Cards Stadium Scores Top Honors

BusinessWeek magazine names the state-of-the-art structure one of the best sporting facilities in the world

The new University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., still under construction at Loop 101 at Glendale Avenue, was recently recognized as one of the Top 10 Sporting Structures in the World by BusinessWeek magazine. Even more impressive, the 63,000-seat stadium was the only U.S. building to receive the honor.

The stadium, which opens in August, was recognized for its retractable roof and retractable grass playing field. Here is the complete list of the world’s best:

• University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. – Glendale, Arizona
• Allianz Arena – Munich, Germany
• Werner March Stadium – Berlin, Germany
• National Stadium – Beijing, China
• National Swimming Center – Beijing, China
• Ski Dubai – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• Port Hawkesbury Arena – Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
• Palazzo a Vela – Turin, Italy
• New Wembley Stadium – London, England
• Al Khalifa Sports Complex – Doha, Qatar

More Architectural Recognition

The stadium has also been featured on the Discovery Channel’s Extreme Engineering program, which features some of the most ambitious architectural projects around the world. The facility kicked off the show’s new season with its first episode, “Super Stadium,” on Feb. 19 and offered an inside look at the retractable roof and roll-out field.

The show is slated to air again on Feb. 26 and March 4. Check listings to confirm these dates.

Construction Update

The stadium is entering its final stretch of construction and is on target for its fall completion. The retractable roof was closed recently and is scheduled for commissioning during June and July. The commissioning involves a series of openings and closings of the roof, with corresponding documentation, that will take place over the two-month period.

A signature element of the new stadium, the 2.2 million-pound roof can be opened in 12 minutes. The roof crawls at a snail-like pace of 1/4 mile per hour to ensure control and safety while moving the huge panels.

The Arizona Cardinals will play their first season in the new stadium this fall. Glendale will host the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl and the BCS National Championship in 2007, and Super Bowl XLII comes to town in 2008.