Today’s stadiums are mega complexes with not only fan seating, but also with restaurants, shops, lounges and VIP clubs.  And, fans can enjoy these many amenities along with private suites on the stadium’s concourse level or sometimes right in the front row, allowing close proximity to all the action.  In order to support the tens of thousands of fans who converge on these major venues for games, concerts or special events, concrete is a construction must. This powerful material not only provides superior strength and better fire resistance, but it also offers maximum durability, enabling it to stand up to nature’s elements and the millions of fans over time.  Besides being used for a stadium’s foundation, it is also instrumental throughout, comprising wall panels, columns, stairs and more. And, concrete is key in the construction of the very important parking garages often adjacent to stadiums.  

Northern Illinois Concrete Contractors have been actively involved in the construction of many of the Chicago area’s sports facilities.  Below are just two examples of their excellent work:  

Major Arena Expands Downtown Offerings

Over 2.7 million people live in the city of Chicago with many more trekking to it every day for work and/or recreational activities.  It is also a key destination for business travelers as well as tourists. In 2018, the city set a new tourism record with almost 58 million visitors.  With this number of visitors and residents, it only made sense that the city expanded its recreational offerings with a new multi-purpose arena.  This facility is conveniently located in the growing South Loop and near McCormick Place, the largest convention center in North America.  

A member of the Northern Illinois Concrete Contractors was key in the construction of this 300,000 square-foot arena housing 10,500 seats, 22 suites, club seating, team and support services, broadcast facilities and concessions.  This multi-use facility not only hosts basketball games, concerts and other special events, but by being adjacent to McCormick Place, it also is a convenient alternative for general conference sessions.  

The team from Concrete Structures was involved in the construction of this arena are proud to say that it was completed in a short 23 months and best of all, on budget.  

University Facility Benefits Students and Surrounding Communities

Today’s college campuses have huge centers that are used for a variety of purposes.  Not only are sporting events conducted at them, but also job fairs, commencement ceremonies, concerts, theatrical productions, and trade shows.  And, students as well as members of surrounding communities take advantage of all they have to offer.

A major state university west of Chicago grew its presence with a new 215,000 square-foot, 10,000 seat convocation center.  This facility provided a focus on the west campus and the university’s overall future development.  The $36 million multi-purpose facility is the single largest capital improvement project in this university’s history, once again, Concrete Structures,  a member of the Northern Illinois Concrete Contractors was instrumental to its success.  The center’s design included a thousand linear foot ring beam supporting the entire facility.  The concrete contractor not only produced the ring beam, but also completed all site concrete and concrete finishing along with slab on the metal deck.  This complex project was finished with a high level of precision and quality as well as on time. Since the center’s opening, it has fulfilled the area’s needs for large-scale event space.   

Looking for Quality Concrete Work?

Sports venues are complex structures that require the best builders, architects and contractors.  When it comes to laying these venues’ foundations and incorporating other key structural elements, the Northern Illinois Concrete Contractors are here to help.  Our top-rated member companies can ensure your concrete needs are not only completed with the utmost quality, but also on time and on budget.  Before you begin your next project, whether it be a stadium or some other type of commercial structure, check out our online directory of professional concrete contractors.  We offer the largest database of commercial concrete contractors in Illinois. You are sure to find the right one for your next project!