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Falcons reach construction milestone on Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Falcons reach construction milestone on Mercedes-Benz Stadium

The Atlanta Falcons NFL American football franchise has moved a step closer to completing the construction of its new Mercedes-Benz Stadium after one of the final steel beams for the fixed portion of the roof was lifted into position.
 
Boasting a standard capacity of 71,000 seats, and the ability to expand to 83,000 for basketball and similar events, the new facility will cost approximately $1.5bn (€1.4bn) to complete. The under-construction facility was initially due to open in March 2017, but this was put back to June 2017, before more recently being given a looser target of summer next year.
 
The milestone beam, which was put in place in front of members of the media this week, forms part of the new stadium’s signature retractable roof feature. Consisting of eight panels, each to be installed in four pieces, the roof will be able to open and close in just seven to eight minutes.
 
Mike Egan, senior vice-president of AMB Group, parent company of the Falcons, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: “It has been a long time coming, but we’re glad we’re there. We’re excited about the progress.
 
Bob Evans, project superintendent for general contractor Holder Hunt Russell Moody, added: “We’re working day and night and Saturdays and Sundays. This is one unique structure, one of a kind, not something you do every day.”
 

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