The Ravens and Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) have begun construction of Phase 2 of a $144-million investment in M&T Bank Stadium. Phase 1, which was completed in the 2017 offseason, included two new 200 ft.-wide and 36 ft.-high 4K ultra-high definition video boards in the end zones, replacing the existing boards, and installing the stadium’s second LED ribbon display above the club level.
Phase 2 will be completed by the start of the 2019 season. It includes two sets of escalators with access to the stadium’s upper level, and four new suites in the upper deck “corner notches.” Large 4K ultra-high definition video boards, measuring approximately 33 ft. wide and 44 ft. high, will also be installed atop each of the four suites, providing fans with additional in-game content, NFL highlights/scores, statistics, and fantasy information. Improvements will also include upgrades to the club level’s concession stands, bathrooms, and bar/lounge areas; upgrades to the stadium’s kitchen facilities, which include building an additional kitchen; and a new sound system.
The first set of escalators on the southeast side of stadium will be available mid-season 2018 and the second set on the northwest side of stadium will be ready for the start of 2019 season. “The Ravens are excited to be able to provide a faster and more convenient method for guests to access the upper levels of M&T Bank Stadium,” said Roy Sommerhof, senior vice president of stadium operations, in an email.
In addition, the corner suites on the west side of the stadium, adjacent to Russell St., will be built this offseason as will the corner video boards on top of the suites. The suites and videos boards on the east side of the stadium that faces Federal Hill/Sharp-Leadenhall will be completed before the start of the 2019 season.
“The addition of these new boards will enable the Ravens to provide guests with a myriad of information about the game in progress and other games throughout the League that we weren’t able to provide previously,” said Sommerhof.
The new two-story suites will bring the total at M&T Bank Stadium to 130. Sommerhof said last year that they will be about twice the size of the stadium’s existing suites. Suites at the stadium have been sold out in previous years and the Ravens are currently in the process of working on renewals for next season.
The new sound system will be ready in time for the 2018 season. Upgrades to the kitchen facilities and the the club level’s concession stands, bathrooms, and bar/lounge areas will be completed by 2019.
The improvements are being financed with $120 million in funding provided by the Baltimore Ravens and $24 million by MSA. The stadium is owned by MSA.
M&T Bank Stadium was recently named the top NFL stadium experience by Stadium Journey.
M&T Bank Stadium originally cost $220 million to build when it opened 20 seasons ago in 1998. Since then, the Ravens have spent approximately $100 million on past enhancements, including a $45 million-investment from 2013-15 to install Wi-Fi capabilities, advanced LED video displays, redesigned concession stands, and upgraded concourses. After this next round of renovations, the Ravens will have about matched the state’s investment into the stadium.
Richard Cass, president of the Ravens, noted at a press conference last year that the cost of new stadiums in recent years has been well over a billion dollars with the Rams’ new Los Angeles stadium expected to cost more than $2 billion.
Renderings courtesy of the Ravens and Maryland Stadium Authority
Current photo
After Renderings courtesy of the Ravens and Maryland Stadium Authority
via http://www.southbmore.com/2018/01/16/ravens-begin-construction-on-escalators-and-new-suites-at-mt-bank-stadium/
No comments:
Post a Comment