst Company decided to sell, why would the Authority choose to tear down a beautiful old structure which reflects the areas history and has potential to be a perfect adaptive-reuse project? The building could be converted into residential lofts/retail and contribute to the appeal of the area, while providing additional tax revenue for the City. It appears the design standards (or lack there of) being implemented by the Stadium Authority is in direct opposition to the urban design standards of the Regional Center Plan? Does the Regional Center Plan have any real relevance when actual projects are on the table?


Even if the Authority chooses not to adhere to suggested design principals, isn’t this an opportunity for the City (who supposedly backs the Regional Center Plan) to show their commitment to the Plan and, at the least, relax the parking ordinance. This is a perfect example of why people in Indianapolis do not use public transit – we make it too easy and convenient to drive your own automobile. I am positive that even with less parking availability, people will still find a way to get to frequent events held at the stadium (they might even start using IndyGo!).


Concerned citizen

The large number of parking spaces around the Lucas Stadium are NOT being developed because of some rigid interpretation of the parking requirement ordinance. Rather, the number of parking spaces are contractually obligated by the city's legal agreement with the Colts. In fact, the city has to pay the Colts a certain amount of money for every space it falls short of the agreed upon number.

In any event, I do agree with the sentiment of your letter.

[k2h]

Unfortunately, I did not receive a response to the letter.

[moochie]

I just walked the dog by The Luke. Glass is going up on the west side! This thing is turning out better that I thought it would. I was concerned that it's retro design would come across as cheesy, but now that much of the facade is up, it looks really genuine. I'll reserve full judgement til I see a finished roof though.

[B'moreOrioles]

This is a very impressive stadium


http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_menu/past_future/pictures/future_stadiums/indianapolis_oil2.jpg

http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_menu/past_future/pictures/future_stadiums/indianapolis_oil1.jpg

http://wthr.images.worldnow.com/images/incoming/stadium/stadium01.jpg

http://wthr.images.worldnow.com/images/incoming/stadium/stadium03.jpg

http://wthr.images.worldnow.com/images/incoming/stadium/stadium04.jpg

http://wthr.images.worldnow.com/images/incoming/stadium/stadium07.jpg

http://wthr.images.worldnow.com/images/incoming/stadium/stadium08.jpg

http://wthr.images.worldnow.com/images/incoming/stadium/stadium11.jpg

http://wthr.images.worldnow.com/images/incoming/stadium/stadium14.jpg

http://wthr.images.worldnow.com/images/incoming/stadium/stadium15.jpg

http://wthr.images.worldnow.com/images/incoming/stadium/stadium16.jpg

http://wthr.images.worldnow.com/images/incoming/stadium/stadium17.jpg

[cwilson758]

Stadium ignites a land blitz
Older businesses on southern edge of Downtown could make millions of dollars from eager developers


A trendy development with hundreds of condos and a dozen restaurants. A cluster of new hotels. Retail shops. Parking garages.

http://cmsimg.indystar.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=BG&Date=20070311&Category=LOCAL&ArtNo=703110411&Ref=AR&MaxW=200&Q=60&Border=0

Developers are jockeying to build those and other projects in the shadow of Lucas Oil Stadium, which is a year and a half from completion, driving up land prices over $1 million per half-acre lot in an area long seen as Downtown's doormat.
The new developments stand to displace old-line industrial companies in the area that have operated quietly for decades and now stand to reap millions of dollars by selling out.
"This real estate around here'll be gold-plated. We'll make a fortune," said Del Cambridge, whose Cambridge Transmissions shop on Missouri Street is lucratively aligned with the 50-yard line in the stadium.
Cambridge, who said he once carried a gun for protection when he moved his shop into the area 40 years ago, talks of being approached so far by about eight prospective buyers interested in the half-acre lot that includes his 1936 building.
"I've had some nice offers. It's getting pretty hot," he said.
The nonprofit group behind the most ambitious of the stadium-spurred plans, called Meridian International Village, sees a radical remaking of the neighborhood.
"The Near Southside is being re-established as a major focus of economic and development opportunities. We're extremely excited about it," said Mark Flanary, executive director of Concord Community Development Corp.
Concord is seeking developers to build midrises along South Meridian Street that would contain 300 to 400 condos and six to 12 ethnic restaurants.
The community group models its Meridian International Village project on Wrigleyville, the thriving commercial area around Wrigley Field in Chicago, home of the Chicago Cubs."We look at ourselves as kind of the next frontier. Lucas Oil is going to be the catalyst," Flanary said.
Although land prices in the area have jumped from a few years ago -- and figure to go higher still as the stadium's August 2008 opening nears -- it's hard for brokers or landowners to put price tags on what's become some of the most coveted real estate in the city.
Valuations are tough to come by because there are few recent property sales on the books to cite as a guide.
And no one is sure where the hottest, most desirable spots for development will be.
Land flanking the stadium to the west, along Missouri Street, seems a sure bet for redevelopment. There's also opportunity along McCarty Street to the south, where the stadium's entrance plaza will be. Stadium-spurred development also could hopscotch two or three blocks to the east or south, where pubs, restaurants or housing could do double-duty catering to employees of pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly and Co. and its corporate campus.
Jeff Law, vice president of Acme Building, said his company paid more than $1 million for a half-acre lot that includes a 97-year-old, two-story building at 423 W. South St.
Plans call for a building as tall as eight stories that would contain 30 apartments or condos and ground-floor retail space, Law said.
"We just think the location is premier," he said. "We pursued it pretty hard, and we were fortunate enough to get it."
Asking prices for land have shot so high that the state-run Indiana Stadium and Convention Building Authority, which is building the stadium, hasn't been able to assemble enough land to build a giant parking garage or surface lots next to the stadium, said Executive Director John P. Klipsch.
"People we talked to around the stadium have high expectations about what their land's worth," he said.
Being priced out of the market may force the authority to partner with a private developer to build its garage, estimated to cost $25 million, Klipsch said. Or the authority could try to renegotiate its agreement with the Colts in order to put parking farther away, he said.
As part of the deal with the Colts, the state must provide 3,000 parking spaces next to the stadium. But the state's inability to buy out the N.K. Hurst Co. bean factory, which negotiated the right to stay put on land slated to become part of the stadium parking lot, has left the state 1,000 spaces short.
Asked how much the state is willing to pay for land, Klipsch said, "I'm not going to tell you."
The land plays have at times pitted neighbor against neighbor and caused otherwise friendly and open fellow property owners to become "tight-lipped," Cambridge said.
Greg Basey, owner of Basey's Downtown Grill & Spirits just west of the stadium, said he recently saw the owner of a nearby business enter the tavern with two businessmen in tow. Basey followed the new policy of discretion in the neighborhood and didn't ask what the meeting was about.
As for his interests, Basey is clear that he's out to make the most of his enviable location.
He's remodeled his rectangular building to add several dozen seats inside and built an outdoor patio to accommodate fair-weather crowds, including corporate parties during Colts home games.
Basey, who said he bought out his relatives' share of the tavern for $145,000 after his father died about seven years ago, now has a considerably higher asking price for the block structure and its half-dozen or so parking spaces.
"I wouldn't take less than $2.5 million for it," said the 42-year-old tavern owner. "When I pull up some days, I look over there and say, 'God, what did I do to deserve this stadium in my backyard?' "
Maury Plambeck, director of the city's Department of Metropolitan Development, said that while restaurants and other entertainment-oriented businesses will be naturally drawn to the stadium, city planners prefer a range of uses, with newcomers and current industrial tenants cheek by jowl.
"We believe they can all work together. Mixed use adds vitality to a Downtown," he said.
And although some new users are falling over themselves to buy their way into the area, urban redevelopment is typically a drawn-out affair, Plambeck said.
"It could take 20 years to change it in a dramatic fashion," he said of the neighborhood.

[Unionstation13]

Thats great news, I hope they can save what older buildings are extant in that area. This is very good news for the city. Hopefully this idea of development will spread.

[NaptownBoy]

http://oxblue.com/archive/8252a53cdf135347c0dd1d16228b6ff2/1024x768.jpg

[moochie]

Wow.. it looks like they're almost done with the West side steel truss. I suppose that when they're done they'll move like crazy on the East side.. It's so cool watching this thing go up.

It really does look shorter than the early renders. I think it's actually and improvement too. It did look a bit top heavy imho.

[CorrND]

Wow.. it looks like they're almost done with the West side steel truss. I suppose that when they're done they'll move like crazy on the East side.. It's so cool watching this thing go up.

It really does look shorter than the early renders. I think it's actually and improvement too. It did look a bit top heavy imho.
I can actually see the trusses from the gerbil tube I take from my parking garage to my building each day. I agree, very cool watching this thing go up.

Also, local NBC news had a piece on the construction project yesterday. They said the current tops of the trusses are about 10-15' short of the final stadium height.

[moochie]

Hey! brick facade is going up on the East side! woot! This'll really be taking shape by summer..

[moochie]

Looks like most of the cranes have been moved to the East side of the site.

[Powerslave]

Thanks to an accident on 465, I had to detour onto I-65 this past Monday after work, and then take 70 westbound to get home. I was shocked at how far along 'The Luke' was from the last time I saw it. I can't wait to see the finished product.

[moochie]

Wow.. now all the cranes are working on the east end of the site.. Does this mean that that side will be constructed twice as fast?

[moochie]

The April construction update is out, lots of interesting information about the stadium and even a blurb about the RCA dome demolition; http://www.in.gov/iscba/pdfs/Stadium_Update_032807.pdf

Also, The Luke is the cover story of a trade magazine. I didn't know that it could be used for Soccer...
http://www.midwest.construction.com/features/archive/0703_cover.asp

---------------

Lucas Oil Stadium

There'll be Room for TDs,
Hoops, Meetings in New Arena
by Steve Kaelble

As the Indianapolis Colts rushed and passed their way through the football season toward the Super Bowl, construction workers hurried to make the team's new home ready for the 2008 home opener.

Just south of the existing RCA Dome in downtown Indianapolis, Lucas Oil Stadium is becoming an imposing part of the skyline.
The project is part of a two-phase plan to improve downtown stadium and convention facilities.

Once the $675 million stadium is completed in summer 2008, the nearby RCA Dome will be demolished to make way for a $275 million expansion of the Indiana Convention Center, to be finished two years later. An enclosed walkway at street level is to connect the convention center with the new stadium, allowing large conventions and trade shows to spill over into the meeting and exhibition spaces built into the stadium and even the stadium floor itself.

The seven-level Lucas Oil will feature a retractable roof and seat 63,000 for football, according to the Indiana Stadium and Convention Building Authority.

The project's lead architect, Dallas-based HKS Inc., designed it with basketball in mind as well because as headquarters of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, Indianapolis hosts NCAA Final Four basketball events every few years. Convention uses also were at the forefront of the designers' minds.

When it is complete, Lucas Oil will cover 1.8 million sq ft and include 142 corporate suites. Its football seating will be about 5,000 greater than the football seating at the RCA Dome, and it will beat its predecessor in numerous other measures, including the distance between rows, seat width and the fact that all seats are theater-style-no bleachers.

The new stadium will have twice the number of public toilet fixtures, concourses twice as wide, nearly double the number of concession stands, twice as many elevators, plus two pedestrian ramps and 14 escalators. (RCA has neither). Lucas will include 183,000 sq ft of exhibit space and additional meeting spaces.

"We were at risk to lose not only the Colts but NCAA Final Fours and several important conventions and exhibitions if we did not replace the RCA Dome," says John Klipsch, executive director of the Indiana Stadium and Convention Building Authority.

RCA was completed in 1983 but is considered small and without the amenities that fans desire.

It has the smallest seating capacity in the NFL (57,693) and ranks low in the number of corporate suites. They are major revenue generators for NFL teams, and the Colts' ownership made it clear that the team might consider moving if the revenue picture did not improve.


Construction Kickoff

Construction progressed impressively during the Colts season. At the time of the first kickoff this season in September, the project was seemingly a haphazard collection of concrete columns. By the time the team won the AFC Championship in late January, the massive structure was already partially clad in architectural precast and a steel roof frame was starting to emerge over the top.

Before excavation began in September 2005, 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 as well as a warehouse painted with a giant Colts horseshoe, says Scott Blanchard, contract manager for Hunt Construction Group, the contractor.

"We ran into some contaminated soil that had to be trucked to a controlled landfill," he says, adding that most of the soil on the site is suitable to remain and will be covered by parking lots by the time the project is complete.

The biggest issue posed by the site was a combined sewer line carrying away most of the downtown area's sewage and stormwater, says John Hutchings, principal of HKS. Fortunately, because of the way the stadium is oriented on the site, the sewer affected only one corner, and the decision was made to build around it.

Workers excavated down to the sewer line and built a transfer beam structure across the sewer system, Hutchings says. The presence of the sewer means elevators in one corner of the stadium won't reach the truncated lowest level, but otherwise the sewer line will not have a major impact.

The stadium is built on spread-footing foundations, "a massive pour," Hutchings says.

HKS' design places the field level 25 ft below grade, so it is not surprising that foundation work descended below the water table and necessitated dewatering. Pouring the large end footings required careful temperature monitoring to ensure minimal variance between interior and exterior temperatures and thus prevent micro-cracking, Blanchard says.

"The majority of the superstructure is cast-in-place concrete," he adds. The pour for each level is supported by two levels of bracing underneath.

"As we get farther up the building we're able to remove the bracing and people can get in and start building block walls and doing ductwork," Blanchard says.


A Million Blocks

When finished, the stadium will include a million square feet of poured decking, 600,000 sq ft of slab on grade and 1.1 million concrete blocks.

"The roof structure is 14,400 tons of steel, and we've just started putting some into place," Blanchard says.

The structure will support a sophisticated, retractable roof system, which is a key to making Lucas Oil Stadium a versatile event facility capable of allowing fresh-air football games as well as indoor uses such as basketball games, conventions and the national marching band championships held every fall in Indianapolis.

The basketball court will be set up in the center of the stadium floor, with seating added to courtside as it is now in the RCA Dome when it hosts Final Four events.

The difference is that Lucas Oil was designed to host basketball. It will offer good sight lines from both the upper and lower decks. Seating capacity for basketball will be about 70,000. Though normal football seating will be about 63,000, that, too, can be expanded.

The stadium will have a large number of retractable seating rows near the field-from 13 rows at the 50-yard line to as many as 18 in the north end zone.

Being able to move so many seats is crucial for permitting good visibility not just for football but for basketball, too.

Seating design at the end zone allows the stadium area to link up with exhibit hall space for more flexible convention options. The design even allows Lucas Oil to be configured for a Federation International Football Association-size soccer field, significantly wider than a football field.

"We have a lot of curtains added to the job in various configurations for multiple types of uses that will occur in the stadium," Hutchings says.
Construction has gone smoothly, Blanchard says.

"It's a fast-track process," he says, noting that architectural drawing has continued as construction has progressed, allowing some modifications along the way but causing no significant issues.

"Most of the budget has been pretty much on track," but there have been some surprises, he adds. Insurance costs were higher than anticipated, more contaminated soil had to be removed than expected and steel costs were $19 million above plan, due to market volatility as well as the sheer size of the project, Blanchard says.



Fresh-Air Football

Among the benefits football fans will gain when the Indianapolis Colts move into Lucas Oil Stadium is the option to let in fresh air when the weather is nice.

The stadium's design achieves this in some groundbreaking ways.

Most prominent is the retractable roof. Though a movable roof is not a new idea, the way it is achieved here is different, according to John Hutchings, principal with architect HKS Inc. of Dallas, the lead firm on the project.

"HKS came up with the concept of the roof panel stacking over other parts of the roof instead of moving over a parking lot at the end of the building," he says.

When it's time to open the roof, panels slide down the sloped, steel roofing structure, coming to a stop over the east and west stands and bathing the field in natural light. Closing the top means pulling the panels back up the incline.

"Because we designed this to have an NCAA center court Final Four basketball tournament, we put a lot of emphasis on creating a roof-cap system with redundant measures," Hutchings says. Clearly, roof integrity is important in any football stadium, but it's absolutely critical that the facility remain dry when housing basketball games, conventions and other strictly indoor events.

Breezes also can blow into Lucas Oil Stadium through the huge window above the north end zone.

"Lucas Oil Stadium will have the largest operable window in the world when it opens," Hutchings says. (The new Dallas Cowboys stadium, with its dual open end zones, will take over that distinction a year later.)

Open or closed, the window will allow nice views of the center of downtown Indianapolis.

[cjfjapan]

I've seen the new stadium shorthanded as "LOS" - I personally don't care for the name "Lucas Oil Stadium" and have a problem with public financing of a giant billboard in the center of the city. :soapbox:

What do you think about calling it by its official, clunky name?

If we call it "LOS", how do we say it? By its letters? L-O-S; or as a word, like in "Los Angeles"?

Is there a funkier, more Indy-centric nickname we could give it?

My :twocents: I think the design is too retro-nostalgic - how about

"The Steel Barn"

[altfelix]

There's a short piece about the stadium in Hunt Construction's Landmarks Newsletter for Winter 2007:

http://www.huntconstructiongroup.com/news/pdf/Landmarks_0701.pdf

[Unionstation13]

I've seen the new stadium shorthanded as "LOS" - I personally don't care for the name "Lucas Oil Stadium" and have a problem with public financing of a giant billboard in the center of the city. :soapbox:

What do you think about calling it by its official, clunky name?

If we call it "LOS", how do we say it? By its letters? L-O-S; or as a word, like in "Los Angeles"?

Is there a funkier, more Indy-centric nickname we could give it?

My :twocents: I think the design is too retro-nostalgic - how about

"The Steel Barn"


I think for a retro design their pulling it off pretty well,
but, I dont like the name either, its kinda stupid, why dont we just call it the "stadium"?

[NaptownBoy]

I've seen the new stadium shorthanded as "LOS" - I personally don't care for the name "Lucas Oil Stadium" and have a problem with public financing of a giant billboard in the center of the city. :soapbox:

What do you think about calling it by its official, clunky name?

If we call it "LOS", how do we say it? By its letters? L-O-S; or as a word, like in "Los Angeles"?

Is there a funkier, more Indy-centric nickname we could give it?

My :twocents: I think the design is too retro-nostalgic - how about

"The Steel Barn"
I don't know, I never really gave it much thought. I just refer to it as the "new" dome and the RCA Dome as the old dome, although it isn't really a dome at all.

[cwilson758]

Yes, Indy planned ahead and is hoping to lure some early rounds of the World Cup to the Circle City. This would further enhance the City's international profile (Indy 500 and US Grand Prix are events that every City would love to host).

[moochie]

I've seen the new stadium shorthanded as "LOS" - I personally don't care for the name "Lucas Oil Stadium" and have a problem with public financing of a giant billboard in the center of the city. :soapbox:

What do you think about calling it by its official, clunky name?

If we call it "LOS", how do we say it? By its letters? L-O-S; or as a word, like in "Los Angeles"?

Is there a funkier, more Indy-centric nickname we could give it?

My :twocents: I think the design is too retro-nostalgic - how about

"The Steel Barn"

It's called "The Luke".

And while I was initially worried about the retro design, the end result has exceeded my expectations. This stadium is beautiful, and it along with the Dallas stadium really raise the bar for NFL stadium design.

It also adds quite a bit of depth and bulk to the skyline.. surprisingly so really. It looks to me like a huge piece of industrial sculpture, and it looks like it's always been there. I'm more than pleased.

[arenn]

Retro doesn't have to be bad. Not everything good has to be modern. Conseco Fieldhouse is superb, for example. The designs for LOS look pretty good, as does the stadium to date. The major flaw in the LOS design vs. Conseco is that LOS is skewed on its site and does not respect the city street grid. It will also be surrounded by oceans of surface parking, which Conseco is not. Fortunately, parking lots can be filled in later.

[cjfjapan]

Retro doesn't have to be bad. Not everything good has to be modern. Conseco Fieldhouse is superb, for example. The designs for LOS look pretty good, as does the stadium to date. The major flaw in the LOS design vs. Conseco is that LOS is skewed on its site and does not respect the city street grid. It will also be surrounded by oceans of surface parking, which Conseco is not. Fortunately, parking lots can be filled in later.

I agree with the skew- it makes it feel really suburban to me, but I prefer to think of it as an echo of the Kentucky Ave Diagonal.

As for the retro design, I suppose a more radical design would have gone down like a(n) _________ in a box of chocolates. The parking lots can be filled in, but it will take decades, and will be left to chance most likely. Already, the proposed hotels for the area look like something next to the Pyramids. Conseco was plopped down in an established area with great success - it's almost hidden...the design fits the neighborhood well. LOS, well, is surrounded by concrete block auto shops. It needs to create its vernacular - and I just wish it would have gone more out on a limb, rather than something I consider to be safe. Much too late for bitching however.

Moochie, you're right - I completely forgot about "The Luke." Case closed?

[moochie]

Retro doesn't have to be bad. Not everything good has to be modern. Conseco Fieldhouse is superb, for example. The designs for LOS look pretty good, as does the stadium to date. The major flaw in the LOS design vs. Conseco is that LOS is skewed on its site and does not respect the city street grid. It will also be surrounded by oceans of surface parking, which Conseco is not. Fortunately, parking lots can be filled in later.

I've never taken issue with the angle of the structure. I think it allows for public gathering space that isn't parking lot on all sides of the structure that wouldn't have been utilized nearly as well if it was built "respecting" the street grid. There will be parties and promotions in those corners during game days, right? It also allows for some nice views for photography and video. I don't have a problem with showing this puppy off.

The parking lots bother me, but seeing as tailgating has become such a tradition in the NFL, I see the lots as almost unavoidable. At least the new transportation hub will be able to take advantage of them. some trees and landscaping may aleviate some of the blecch..

I've never seen the area as being massively developed anyway.. MSA didn't exactly do wonders for the east side, now did it? Conseco Fieldhouse has been poitive for its location, but that location was already doing pretty well.

[hoosier]

From the April 17th edition of the IndyStar:



The roofline of the Lucas Oil Stadium is beginning to take shape as the first of two major trusses is now in place.

Putting the west "super truss" in place took about four months.

In the days ahead, workers will shift to putting a similar truss running along the east side of the stadium. That, too, is expected to take about four months to complete.

A majority of the concrete decking for seats is in place and things like locker rooms and the suites are taking shape, said Scott Blanchard, project manager with Hunt Construction Co., said during a media tour of the stadium today.

The new stadium is scheduled to be completed by August of 2008.

[moochie]

From the April 17th edition of the IndyStar:



The roofline of the Lucas Oil Stadium is beginning to take shape as the first of two major trusses is now in place.

Putting the west "super truss" in place took about four months.

In the days ahead, workers will shift to putting a similar truss running along the east side of the stadium. That, too, is expected to take about four months to complete.

A majority of the concrete decking for seats is in place and things like locker rooms and the suites are taking shape, said Scott Blanchard, project manager with Hunt Construction Co., said during a media tour of the stadium today.

The new stadium is scheduled to be completed by August of 2008.

and... the accompanying pic is:

http://cmsimg.indystar.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Dato=20070417&Kategori=SPORTS03&Lopenr=704170458&Ref=AR&Q=80&MaxW=500&MaxH=400&Site=BG&Q=80&Border=0&Title=0

[NaptownBoy]

Wow, the first super truss is in place already!

[hoosier]

They are making good progress on the facade. I notice changes to it on a daily basis.

That eastern truss is coming along nicely as well.

[unvrsty07]

Lucas Oil adds $1 million to Super Bowl bid

Forrest Lucas, president and owner of Lucas Oil Products, pledged $1 million today in support of Indianapolis' bid to host the 2011 Super Bowl.
Forrest Lucas announced he's pledging $1 million to the Indianapolis Super Bowl bid. Lucas made his announcement today at the construction site for Lucas Oil Stadium. - Matt Kryger / The Star

“Lucas Oil Products is committed to Indiana and to the Colts,” Lucas said in a statement. “I hope my pledge spurs others to become part of the bid to attract the NFL, its fans and the national media’s eye to our city and state.”
Indianapolis 2011 Inc., a nonprofit organization created to attract the 2011 Super Bowl, has said it needs between $20 million and $25 million to pull off hosting duties.

It said today it plans to secure pledges "sufficient to put on the game" before its bid presentation to NFL owners on May 23 in Nashville, Tenn.

“We are in the fundraising red zone,” Fred Glass, president of Indianapolis 2011, said. “A month out from the presentation, we’re glad to have Forrest leading the final fundraising drive for what we hope will be the ultimate touchdown for Indianapolis in Super Bowl XLV.”

Dallas and Phoenix also have submitted bids to host the 2011 game.

Last year, Lucas Oil purchased the naming rights to the new Colts stadium, which is under construction in downtown Indianapolis and is expected to open in the fall of next year.

[_ttam_]

Seriously people Indianapolis does not = Indiana. Indianapolis is more tolerant, liberal, wealthy, educated, diverse, urban, dense, innovative, progressive, and growing faster than any other midwestern city!

Seriously this is more than a little offensive and I don't believe it belongs on a message board of this nature. Can a board admin take it off?

We are all fans of ALL city development here no matter what state they are in, we don't need to get into pissing matches like that...

[NaptownBoy]

The brick used on the exterior is darker and slightly different than what is depicted in the renders. Anyone else notice this? I think it looks great with the darker brick.

I happened to be downtown yesterday doing some shopping, and I walked around it while I was over there. It really is marvelous to watch this thing go up in person. It looks fantastic, too--better than the renders we've seen. I will also say that this thing is MASSIVE--it's about as tall as Monument Circle!

[CorrND]

The brick used on the exterior is darker and slightly different than what is depicted in the renders. Anyone else notice this? I think it looks great with the darker brick.

I happened to be downtown yesterday doing some shopping, and I walked around it while I was over there. It really is marvelous to watch this thing go up in person. It looks fantastic, too--better than the renders we've seen. I will also say that this thing is MASSIVE--it's about as tall as Monument Circle!
Yeah, I'm loving how this thing is shaping up. Were you as amazed as I was how alive downtown was yesterday (and Saturday too, for that matter). There were people EVERYWHERE, going to games, shopping, running in races, attending festivals, biking on the streets, running on the canal. I think there was a big convention in town, but what was happening downtown was a lot more than just a big convention.

[NaptownBoy]

Yeah, I'm loving how this thing is shaping up. Were you as amazed as I was how alive downtown was yesterday (and Saturday too, for that matter). There were people EVERYWHERE, going to games, shopping, running in races, attending festivals, biking on the streets, running on the canal. I think there was a big convention in town, but what was happening downtown was a lot more than just a big convention.
Yep. It's called springtime in Indianapolis! :)

I'm glad that the City concentrates many of its assets downtown. Downtown really is the heart of the city, and it's great to be able to experience such vibrancy without a big convention in town or during business hours only.

[NaptownBoy]

http://oxblue.com/archive/8252a53cdf135347c0dd1d16228b6ff2/1024x768.jpg

[Unionstation13]

One time, me and my cousin ate our lunch on the top of her car and just watched them doing construction(how nerdy is dat? lol) The brick looks aged, and not disney world like. Downtown was alive, I loved it, hopefully it will stay like that, atleast on the weekends.

[cwilson758]

I took a drive on the inner loop yesterday and had to swing past the Luke. It is huge and totally dominates the area. When you look at it and compare it to the Dome, there is no comparison. I love all of the windows that it will have and you should be able to see people mulling about inside. I was trying to picture the Dome not being there and it will make, I think, an improvement to the skyline shots. You will be able to see more of the City as the Luke isn't right next to the core. Also, I was trying to visualize the JW Marriott and Residence Inn and Condo buildings. Although we would rather see them at Pan Am Plaza, you have to admit that they will make a great impression on the skyline.

There are so many projects being built downtown right now. Its nice to know that 4 huge projects (JW, Convention Center, Penn Tower, MSA) are still to break ground and that the development of infill will continue unabated.

[hoosier]

I took a drive on the inner loop yesterday and had to swing past the Luke. It is huge and totally dominates the area. When you look at it and compare it to the Dome, there is no comparison. I love all of the windows that it will have and you should be able to see people mulling about inside. I was trying to picture the Dome not being there and it will make, I think, an improvement to the skyline shots. You will be able to see more of the City as the Luke isn't right next to the core. Also, I was trying to visualize the JW Marriott and Residence Inn and Condo buildings. Although we would rather see them at Pan Am Plaza, you have to admit that they will make a great impression on the skyline.

There are so many projects being built downtown right now. Its nice to know that 4 huge projects (JW, Convention Center, Penn Tower, MSA) are still to break ground and that the development of infill will continue unabated.

Those are good comments.

I will be sad to see the dome go because it is in my opinion the only football stadium integrated with the downtown core in the country. Most stadiums, even those downtown, are surrounded by a sea of parking lots which separate them from the city.

You are right about the Luke dominating the downtown however. It is absolutely massive. What strikes me is how TALL it is. I have heard the top of the roof is around 270 feet above street level.

[Unionstation13]

I will miss the dome, but I think it will make it easier to see the historical skyline of wholesale from the river, and the dome isnt exactly that great.
Its a concrete building with a white dome. I am more concerned with the buildings around it being damaged. The Luke is HUGE.
Its like a highrise. I was riding back to downtown, and from around the zoo, it is like a highrise, that seems like its almost as tall as the conrad or something.

[CorrND]

I will be sad to see the dome go because it is in my opinion the only football stadium integrated with the downtown core in the country. Most stadiums, even those downtown, are surrounded by a sea of parking lots which separate them from the city.
This is mostly true, even if a stadium is near a downtown core, it's usually surrounded by parking lots. Soldier Field is an exception -- although I'm not sure you could say it's in the "core" of Chicago, it's definitely downtown and not surrounded by parking lots. The Metrodome, Paul Brown Stadium, Cleveland Browns Stadium, Qwest Field, Ford Field, the Louisiana Superdome and the Georgia Dome are similarly situated very close to their downtowns, but not IN the core.

The only real comparison to the RCA Dome is the Edward Jones Dome, which is situated in the core of St. Louis just like the RCA Dome.

[hoosier]

This is mostly true, even if a stadium is near a downtown core, it's usually surrounded by parking lots. Soldier Field is an exception -- although I'm not sure you could say it's in the "core" of Chicago, it's definitely downtown and not surrounded by parking lots. The Metrodome, Paul Brown Stadium, Cleveland Browns Stadium, Qwest Field, Ford Field, the Louisiana Superdome and the Georgia Dome are similarly situated very close to their downtowns, but not IN the core.

The only real comparison to the RCA Dome is the Edward Jones Dome, which is situated in the core of St. Louis just like the RCA Dome.

Soldier Field has parking to its south. It is situated along Lake Michigan, in a recreational area. The multi-lane Lake Shore Drive must be crossed to access the stadium which is a negative for pedestrians.

Paul Brown stadium is surrounded by parking and a highway interchange. It is separated from downtown Cincinnati by I-71.

Cleveland Browns stadium is separated from downtown Cleveland by railroad tracks and a freeway. It is surrounded by parking.

The Georgia Dome is near the core but still rather isolated from the downtown.

You are right about the SuperDome being in the core, but no stadium has the street-level access of the RCA Dome. The Superdome is built on this elevated platform.

Even Qwest and Ford Fields are outside the core area. The dome is built into the inner-city fabric of Indy and has good street level access. When you step outside of the dome and face NE, the downtown is RIGHT in your face.

[CorrND]

Sounds like we're in perfect agreement, but you didn't comment on the best comparison, the Edward Jones Dome!

[hoosier]

Sounds like we're in perfect agreement, but you didn't comment on the best comparison, the Edward Jones Dome!

The EJD is set right in the city core, but since I have never visited the stadium, I can't compare it with the RCA Dome.

However, Indy's DT is much nicer than the STL, so I would still give the edge to the home of the SB CHAMPS!!:cheers:

[hoosier]

Anybondy notice that the cladding for one of the front supports was taken down this weak? Odd.

[ablerock]

Here's an aerial shot looking south, taken about a week ago (late April):

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t206/ablerock/SouthView2b.jpg

...another aerial shot looking north, taken about 3 weeks ago (early April):

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t206/ablerock/NorthViewb.jpg

...and an interior shot looking southeast (late March):

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t206/ablerock/PICT0019b.jpg

[cwilson758]

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t206/ablerock/NorthViewb.jpg

the redevelopment opportunities are really highlightes here with this pic! I think the site on the left is teh new interstate-esque hotel that Dora is building. Can't wait for the EFIS!

[CorrND]

Wow, great pics! The pic Cory used also answers 2 questions I had:

How are they going to get the cranes out when they're done?
Why is there still a gap in the middle of the south end?

Looks like they can just drive 'em out the gap!

[IndiexInxIndy]

What the hell is the "EFIS" that Wilson mentioned? HaHa i would like to know. :cheers:

[Unionstation13]

look at all the development oppurtunities(lyk cwilson said.)
It would be awesome to make that a hot spot for clubs and stuff.
I just hope to god, it doesent remain an abyss of parking and one story buildings. =(

[hoosier]

That gap in the south is to allow construction equipment to enter and leave the stadium.

The cranes will be disassembled on site and driven out piece-by-piece when they are no longer needed (which won't be until the roof is finished).

There are a lot of development opportunities around the stadium.

I just wish there was more progress being made on the hotels between West and Missouri Streets.

[cwilson758]

What is EIFS?

EIFS stands for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems. The product is also called synthetic stucco, and refers to a multi-layered exterior finish that's been used in European construction since shortly after World War II, when contractors found it to be a good repair choice for buildings damaged during the war. The majority of repairs to European buildings were to structures constructed of stone, concrete, brick, or other similar, durable materials.

EIFS in North America
North American builders began using EIFS in the 1980's, first in commercial buildings, then applying it as an exterior finish to residences--mostly wood frame houses--using the same techniques that had been successful in Europe.

[IndiexInxIndy]

Who here thinks we can lobby our fine city to build a park in & around this area? Lord knows we are in dire need of one down there! ;-)

[moochie]

http://oxblue.com/archive/8252a53cdf135347c0dd1d16228b6ff2/1024x768.jpg

I hadn't checked the webcam for a couple weeks... Good lord that's a lot of progress!

[cjfjapan]

I got a quick view of downtown from the Airport parking garage last night, and the stadium looks HUGE. I know its been mentioned here before, but LOS is going to extend the skyline quite a bit to the south - it is really overpowering.

Regarding development, I wonder really how much retail/commercial can spread to the south. One of the successes of the Hoosier Dome in the last ten years is that its entrance is close to Circle Center, and before that, to Union Station, and all of those close to the downtown core. LOS is a pioneer - and twelve games a year probably will not convince entrepreneurs to break ground on good projects for some time, until the whole area fills in with apartment, condos, etc. LOS is a great start, but Im not sure we'll see much development (outside of the hotels) there for many, many years.

[moochie]

I got a quick view of downtown from the Airport parking garage last night, and the stadium looks HUGE. I know its been mentioned here before, but LOS is going to extend the skyline quite a bit to the south - it is really overpowering.

Regarding development, I wonder really how much retail/commercial can spread to the south. One of the successes of the Hoosier Dome in the last ten years is that its entrance is close to Circle Center, and before that, to Union Station, and all of those close to the downtown core. LOS is a pioneer - and twelve games a year probably will not convince entrepreneurs to break ground on good projects for some time, until the whole area fills in with apartment, condos, etc. LOS is a great start, but Im not sure we'll see much development (outside of the hotels) there for many, many years.

I think that if/when the transportation hub goes in, then we'll see a lot of progress.

[unvrsty07]

I was in the Indianapolis Star IMS sweet on sunday. While I was on the eastside of the sweet I saw the most amazing view of the skyline. It made the skyline look enormous, and I also noticed the LUKE and the addition it made tothe skyline is one of a kind.

[moochie]

I was in the Indianapolis Star IMS sweet on sunday. While I was on the eastside of the sweet I saw the most amazing view of the skyline. It made the skyline look enormous, and I also noticed the LUKE and the addition it made tothe skyline is one of a kind.

And you didn't take a pic? Shame on you.

Oh, and It's "suite".

[unvrsty07]

LOL thanks mooch, I keep noticing all these simple brain farts/terrible simple spellingmistakes and it hit me, I have got to stop posting drunk :) I did not take a picture because I did not know I would be in the suite. It was the best view I have ever seen of downtown, absolutely incredible. The skyline easily made it look like a MAJOR city.

[cjfjapan]

I think that if/when the transportation hub goes in, then we'll see a lot of progress.

If the public transit users are the same as they are now, Im not so sure. Ive been in the Greyhound/Amtrak stations a couple of times and...yeeks. A better structure will help, but I doubt the clientele will change, and those folks are sitting down to lattes and lounging away the afternoon...

[Unionstation13]

Massive transportation, would be very helpful,
I was just amagining one day, if we had lightrails coming into the city from major cities, how cool it would be to have this massive lightrail station with shopping and retail, like the one in Berlin. But this was just my amagination again. I think it would be cool to turn the Old unionstation into a lightrail station, but that would be diffacualt.

[moochie]

Massive transportation, would be very helpful,
I was just amagining one day, if we had lightrails coming into the city from major cities, how cool it would be to have this massive lightrail station with shopping and retail, like the one in Berlin. But this was just my amagination again. I think it would be cool to turn the Old unionstation into a lightrail station, but that would be diffacualt.

Not difficult at all. Just expensive.

[Unionstation13]

Not difficult at all. Just expensive.

without heavy altering of the building.

[moochie]

without heavy altering of the building.

The building was made to do exactly what you want it to do. It just requires a lot of demolition to get rid of what's been installed in recent decades. All they really have to do is strip the structure down to the bare bones and you have a functioning rail station. Like I said, not difficult at all. Just expensive.

[Unionstation13]

The building was made to do exactly what you want it to do. It just requires a lot of demolition to get rid of what's been installed in recent decades. All they really have to do is strip the structure down to the bare bones and you have a functioning rail station. Like I said, not difficult at all. Just expensive.

I am talking about the historic unionstation, if they could take the area where the loung thing is, and then take out the lounge, and instead of trains, make a seperate line for the railroad, and then have the lightrail dip in into the station. Unionstation could be turned into the lightrail station, and could be as active as it was in its golden age.:banana:

[hoosier]

The two new hotels going in across the stadium between West and Missouri Streets will help development in the area of downtown between South Street and I-70.

West Street neeeds to be resurfaced BADLY.

[moochie]

I am talking about the historic unionstation, if they could take the area where the loung thing is, and then take out the lounge, and instead of trains, make a seperate line for the railroad, and then have the lightrail dip in into the station. Unionstation could be turned into the lightrail station, and could be as active as it was in its golden age.:banana:

I'm really confused by what you're saying here. What lounge exactly? Why on earth would you want the lines to dip?

The train shed, which was comprised of 8 lines or so a story above grade, could.. or should hold as many lines as before. The street level section was operated just like any other rail station, and one would walk from the main hall, which also was where the ticket counters were, under the tracks to one's correct track, then walk up the stairs to track level to board the train. I've seen a lot of train stations in Europe that operate just like it.

It's all still there.. Every bit of it. All that as to be done is tear out all the old mall crap and that stupid hotel. There is a parking garage blocking where the train shed lines used to merge into the main lines, and that would either have to be torn down, or modified so that trains could pass underneath, but other than that, not a thing needs to be changed at Union Station.

[Unionstation13]

I'm really confused by what you're saying here. What lounge exactly? Why on earth would you want the lines to dip?

The train shed, which was comprised of 8 lines or so a story above grade, could.. or should hold as many lines as before. The street level section was operated just like any other rail station, and one would walk from the main hall, which also was where the ticket counters were, under the tracks to one's correct track, then walk up the stairs to track level to board the train. I've seen a lot of train stations in Europe that operate just like it.

It's all still there.. Every bit of it. All that as to be done is tear out all the old mall crap and that stupid hotel. There is a parking garage blocking where the train shed lines used to merge into the main lines, and that would either have to be torn down, or modified so that trains could pass underneath, but other than that, not a thing needs to be changed at Union Station.

that would be really great, thanks for the information. Unionstation was designed for these sorta things, instead of a glorafied ballroom, this would be amazing. Some restruants would be good, then it could go national, from like NYC to LA. :banana:

[unvrsty07]

Work ramping up at stadium site

The number of workers at the Lucas Oil Stadium construction site, now about 750, is expected to rise considerably in coming months, officials said today.

As many as 1,400 workers will be on the site by late summer, a number that should stay consistent until the stadium is finished.

The $675 million stadium is set to be completed by mid-August 2008.

So far, more than 114,000 cubic yards of concrete has been poured. Looking ahead, officials said today they expect to turn on permanent power to the structure by June and to start installing seats by August.

[NaptownBoy]

God, I hope that the city does not waste this opportunity to expand the core southward. I would really like to see the core expand eastward too but with LOS already underway, my hope is that it should allow more projects to "fill in" and enlarge the core. Since the southside of downtown is not as blighted as the eastside it should be slightly easier to get something going once this field is finished.

[NaptownBoy]

http://oxblue.com/archive/8252a53cdf135347c0dd1d16228b6ff2/1024x768.jpg
Coming along nicely. The exterior cladding is almost complete and seating decks are in place.

[Unionstation13]

wow, I was worried it would look sorta fake, but the way it all goes together,it is really tastefully done!

[Indyman]

Yeah the renders kinda made me afraid it would look cheesy as well.

[CorrND]

Yeah the renders kinda made me afraid it would look cheesy as well.
I agree regarding the LOS renderings, but I usually make an assumption that every structure will look at least a little bit better than it looks in a rendering. I think it mostly proves true.

[indyfan]

Hopefully 4 days from now we can be celebrating how LOS is going to host the '11 Super Bowl.:applause: :rock: :cucumber: :cheers1:

[Unionstation13]

if it does. We are going against some strong opponents, I think we have a pretty good chance, but could you amagine all that national attention all on Indianapolis?! :cheers:

[hoosier]

God, I hope that the city does not waste this opportunity to expand the core southward. I would really like to see the core expand eastward too but with LOS already underway, my hope is that it should allow more projects to "fill in" and enlarge the core. Since the southside of downtown is not as blighted as the eastside it should be slightly easier to get something going once this field is finished.

There are those two hotels going in between West and Missouri Streets one block west of LOS. 6-7 stories isn't that bad for that area.

[ablerock]

From May 22 Indianapolis Star:

Stadium's 4.5-acre Roof Opening Will Be NFL's Largest
By Jeff Swiatek


The roof on Lucas Oil Stadium will boast a larger opening -- a 4.5-acre hole to the sky -- than the three other current or future NFL stadiums with retractable roofs, and it will work so efficiently it'll generate power when moving down slope.

The peaked roof, one of the stadium's most distinctive features, took center stage Monday at a meeting of the Indiana Stadium and Convention Building Authority.

Authority members heard a 20-minute presentation on the roof from contractors who designed the moving panels and trusses that will create the largest span roof on a U.S. stadium.

Controlled by cables wrapped around drums and run by electric motors, the entire roof will open in six minutes on a third less horsepower than an Indy race car packs, said Bart Riberich, president of Uni-Systems, the Minneapolis-based roof mechanization consultant.

"It's much like the action of a power yo-yo," he told authority members while showing slides of the bifold roof.

Making a roof retractable easily adds $30 million to a stadium's cost, but it pays off by making the facility more flexible for various uses, including conventions and concerts, as well as sports events, said Lee W. Slade, senior principal of Walter P. Moore of Houston, the lead structural engineer for the roof.

"That's how these buildings are successful -- by filling those event days," he said.

The $675 million, publicly financed Downtown stadium, set to open in August 2008, "is going to be an unbelievable convention facility," he said.

The massive trusses that support the nearly 6 million-pound roof panels also can be used to rig displays in the air for concerts and other indoor events, he said.

The RCA Dome, which Lucas Oil Stadium will replace, has limited ability to support rigging for events because its fabric roof can't support much weight hanging from it.

Lucas Oil will be the third NFL stadium with a retractable roof -- the Dallas Cowboys' new stadium opening in 2009 will be the fourth -- and it will be the 30th stadium in the world with one.

As the roof panels open by sliding down a 13-degree slope, they'll generate electricity that will be stored using variable frequency drives. "People want to save energy, and this is a good way to do it," Riberich said.

The brick-faced stadium also will be built with an 85-foot-tall glass wall that can open, giving fans a view of Downtown's skyline.

The roof and wall will be operated from a control room equipped with safety systems that include visual and audible alarms, emergency stop buttons, and a dead man's switch that requires the operator to keep constant pressure on the switch while the roof is opening or closing.

Lucas Oil Stadium "will stand among the elite stadiums in the United States" when it opens, said Slade, who's visited about half of the world's retractable-roof stadiums and hopes to see them all.

Authority Chairman David Frick left the roof engineer and consultant with some parting words of advice: "We're counting on you to come on opening day to make sure the roof goes up, and down."

[kcmetro]

That stadium is looking nice! I love that it's made of brick. It will be an excellent venue for the Final Four.

[unvrsty07]

^^^ I have always seen the brick as another nostalgic move by the city, however, seeing this building in person is just amazing, and now I believe the city made an excellent choice!!

[ablerock]

I've been sneaking around various Indy establishments lately... ;-)

Here's a shot of The Luke construction site I took last night:
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t206/ablerock/DSC00480C.jpg

[hoosier]

Damn, there is ZERO cladding along the SE and S sides of the stadium!!

[moochie]

Damn, there is ZERO cladding along the SE and S sides of the stadium!!

It's right on schedule though.

[arenn]

It seems to be much harder to do a good design with a stadium than with an arena, probably because of the difference in scale. Something too avant-garde here would have overwhelmed the rest of downtown. I'm not unhappy at all with the retro designs of Conseco and the Luke, and think this will be overall a great addition to downtown.

[hoosier]

It seems to be much harder to do a good design with a stadium than with an arena, probably because of the difference in scale. Something too avant-garde here would have overwhelmed the rest of downtown. I'm not unhappy at all with the retro designs of Conseco and the Luke, and think this will be overall a great addition to downtown.

I concur. There is nothing wrong with having a retro exterior as long as the innards of the stadium are state-of-the-art.

[_ttam_]

I concur. There is nothing wrong with having a retro exterior as long as the innards of the stadium are state-of-the-art.

Columns, large windows, brick, stone--instead of retro, call it timeless...it's true and it sounds better. :)

[hoosier]

Looking at the webcam, it appears that work is being done on the stadium over the weekend, which means that the pace of construction will increase!

[Unionstation13]

Columns, large windows, brick, stone--instead of retro, call it timeless...it's true and it sounds better. :)

exactly!:)

[NaptownBoy]

http://oxblue.com/archive/8252a53cdf135347c0dd1d16228b6ff2/1024x768.jpg

[IndiexInxIndy]

Lookin pretty damn lovely! :cheers2:

[hoosier]

There has been NO work on the roof for over a week! WTF??!!:ohno:

All the progress is being made on the facade.

[kcmetro]

There has been NO work on the roof for over a week! WTF??!!:ohno:

All the progress is being made on the facade.

Beggars can't be choosers. Just be happy you're getting a brand spankin' new facility like this. :)

[MasonsInquiries]

^^yeah, i agree. what more can you guys ask for?

[moochie]

^^yeah, i agree. what more can you guys ask for?

The Orioles. Can we have them please? <cough>

[Unionstation13]

^^yeah, i agree. what more can you guys ask for?

well,
we could have asked for more, but I really like this stadium, in one hundred years it will still be an architectuall jewl of Indianapolis.

[NaptownBoy]

well,
we could have asked for more, but I really like this stadium, in one hundred years it will still be an architectuall jewl of Indianapolis.
Lol. You really think this gym's going to be around in a hundred years? I give it fifty years tops.

[kcmetro]

100 years?!?! God, I hope not....for Indy's sake! I give it 40 years before they build a new one.

[Unionstation13]

Lol. You really think this gym's going to be around in a hundred years? I give it fifty years tops.

eh, no,
I am just saying if they did use it for another hundred years, it wouldent ever be ugly.

[Paintrain]

it will be interesting to see how long all these new venues will be around like conseco fieldhouse and los

[CorrND]

it will be interesting to see how long all these new venues will be around like conseco fieldhouse and los
I think it's interesting how new the 8-year-old Conseco Fieldhouse still feels and how old the 24-year-old RCA Dome feels. I think The Luke and Conseco Fieldhouse (along with Victory Field) will be around a lot longer than the RCA Dome.

[cityfan]

I think it's interesting how new the 8-year-old Conseco Fieldhouse still feels and how old the 24-year-old RCA Dome feels. I think The Luke and Conseco Fieldhouse (along with Victory Field) will be around a lot longer than the RCA Dome.

The RCA Dome will be gone in 2009.

[CorrND]

The RCA Dome will be gone in 2009.
I think you misunderstood me. I meant that the Luke and Conseco would be around a lot longer in age than the RCA Dome -- 26 sports seasons is a very short life for a stadium -- not that they would simply be standing after the RCA Dome is gone.

[NaptownBoy]

A friend working on site tells me that much of the work is being done inside the building at this point, so don't be too worried if you don't see any exterior progress.

[MilwaukeeMark]

I know you don't really care but my company is making the architectural joint systems that will allow for thermal/seismic movement of this stadium. So every time you walk over one of those silver seams in the walkways, think of me.

[Unionstation13]

I know you don't really care but my company is making the architectural joint systems that will allow for thermal/seismic movement of this stadium. So every time you walk over one of those silver seams in the walkways, think of me.

oh we will
we will. :)

[hoosier]

A friend working on site tells me that much of the work is being done inside the building at this point, so don't be too worried if you don't see any exterior progress.

Thanks for the insider info.

But it would seem to make more sense to finish the roof before working on the interior of the structure because it would be protected from the elements. That is the way the AZ Cardinals' stadium was constructed.

[NaptownBoy]

Thanks for the insider info.

But it would seem to make more sense to finish the roof before working on the interior of the structure because it would be protected from the elements. That is the way the AZ Cardinals' stadium was constructed.
Actually, I asked Mike about this today and he said that there were a few rumors and some speculation about the roof, and at this point it seems as if the roof is actually going to be finished last (again, just a rumor, don't hold me to it).

[NaptownBoy]

Here are some quick tidbits for you all.

The stadium is 60% complete. Now approaching the home stretch. :)

There are approximately 1,319 workers on site. All work in shifts, for a cycle of 24 hours a day, six days a week excluding Sundays.

The pace of work is slightly ahead of schedule.

[hoosier]

Here are some quick tidbits for you all.

The stadium is 60% complete. Now approaching the home stretch. :)

There are approximately 1,319 workers on site. All work in shifts, for a cycle of 24 hours a day, six days a week excluding Sundays.

The pace of work is slightly ahead of schedule.

Wow, only 60% finished? This stadium has been under construction for almost two years and is supposed to open in one year. Most of the structure is built, save the roof.

And I didn't know LOS was a 24-hour construction site. Is this a recent development?

And why are the workers increasing at this stage? Wouldn't it make sense to have a lot of workers at the beginning to get the superstructure built?

[CorrND]

I think the large number of workers is probably because the work is coming down to details at this point. I'm guessing it takes relatively few people to pour concrete compared to things like electrical wiring.

[hoosier]

I think the large number of workers is probably because the work is coming down to details at this point. I'm guessing it takes relatively few people to pour concrete compared to things like electrical wiring.

That makes sense. I guess we are entering the home stretch with this structure.

[NaptownBoy]

I think the large number of workers is probably because the work is coming down to details at this point. I'm guessing it takes relatively few people to pour concrete compared to things like electrical wiring.
That's correct. They're really vamping up the work at this point now that the core of the building is finished.

I drove past the stadium site this afternoon and the smaller trusses that hold up the permanent roof are now in place.

[unvrsty07]

One thing I noticed today before getting on to I-70 east at West Street was that the three aluminum "ducts" that stick out are up on the south west side. I had not noticed this until today, and I have to admit it looks really bad ass!!

[Resident]

The Orioles. Can we have them please? <cough>

Ha!

[hoosier]

The eastern roof truss is done!!

[hoosier]

From the IndyStar:

The lack of rain in recent weeks was bad for area lawns, but it’s been great for construction workers building the new Lucas Oil Stadium.

Crews building the $675 million stadium completed $22 million worth of work in May, making it one of the most productive months since construction started, Bob May, contract manager for Hunt Construction Group, which is managing the stadium project, said today during a tour of the stadium.
Some 800 workers are now helping to build the stadium, which is scheduled to open in August 2008. They worked 20 days in May, meaning construction cost about $1.1 million a day.

Among other jobs, crews are continuing to work on the retractable steel roof. Both large super trusses that run north to south are now complete. The five steel beams that run east to west are still being assembled.

Work on those beams was delayed a bit when the biggest crane on the job had mechanical problems twice in the last month, shutting it down for about a week each time, May said. He said workers assembling that part of the roof moved onto other jobs while the crane was being fixed.

[moochie]

Sweet tapdancing Jesus that's a tall crane.. that's 400' plus! I guess they're putting in the top A-Frame pieces soon.

[hoosier]

Sweet tapdancing Jesus that's a tall crane.. that's 400' plus! I guess they're putting in the top A-Frame pieces soon.

You are right, that is a big fucking crane.

[NaptownBoy]

If anyone is interested in the progress going on inside the building check out this quick slideshow (http://www2.indystar.com/images/graphics/2007/06/0621_stadium/) courtesy of the Star. It only takes about a minute or so and it's pretty neat.

[moochie]

Hey! They've moved one of the top roof trusses underneath the big crane! Maybe they'll put it up today...

[aavmarine]

I know its not possible because we need the parking space, but I would like to see the north parking lot between LOS and the RCA dome be turned into some kind of party village. I think it would be kinda cool to have a "C" shape (facing the stadium) village with different retails, resturants, bars and clubs. The middle part would have cobble stone surrounding it, with water fountains, street vendures, and a family fun zone before the home games or what ever convention comes to town. I will always remember walking into Kings Island and see the European villages around the entrance. I thought it was always cool to be sitting under the trees next to the fountain and listening to the music, drinking a cold one. IMO I think it would be a great idea, plus it would make money for the city.

[aavmarine]

I know its not possible because we need the parking space, but I would like to see the north parking lot between LOS and the RCA dome be turned into some kind of party village. I think it would be kinda cool to have a "C" shape (facing the stadium) village with different retails, resturants, bars and clubs. The middle part would have cobble stone surrounding it, with water fountains, street vendures, and a family fun zone before the home games or what ever convention comes to town. I will always remember walking into Kings Island and see the European villages around the entrance. I thought it was always cool to be sitting under the trees next to the fountain and listening to the music, drinking a cold one. IMO I think it would be a great idea, plus it would make money for the city.

[CorrND]

I know its not possible because we need the parking space, but I would like to see the north parking lot between LOS and the RCA dome be turned into some kind of party village. I think it would be kinda cool to have a "C" shape (facing the stadium) village with different retails, resturants, bars and clubs. The middle part would have cobble stone surrounding it, with water fountains, street vendures, and a family fun zone before the home games or what ever convention comes to town. I will always remember walking into Kings Island and see the European villages around the entrance. I thought it was always cool to be sitting under the trees next to the fountain and listening to the music, drinking a cold one. IMO I think it would be a great idea, plus it would make money for the city.
That's a hell of a thinking-outside-the-box idea. I'm not sure if this was your idea, but the "C" should be in the shape of the Colts horseshoe, with the flare-outs right at the West St. sidewalk. That would be cool as hell for overhead shots of the city during MNF games. If anybody's worried about losing those parking spaces, they could sink a garage under the village and have it connect to the convention center.

[moochie]

That's a hell of a thinking-outside-the-box idea. I'm not sure if this was your idea, but the "C" should be in the shape of the Colts horseshoe, with the flare-outs right at the West St. sidewalk. That would be cool as hell for overhead shots of the city during MNF games. If anybody's worried about losing those parking spaces, they could sink a garage under the village and have it connect to the convention center.

I don't think they'd do anything too permanent. That site is slated for future convention center expansion.

[Unionstation13]

the parking lots around the LOS need filled, whether its parking garages of different facades and street level retail, or condos and townhouses, just fill up those god damn parking lots!!

[Paintrain]

where would people tailgate then?

[aavmarine]

I don't think they'd do anything too permanent. That site is slated for future convention center expansion.

I thought the expansion of the CC was only going to the RR tracks. According to the LOS and CC design drawings, the North end parking space is still there. Anyways, to me, I think the S end parking space will look okay. Myself, I really don't want a stadium that is surrounded by parking spaces. It will end up looking to much like other stadiums outside city limits that are surrounded by parking ( Pittsburgh, Tennesee). I remember when I was a kid and my parents had season tickets to the Colts. My dad and I parked about 10 blocks from the Hoosier Dome. We never really got to go to the city, so it was a sight to see to get to walk and see the sights before the game. IMO, I don't think many people will be bitching because they will have to get a little excercise. They will be too happy and excited about a new stadium. At least that is how I felt when I was a kid.

I work for a cement company, and guess what? For the last 2 years the stadium has been our biggest contract. I remember one morning when I was sitting there getting ready to pour along South street (the N. end of the stadium) and I was think what the city could do with that parking space. And all I could see was fans gathering in that area and having a party, not like tailgating, but something like they had at Pan Am Plaza. And then my mind started to wonder and I started to visualize what I said in the thread above. I thought it will be cool if the city could do something like that.

[aavmarine]

where would people tailgate then?

Victory field!! Or the Lilly parking down the street on Kentucky.

[CorrND]

where would people tailgate then?
I know tailgating is fun as hell but preserving parking lots for people to tailgate 8 days a year is not a good use of land. That's an unfortunate side-effect of having an urban football stadium. Have people tailgate at IUPUI and run shuttle buses down to the Luke. That's the kind of thing Notre Dame is doing these days.

I don't think they'd do anything too permanent. That site is slated for future convention center expansion.
Yeah, I realize that. Just thought the idea was pretty damn cool anyway.

I thought the expansion of the CC was only going to the RR tracks.
We're talking long-term future expansion, not the currently planned expansion. I like your idea, but that land is just about the only place they can expand the CC in the future.

[aavmarine]

I didn't know that the city had future plans for the parking space on that side of the RR tracks. What are they going to do with the tracks, have them go through the CC?

[moochie]

I didn't know that the city had future plans for the parking space on that side of the RR tracks. What are they going to do with the tracks, have them go through the CC?

Yes. Not a bad thing to have a light rail people mover type thingy pick conventioneers up from the airport and drop them off at Convention center or Union Station eh? The tracks are elevated, so likely the convention center will go under the tracks.

[Unionstation13]

that parking lot will probably be filled with another CC expansion, and hopefully it has a grand enterance too!
A lightrail between the airport and unionstation would do wonders and reduce traffic during conventions! Somedays I wonder what Indianapolis would be like if the Indianapolis forumers ruled it, of course we would probably kill eachother though. =/

[ablerock]

Somedays I wonder what Indianapolis would be like if the Indianapolis forumers ruled it, of course we would probably kill eachother though. =/

LOL! That would be awesome, but yes, we would slaughter each other in the end. :-)

[hoosier]

There is an article in today's IndyStar about how the costs of LOS are increasing. The expected price tag for the stadium is now between $695-$719million.

And the additional cost of building a parking garage to provide the Colts with the minimun number of parking spaces hasn't been factored into the estimate.

This project will end up coming in around $750 million.

[moochie]

We're talking long-term future expansion, not the currently planned expansion. I like your idea, but that land is just about the only place they can expand the CC in the future.

Come to think of it, there is Pan Am Plaza..

[CorrND]

Come to think of it, there is Pan Am Plaza..
That's true, but I'm positive you'll agree they should use the "dead" land south of the tracks beore they use Pan Am Plaza. Pan Am Plaza should hopefully have some mixed-use dev that matches with the kind of development that's been done in the Wholesale District.

I actually got into an argument with a guy on the Indy Star message board who thought the RCA Dome should have been saved and the CC should have been expanded onto Pan Am Plaza, rather than the plan they're currently working on. That would have been pretty damn far from ideal and that difference is all it takes for a convention center design to be very good or merely workable.

Given the current expansion plans, future expansion onto Pan Am Plaza makes a lot more sense than it did before. The Moscone Center in San Francisco goes under a street and it works ok. But it's still not ideal.

[moochie]

That's true, but I'm positive you'll agree they should use the "dead" land south of the tracks beore they use Pan Am Plaza. Pan Am Plaza should hopefully have some mixed-use dev that matches with the kind of development that's been done in the Wholesale District.

Oh, I agree totally. It hadn't ever occurred to me though, I wonder if future convention center expansion played any role in the CC hotel pick? I mean, perhaps they were thinking of using the entire Pan Am site as a CC expansion with a hotel on top someday, and decided to play it safe and choose the other site for now. Maybe they'll do a public/private dealy someday.

[cityfan]

I'd find it pretty humorous if in 50 years, 70% of the Mile Square is covered by the convention center, since expanding
up obviously isn't part of the plan.

[NaptownBoy]

I am going to post convention center expansion news in this thread because of its relevance to LOS.

Here's a link to the Convention Center expansion/RCA Dome demolition video (http://wthr.com/global/video/popup/pop_player.asp?ClipID1=1542019&h1=Convention%20Center%20expansion&vt1=v&at1=News&d1=151867&LaunchPageAdTag=News&activePane=info&playerVersion=1&hostPageUrl=http%3A//wthr.com/Global/category.asp%3FC%3D23903%26nav%3Dmenu188_2&rnd=56581548) by WTHR

[hoosier]

So the temporary supports for the eastern truss are coming down. Anyone know what part(s) of the stadium the crew is (are) working on now?

[aavmarine]

So the temporary supports for the eastern truss are coming down. Anyone know what part(s) of the stadium the crew is (are) working on now?

As our company has part of the cement contract (almost is over), I know that some of the crews are putting in smaller steps between the regular steps on the aisles. Plus, for the last couple of weeks we have only been working in the bowl and the entrance is on the south side, and I have not been on the north side in awhile, please tell me that is a different color metal they are using on the press box and not new metal that is not already rusted? If it is a different color, then why are they using it, instead of the regular black metal?

Two cool links: http://iccrd.com/stdm/index.aspx
http://www.in.gov/iscba/media/webcam.html/

[aavmarine]

Went to the stadium yesterday to pour two loads out of 10 loads. We pulled up to the pump truck and unloaded. From there, they would pump it up all the way to the top to the press box. I'm thinking they were putting in the floor. It took 90 cubic yds. I found out that the steel (that is red) is really rusted (at least that is what one of the guys said), but that they are going to put a protective coating all over them. Also, they have flattened out the south side of the stadium. It looks like they are getting ready to start on the parking lot.

[hoosier]

Went to the stadium yesterday to pour two loads out of 10 loads. We pulled up to the pump truck and unloaded. From there, they would pump it up all the way to the top to the press box. I'm thinking they were putting in the floor. It took 90 cubic yds. I found out that the steel (that is red) is really rusted (at least that is what one of the guys said), but that they are going to put a protective coating all over them. Also, they have flattened out the south side of the stadium. It looks like they are getting ready to start on the parking lot.

Thank you for the update. Bad news about the rusted steel. Will that weaken the roof structure? Good news about starting the parking lot.

[aavmarine]

No, that wouldn't weaken the roof. I don't know if I believe that guy that told me that. I hope we are not spending $700 million on rusted steel. When I think about it, I think that the steel has already been sprayed with the protective coating, and it just so happens to be the color red.

[moochie]

No, that wouldn't weaken the roof. I don't know if I believe that guy that told me that. I hope we are not spending $700 million on rusted steel. When I think about it, I think that the steel has already been sprayed with the protective coating, and it just so happens to be the color red.

Are you sure it's not just cor-ten steel?

[hoosier]

From the webcam the contruction crew looks to be doing some landscaping work at the north entrance. They have flattened the dirt and cleaned up the area a bit.

[moochie]

From the webcam the contruction crew looks to be doing some landscaping work at the north entrance. They have flattened the dirt and cleaned up the area a bit.

I'm guessing they're prepping the site for temporary storage of materials for the front and crane type activity. That facade and windows will be pretty huge. It's a bit early for landscaping.

[aavmarine]

Are you sure it's not just cor-ten steel?

Never heard of it, but I guess it could be that. I just asked the guy at the pump and that is what he told me. I do know being that close to it is pretty awesome. You couldn't imagine how big it really is until you are right up by the doors. It looks like they will have patios on the 2nd or 3rd floor that people can go out and overlook the sides. When I was at the pump, some of the construction workers were hanging out on it.

[NaptownBoy]

http://oxblue.com/archive/8252a53cdf135347c0dd1d16228b6ff2/1024x768.jpg

[hoosier]

Looks like the concrete bowl is finally done. Does anyone know what those steel structures are by the north entrance along South Street?

[Unionstation13]

wow, its coming along so fast! :O

[Goose]

I was by the LOS this afternoon and I cannot believe how massive this stadium really is compared to the RCA dome,It literally takes over the whole skyline from I70 from the south,I just hope some new buildings can come later and fill in some gaps in the skyline,but what an addition to dt this will be.

[aavmarine]

Looks like the concrete bowl is finally done. Does anyone know what those steel structures are by the north entrance along South Street?

Those are to support the steel trussels for the roof or they might be used for the steel in the window. They put them together on the ground, then raise them up.

[hoosier]

Those are to support the steel trussels for the roof or they might be used for the steel in the window. They put them together on the ground, then raise them up.

OK thanks. Do you know when work will begin on the retractable window?

[kcmetro]

When's the completion date? Next summer?

[moochie]

When's the completion date? Next summer?

The exterior work and roof is supposed to be finished this fall, with the grand opening in spring or early summer 2008.. I think..

[CorrND]

It's possible the Luke will be completed earlier, but the Drum Corp International 2008 Championship is scheduled to be the first event:

"With the 2008 Drum Corps International World Championships currently scheduled as the first event to be held in the new Lucas Oil Stadium, we will be integrally involved with the creation of the standards for acoustics in the facility."

The championship is scheduled for August 5 - 9, 2008. They also have a back-up location of Memorial Stadium at IU if the stadium isn't completed. I don't understand why they wouldn't just use the RCA Dome as the backup. It's not scheduled for demolition until the Luke is finished, right? At the very least, I'm sure the Colts need it as their back-up.

[hoosier]

It's possible the Luke will be completed earlier, but the Drum Corp International 2008 Championship is scheduled to be the first event:

"With the 2008 Drum Corps International World Championships currently scheduled as the first event to be held in the new Lucas Oil Stadium, we will be integrally involved with the creation of the standards for acoustics in the facility."

The championship is scheduled for August 5 - 9, 2008. They also have a back-up location of Memorial Stadium at IU if the stadium isn't completed. I don't understand why they wouldn't just use the RCA Dome as the backup. It's not scheduled for demolition until the Luke is finished, right? At the very least, I'm sure the Colts need it as their back-up.

I believe the plan is tear down the Dome as early as April of 2008 to start contruction on the Convention Center as soon as possible.

By August, the Dome will be in several MILLION pieces.:lol:

[aavmarine]

OK thanks. Do you know when work will begin on the retractable window?

By the end of the summer they will start on the retractable glass window. In October they will start on the retractable roof. Here is the link:

http://www.in.gov/iscba/media/webcam.html/

[NaptownBoy]

I believe the plan is tear down the Dome as early as April of 2008 to start contruction on the Convention Center as soon as possible.

By August, the Dome will be in several MILLION pieces.:lol:
And I'm going to try and grab one as a souvenir. I was successful in grabbing a chunk of concrete from MSA six years ago. :)

What I want to know is how the building will be brought down. There are rumors that a implosion/wrecking ball combination will be used.

[Paintrain]

how could they implode it with the icc being right next to it

[Unionstation13]

how could they implode it with the icc being right next to it

yah, then theres also pam am plaza, st.johns cathedral,
people would be pissed if a shot of concrete busted the rose window.:nuts:

[IndiexInxIndy]

Im SUCH an idiot! When you said ICC i thought it was ice... Like the ice in the ice-rink right across the street! Damn, that was dumb. :bash:

[hoosier]

And I'm going to try and grab one as a souvenir. I was successful in grabbing a chunk of concrete from MSA six years ago. :)

What I want to know is how the building will be brought down. There are rumors that a implosion/wrecking ball combination will be used.

I don't believe a final decision has been made concerning how to demolish the dome.

The most logical way would be to take down the roof first and proceed to dismantle the seating bowl section by section with strategic use of a wrecking ball where appropriate.

[hoosier]

While I am sure that progress is being made on the stadium, it is frustrating not to be able to view it on the webcam.

[IndiexInxIndy]

That pisses me off too!

[moochie]

The first roof truss is done!

[aavmarine]

While I am sure that progress is being made on the stadium, it is frustrating not to be able to view it on the webcam.

Here are two links for you of the stadium:

This is a 15 min update and behind the scenes of the stadium

http://www.in.gov/iscba/media/webcam.html/

This is a live webcam of the stadium

http://iccrd.com/stdm/index.aspx

Hope this is what you are looking for. Both of them are pretty cool. The first one you can go back to the very beginning and go thru each time, day, or month. Plus, it had construction updates, aerial photos, and pics of the inside.

[aavmarine]

That pisses me off too!

Check out the two links I put above. Hope this helps.

[hoosier]

Thank you aavmarine but what I was trying to communicate was the fact that I could not view the present construction progress on the webcam, as it it appeared that the northern section of the stadium was not a focal point. That changed with the construction of the first roof truss.

I have the url for the oxblue LOS webcam and have been able to enjoy the stadium rising.

[moochie]

Never heard of it, but I guess it could be that. I just asked the guy at the pump and that is what he told me. I do know being that close to it is pretty awesome. You couldn't imagine how big it really is until you are right up by the doors. It looks like they will have patios on the 2nd or 3rd floor that people can go out and overlook the sides. When I was at the pump, some of the construction workers were hanging out on it.

Cor-ten steel is weathering steel. The surface rusts to a certain point, has a deep reddish color, and if there's proper drainage it won't rust any more ever. It's used most commonly in sculpture and for shipping containers. You see a lot of it on train cars.

Here's the wiki:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cor-ten

[arenn]

I love Cor-Ten steel as a building material. It's also used for bridge beams, and I think it is possibly the most attractive material out there for simple bridge spans.

[aavmarine]

Went downtown to the zoo today. I really wish they can expand it by like 200 acres. Anyways, my little girl and I stopped by the LOS and took a couple pics. I don't know if I like the stadium that close to South street. It just looks out of place. I mean it is the front of what will be one of the best stadiums in the world, and there is hardly no room. The NW corner only seems to be about 20 ft from the street, and from the renderings it seems like they can put a circus in there. Has anyone heard if they might close that section down between Capital and Missouri, and have the traffic re-directed around the Luke? That would give a whole lot more room to play around with.

P.S. I would put the pics on this post, but I don't know how too. Can anyone please help me? Talk slow if you know what I mean.

[moochie]

Has anyone heard if they might close that section down between Capital and Missouri, and have the traffic re-directed around the Luke? That would give a whole lot more room to play around with.

P.S. I would put the pics on this post, but I don't know how too. Can anyone please help me? Talk slow if you know what I mean.

I can't imagine that they'll close any section of South street, especially if/when the transportation hub is built. That area will host an extreme amount of traffic daily.

I don't have a problem with it being so close to South street. The best stadiums I've seen personally have a lot of foot and traffic access right up close to them. What's the advantage of removing that?

As for posting pics, it's pretty easy. If you don't have a web site you can upload the pics to, sign up (for free) to http://photobucket.com/ and upload them there. Once your pics are uploaded, simply click on the [img] address and the full tag will copied to your clipboard. Then just paste it into your post and you're done.

[aavmarine]

Lets see if this is it.

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n260/ccvwalker/Picture178.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n260/ccvwalker/Picture173.jpg

[aavmarine]

I know there won't be this much room in the front. But, it will still be an awesome place.

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n260/ccvwalker/north_plaza_aerial_large.jpg

[Unionstation13]

it looks as if the LOS on the roof has been removed from the renderings.

[aavmarine]

Actually, I don't see it on any of the renderings. The only time I saw it was in the 3-D video.

http://www.in.gov/iscba/media/renderings.html

[hoosier]

I sure hope the city fixes up South Street after the stadium opens, because it is in a state of disrepair. Crumbling pavement and weathered lane markings.

[CorrND]

From an urban planning aspect, I'm sure most of us aren't happy with the angular orientation of the stadium. But given that they did -- and I'm sure the views from inside will be great -- I'm ok with the way it's working out. If the area at the corner is even smaller, I think that actually helps with pulling it into the urbam fabric. The corner is still going to be great for crowd gathering as people move from the city into the stadium on game day.

[cityfan]

I sure hope the city fixes up South Street after the stadium opens, because it is in a state of disrepair. Crumbling pavement and weathered lane markings.

South Street's sidewalks are absolute crap, and way too narrow to handle the amount of pedestrian traffic the Luke will bring to that area. I hope they plan on widening/repaving them.

[aavmarine]

I think within the next year or maybe in so many months they are going to start to do something with each corner around LOS. This morning I saw again (on the corner of South and Missouri) for about the tenth time people out there taken measurments of the streets or corners. I think they might bring theses streets up to date.

[hoosier]

I think within the next year or maybe in so many months they are going to start to do something with each corner around LOS. This morning I saw again (on the corner of South and Missouri) for about the tenth time people out there taken measurments of the streets or corners. I think they might bring theses streets up to date.

I sure hope so. That street needs a new coat of pavement and new sidewalks.

[moochie]

it looks as if the LOS on the roof has been removed from the renderings.

It's an old render. Originally the roof was going to be white fabric similar to the RCA dome, but it didn't stand up to wind tests. The roof will thankfully be thin steel now. I'd like to think that it'll be cor-ten, and be a cool deep red rust color, but I don't know. Anyone know?

[Unionstation13]

It's an old render. Originally the roof was going to be white fabric similar to the RCA dome, but it didn't stand up to wind tests. The roof will thankfully be thin steel now. I'd like to think that it'll be cor-ten, and be a cool deep red rust color, but I don't know. Anyone know?

sweet, the LOS is going to look like a railroad gritty building.
As far as LOS labeling, I mean, its labeled enough, but on the roof will just look tacky!

[cityfan]

After really soaking in the progress on the project and getting a feel for how it will actually look, I've come to think that this will definately be one of the most unique stadiums in the country, if not THE most unique.

[moochie]

Lets see if this is it.

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n260/ccvwalker/Picture178.jpg



Wait a tic... How are they going to get those cranes out of the stadium now?

[hoosier]

Wait a tic... How are they going to get those cranes out of the stadium now?

They will disassemble them on site and take them out piece by piece I suppose.

[IndyYeah]

After really soaking in the progress on the project and getting a feel for how it will actually look, I've come to think that this will definately be one of the most unique stadiums in the country, if not THE most unique.

It will be quite unique. Different, not like Chicago's spaceship! Something done right in Indy and that is good. The whole skyline is going to be much different in 3 years.:banana:

[arenn]

"Spaceship" is right. The first time I drove past the new Soldier Field, I thought one of those huge flying saucers from the old "V" TV mini-series had landed on top of the stadium.

[kcmetro]

Has this photo been posted here yet? It was taken by Grid from KC. Just saw it today.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t267/kcmetro1/1-21.jpg

[haldcottingham]

I love Bill Cobb's photos! There's also a ton of cranes in that shot!

[IndyYeah]

"Spaceship" is right. The first time I drove past the new Soldier Field, I thought one of those huge flying saucers from the old "V" TV mini-series had landed on top of the stadium.

Yeah, alot of moaning was done about that stadium, and what it overtook, as in hiding the real Soldier Field. Now, it is just a stadium, nothing really said, because the ammenities are real good. Bathrooms and such. Sox Park took a grid for years, they redid it, happiness. Wrigley is the jewel, that Sox people cut down because the troughs to do it in, but all in all, hey they are all places for games. Indy's will be great, the supersonic ones are in Asia, and Melbourne and such. Indy's airport terminal is what some of those Asian fields are looking like. I will take Lucas Oil for a football field.:cheers:

[hoosier]

That photo by KCGridlock is four months old.

[Unionstation13]

I think it would be cool, if those old brick industrial buildings could be turned into condos, while retaining the gritty warehouse look.
that would be pretty cool.

[aavmarine]

Is the Bean Company moving out of that area? I hope so. I drove by that building the other day and it just looks "disgusting". If they are not, then I really just don't understanding these people. I'm sure some people will think that it will be great exposure when the Luke is done, but come on. If it is historical or not at least take care of it. I mean, vines growing on the side of the building, rusted trailers in the lot, broken up cement around the building and sidewalks, old ass roof. I am hoping that they got a good deal from the city. Something like, we will buy that land and building for $3 million and build you a newer, up-to-date, close by the highway for free. Total cost: $4 million. Not bad for $25 a car, times (lets say 600 parking spaces), 10 games a year, for 30 years. They just made an extra $500,000. On the other hand, I also heard that within the next 1-2 years the city is going to be doing some major renovations on the west side of West St (Land around the two new hotels). I don't know if the city is going to buy out the companies, or force them out, but that will soon be a family freindly area. IMO, I hope they do do something with that area. Even looking at the aerial photos, you can see that the buildings are falling apart in that area, and driving by it is even worst.

[Paintrain]

no there not moving

[aavmarine]

no there not moving

Then the city should fine (every day) them for not keeping up to standards. I'm sure some inspectors can go in there and rally up some problems. You would think they would move for the future of the city.