Image of Baltimore Ravens’ M&T Bank Stadium, one of several destined for renovations now through 2026.

 

By MIKE RAGOGNA

Are you ready for Super Bowl 58? Are you one of the lucky ticket holders who will be thunderously cheering for your football team in Paradise, Nevada’s Allegiant Stadium on February 11th?

And aren’t you at least a little curious about the formidable structure that will be accommodating you along with this year’s gridiron gladiators?

Home of the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders (and the UNLV Rebels), this domed structure sits on 62 acres, can hold an audience of 65,000 to 72,000 fans and boasts a 27,600-square-foot media screen. One of its unique features is its 85-foot-tall, 3D-printed torch honoring the late Al Davis, the Raider’s previous owner, located in the northern end zone.

Now that your interest in all things “stadium” has been piqued, let’s look at some projects currently under construction.

Buffalo Bills fans may have had their Super Bowl dreams dashed by the Kansas City Chiefs, but perhaps a sweet consolation prize will be their new Highmark Stadium. Nicknamed “The Pit” – for the fan superstition that jumping into or “feeding the pit” brings Bills wins – this Orchard Park, N.Y. facility began work June 5, 2023 with a 2026 completion goal. Its capacity will shrink from more than 70,000 to 62,000 seats with a projected cost of about $1.4 billion to $1.7 billion. In an unusual approach, the arena will feature a standing area for 5,000 fans that will accommodate a crowd expansion of up to 68,000.

Nashville will also be upgrading its football facility with Nissan Stadium moving to the east bank of the Cumberland River, a bit back from the waterway. The new Nissan Stadium will sprawl across 1.8 million square feet and construction is set to begin after the current 2023 season ends with the Super Bowl. Following what seems to be a national trend that accommodates comfort and site line considerations, the Nashville arena will dip in capacity from its current 69,000 seats to 62,000. Its features will include a translucent dome and artificial turf plus improved viewing for all attendees.

Down in Florida, the Jacksonville Jaguars are in the planning and negotiating stages for a $1.4 billion to $2 billion renovation of its EverBank Stadium. The “Stadium of the Future” is hoping to have a 360-degree concourse, accommodate 62,000 attendees (potentially expandable to 72,000) and have a translucent covering. Though construction is tentatively scheduled for a 2025 start, approval processes and funding currently appear to be a bit cloudy.

More certain of its future construction, the Baltimore Ravens’ M&T Bank Stadium has planned renovations and expansions to physical structures with construction work taking place in 2024 through 2026. For example, its North Plaza (Grand Entrance) will be enhanced by what is described as “two large structures” with the west construct accommodating open-air tailgating and concerts, three levels of viewing plus a main stage. The east structure will have a 7,000-square-foot retail zone as well as a hospitality space presenting Ravens history.

The Tampa Bay Rays are negotiating for a $1.3 billion, new Tropicana Field stadium with construction at the area’s famous Gas Plant site. St. Petersburg is in the mix, proposing $6.5 billion in development for stadium construction that will include housing, retail stores and restaurants. It also will spotlight a black history museum.

Regarding baseball stadiums, not receiving much attention outside of Wisconsin was Gov. Tony Evers’ home plate signage in early December of a $500 million earmark toward renovating and improving the 22-year-old American Family Field (previously Miller Park) in Milwaukee, home to the Brewers. Famous for its fan-shaped retractable roof, there were incidents over the years involving the structure’s pivot system, so the stadium is not a stranger to necessary renovation. The need for structural repairs due to the complex’s age as well as mechanical replacements and upgrades will finally receive official attention.

Kaufman Stadium (The “K”), home of the Kansas City Royals, has been described as “crumbling,” though the question for Missouri taxpayers is whether to fund a new stadium or renovate the current one. Its structural soundness is in question. A report in 2022 by Populous, a favored design firm used by MLB, recommends a new stadium since The K has “severe structural issues.” According to the report, steel corrosion and water damage mainly caused by a material degradation known as alkali-silica reaction seemingly making the case for a new sports arena.

With a recent focus on infrastructure across the board – as well as a need to increase profits to support skyrocketing construction and operational expenses – there will be many new or revitalized stadiums replacing old school structures.

Because of these modernizations, a sports fan’s experience will be enhanced significantly, especially through viewing, safety, convenience and immeasurable joy. Well, except for those $35 hot dogs…