Cardinals Stadium Question About Roof (1 Viewer)

[Joe Bryant]

Hey Guys,

I know I have it somewhere but I'm lazy and have learned to rely on you guys too much while I work on other things.

What's the scoop with the roof on the Cardinals new stadium?

I know it has all the natural light but it doesn't retract does it?

Or to the bigger point, when we're writing about weather in the matchups, can I always say "Inside Cardinals Stadium, there will be no weather-related issues."?

Thanks.

J

 

[JuniorNB]

My understanding is that it's an indoor stadium with natural grass.

The roof does not retract, but the entire floor does. When not in use, the entire grassy playing surface slides outside for rain, sunlight, ect.

It takes 65 minutes for the entire field to slide inside the stadium on tracks.

 

[reg]

http://www.azcardinals.com/stadium/detail.php?PRKey=973

In addition to the retractable element, another unique aspect of the roof design is the translucent fabric called Birdair, which covers the majority of the roof. The material allows the natural sunlight to penetrate through the fabric, still giving an open, airy feeling even while the roof is closed.

Cardinals Stadium will not only feature a retractable roof but will also be the first in the United States to feature a fully retractable grass playing surface. (Click here to watch a time lapse of the field tray moving inside Cardinals Stadium) In addition to hosting Cardinals games, the stadium will host Super Bowl XLII in February of 2008. It will also be the annual site of the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl and will host the first-ever BCS National Championship Game in January of 2007. The stadium will have a seating capacity of 63,000 with the ability to expand to 73,000 for mega-events.

 

[derek19]

My understanding is that it's an indoor stadium with natural grass.The roof does not retract, but the entire floor does. When not in use, the entire grassy playing surface slides outside for rain, sunlight, ect.It takes 65 minutes for the entire field to slide inside the stadium on tracks.

Thats what I heard also...

 

[ooofffaaa]

My understanding is that it's an indoor stadium with natural grass.The roof does not retract, but the entire floor does. When not in use, the entire grassy playing surface slides outside for rain, sunlight, ect.It takes 65 minutes for the entire field to slide inside the stadium on tracks.

This is correct.

 

[Despyzer]

It's the first retractable roof that is curved to match the rest of the roof.

 

[azgroover]

The roof does open.

 

[Jackal King]

Reg has the correct answer.

To steal a Cowboy line...the roof opens because even God is a Cardinal fan.

$8 for a coke. We're going to pay for this sucker fast.

 

[#@%&$!?]

http://www.azcardinals.com/stadium/detail.php?PRKey=973

In addition to the retractable element, another unique aspect of the roof design is the translucent fabric called Birdair, which covers the majority of the roof. The material allows the natural sunlight to penetrate through the fabric, still giving an open, airy feeling even while the roof is closed.

Cardinals Stadium will not only feature a retractable roof but will also be the first in the United States to feature a fully retractable grass playing surface. (Click here to watch a time lapse of the field tray moving inside Cardinals Stadium) In addition to hosting Cardinals games, the stadium will host Super Bowl XLII in February of 2008. It will also be the annual site of the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl and will host the first-ever BCS National Championship Game in January of 2007. The stadium will have a seating capacity of 63,000 with the ability to expand to 73,000 for mega-events.

I also heard that it has an indoor tailgating area, but don't see anything about it on the official site.

 

[painkiller]

My understanding is that it's an indoor stadium with natural grass.The roof does not retract, but the entire floor does. When not in use, the entire grassy playing surface slides outside for rain, sunlight, ect.It takes 65 minutes for the entire field to slide inside the stadium on tracks.

Thats what I heard also...

I saw a documentary about it (History Channel???). I think it was on "Modern Marvels". Very cool stadium.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Thanks Guys.

Has it been talked about as to whether the team will always close the roof when it's hot? Don't the Texans sometimes leave their roof open to gain a little bit of "home field" advantage when it's hot as their guys are more used to it?

I guess the question is will weather ever be a factor for Arizona?

Thanks.

J

 

[reg]

Thanks Guys.

Has it been talked about as to whether the team will always close the roof when it's hot? Don't the Texans sometimes leave their roof open to gain a little bit of "home field" advantage when it's hot as their guys are more used to it?

I guess the question is will weather ever be a factor for Arizona?

Thanks.

J

http://www.azcardinals.com/stadium/stadium_location.php

Retractable Roof

· The roof at Cardinals Stadium is comprised of two 180-feet long by 240-feet wide retractable panels that will remain closed to allow for air conditioning during the hot summer months and then open during the cooler months to take advantage of the Valley's abundant sunshine. The fabric roof will allow light to fill the stadium and provide an open, airy feel even when the roof panels are closed. The roof system is designed to close in approximately 12 minutes.

Retractable Roof Movement

· Both the Arizona Cardinals and the NFL want to ensure that all fans visiting Cardinals Stadium are able to enjoy the game in comfort. The two main factors in determining the position of the roof are heat and chance of precipitation. The Cardinals are required to follow all NFL policies in effect for retractable roof stadiums. In accordance with NFL policy, the roof can only be closed during the game if rain or other hazardous weather conditions develop or are anticipated. The only exception is that the roof will not be closed for rain in the last five minutes of the fourth quarter, or prior to or during any overtime period. If the roof is closed at the start of the game or during the game, in accordance with NFL rules, it cannot be opened.

 

[GECKO]

The Sporting News had a short but informative article on the stadium a few weeks ago.

 

[Houston turmOiler]

Thanks Guys.Has it been talked about as to whether the team will always close the roof when it's hot? Don't the Texans sometimes leave their roof open to gain a little bit of "home field" advantage when it's hot as their guys are more used to it?I guess the question is will weather ever be a factor for Arizona?Thanks.J

I don't think the Texans will try this anymore after the debacle against Pittsburgh last year...still got the crap kicked out of us and aggravated almost all the fans b/c it was somewhere around triple digits inside...

 

[redman]

The competitive advantage will come when they retract the field when the other team is running their offense.

 

[StuntMonkee]

I think only one or 2 people said it above, followed by the opposite answers below those, but here it very clear.

The roof DOES OPEN.

The field DOES move out. Infact during the games, when the field is in the stadium, the empty area where the field would be if it was out is used as the players parking (at least I saw several Escalades there)

There is NOT an indoor tailgating area though.

There IS an 8 acre grass field designated just for tailgating.

rumor has it that they DON'T plan on opening the field till October, but seeing as how this is only a PARTIALY open roof, I don't see weather ever being a factor. . .ever. . .infact last game I made a joke about the fact that they still had the wind flags on top of the goal post. . .whats that all about anyway?

No, I dont think they will ever use a Home Field Advantage in the heat, most of the fans would be irritated if they did that, and I would bet that the cost to cool that stadium after letting it get to 100 deg is more valuable than swaying the favor to home team slightly.

Anyway, I live just 4 miles south of the stadium, and have 17 season tickets. . .not that I know it all, but I have been paying close attention.

 

[Sputnikv8]

The competitive advantage will come when they retract the field when the other team is running their offense.

Knowing the Cardinals, they'd retract it when the opposition goes the other way...making the opposing guys all the faster.

 

[BoltzNBrew]

I guess Joe was too busy getting the Week 1 cheetsheets ready and missed the Neil Rackers tour of the new AZ stadium.

 

[SammyJankis]

I think only one or 2 people said it above, followed by the opposite answers below those, but here it very clear.The roof DOES OPEN.The field DOES move out. Infact during the games, when the field is in the stadium, the empty area where the field would be if it was out is used as the players parking (at least I saw several Escalades there)There is NOT an indoor tailgating area though.There IS an 8 acre grass field designated just for tailgating.rumor has it that they DON'T plan on opening the field till October, but seeing as how this is only a PARTIALY open roof, I don't see weather ever being a factor. . .ever. . .infact last game I made a joke about the fact that they still had the wind flags on top of the goal post. . .whats that all about anyway?No, I dont think they will ever use a Home Field Advantage in the heat, most of the fans would be irritated if they did that, and I would bet that the cost to cool that stadium after letting it get to 100 deg is more valuable than swaying the favor to home team slightly.Anyway, I live just 4 miles south of the stadium, and have 17 season tickets. . .not that I know it all, but I have been paying close attention.

About to reply, but I think he more or less said it all.In Sun Devil Stadium, the Cards were not only last in attendance, but were number #32 with a bullet. Almost anyone I've talked to stated the heat as the main reason they stayed away early and the fact that all hope had been lost as a reason for staying away late. So I would be highly skeptical that they would ever open the roof early for fear of driving folks away.The 8 acre field for tailgating should be sweet! Traffic to/from the game was terrible for the first preseason game, so we're going to go early and tailgate on the lawn. I haven't been to either preseason game, so am looking forward to seeing the stadium.

 

[Despyzer]

There is NOT an indoor tailgating area though.

What do they call that Budweiser thing behind the end zone? I heard they were going to open it up well before game time for people to partake in refreshments.Sorry, got a little off-track.

 

[#@%&$!?]

There is NOT an indoor tailgating area though.

What do they call that Budweiser thing behind the end zone? I heard they were going to open it up well before game time for people to partake in refreshments.Sorry, got a little off-track.

I think this is what my buddy was describing. not sure if its a grilling area or just a drunk pen?

 

[Dr. Pepper]

i swear i read on the cardinals web site that the end was indeed an indoor tailgate area..

 

[BoltzNBrew]

Link

Retractable Roof and Moveable Wall

Two 800' long trusses will support the stadium roof, which will have a retractable portion at the end where the roll-out field enters and exits the facility. A moveable wall at the same end of the facility will drop at the same time that the roof retracts, thereby creating a three-dimensional opening, much like an observatory.

Roll Out Field

The stadium's natural grass field will roll out of the facility where it will reside most the year and get its nourishment and maintenance and grooming.

This field tray will be 234 feet wide by 400 feet long, and will weigh some 12 million pounds.

Inside, embedded in the concrete stadium floor will be a utility grid that will allow the multipurpose facility to easily accommodate a variety of trades shows and conventions, consumer shows, motor sporting events, and concerts.

See also Wikipedia

 

[Billy Bats]

i swear i read on the cardinals web site that the end was indeed an indoor tailgate area..

Yea there is, seen a segment on NFL Network last night. Rackers took ya on a tour, and they mentioned that the indoor tailgating section behind one endzone will be open to the public 4 hours before gametime.

 

[prosopis]

I just got 2 tickets to the KC game at AZ stadium

 

[kutta]

It's all pretty much been said. I have heard that they will only open the roof during nice weather days. Mike Bidwell was asked on local radio if they would ever pull a "Curt Schilling" and open or close the roof because the players liked it better. He specifically said that the roof would remain shut unless the weather was very nice. So Joe, it is probably safe to say that weather will not be a factor most of the time, but I don't think you can make a blanket statement that it will never be a problem.

As far as traffic, the first preseason game was pretty bad, but we got there a couple hours early and were fine. There were several people who missed the first part of the game because of traffic. The second one was MUCH better, and it looks like they have worked out the kinks. I'm still planning to go early to the games though to make sure I get in enough

 

[kylechoffman]

Watch extreme engineering on Discovery HD for a show dedicated to the building of the stadium. Should answer all questions.