Brief History of the new Stadium
Mass excavation of the new University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. site, located just south of Glendale Avenue and Loop 101, began on July 30, 2003.
The overall excavation of 860,000 cubic yards of dirt will take the field level 26 feet below the present grade and will take approximately two months to complete. Once completed, the field will lie 39 feet below the main concourse level. The stadium is due to be completed by August 2006.
The stadium will be located just south of the Coyotes Arena.
Summary of Stadium Features
Design Elements
Although roll-out natural grass playing fields have been used successfully in venues across Europe and Asia, Glendale’s combination retractable roof and roll-out field will be the first of its kind in North America. In addition, the stadium is aligned along a slight northwest to southeast axis to offer the maximum sun exposure for the grass field and maximum shade for stadium patrons.
Retractable Roof
The facility has two large panels that will retract to uncover the entire playing field and has been designed to provide the right balance of sun on the field and shade in the seats. An open roof will allow fans to take advantage of Arizona’s world famous climate and clear blue skies, but when closed will allow the building to host large conventions, trade shows, concerts, as well as other indoor events.
Roll Out Field
The stadium’s natural grass field will roll out of the facility where it will reside most of the year and get its nourishment, maintenance, and grooming. The field tray will be 234 feet wide by 403 feet long, and take approximately 65 minutes to move into/out of the stadium. The 152,000 square-foot concrete stadium floor will have a utility grid embedded in it so as to easily accommodate various events.
Seating Options
The facility will have over 63,000 permanent seats and capacity can be expanded to 73,000 for events such as the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl and future Super Bowls. Seating options include:
Total of 88 luxury suites on two levels (seating for approx. 1,500 patrons)
- Club seating for 7,000 with access to private club lounge areas
- Lower bowl seating to accommodate 29,000 patrons
- Upper deck seating for approximately 26,000 patrons
- ALL SEATS will be individual chairs with arm rests and cup holders
Improved Amenities - for the comfort of patrons:
- All spaces will be air conditioned
- Sharp increases in the number of concession points and the number of toilets per person
- Large concourses and escalators will efficiently move patrons through the facility
Architecture
The exterior design of the stadium, provided by renowned architect Peter Eisenman, along with HOK Sport, will be very unique and will be a signature facility for Arizona. The basic form of the design takes its cue from barrel cactus and offers alternating vertical slots with smooth panels. In addition, light can penetrate the fabric roof allowing the stadium to have an open, airy feel even when the roof is closed.
