Rogers Centre Roof Modernization
Pioneering interruption-free redesign
Project Facts
| Location | Toronto, Ontario |
| Owner | Rogers Communications |
| Size | 553,212 SF |
| Status | Completed 2017 |
| Capacity | 49,286 seats |
Overview
In 2009 the Toronto’s Rogers Centre had a big problem. Hailed for its innovative system of moving roof bogies when it opened in 1989, the nearly 30-year-old, three-panel roof—which arches over 600 feet—had become increasingly balky. The Rodgers Centre believed the problems were due to an antiquated control system, and engaged us to help write an RFP for a mechanization controls consultant. Instead, we drew on our experience with the design and stewardship of seven retractable roofs stadiums to suggest the problems ran much deeper.
Services
About the project
After conducting a full physical and analytical assessment of the roof structure, we determined that the roof was sticking due to significant but not obvious structural problems related to creep-deflection of the supporting concrete superstructure and rail pinch points. We led a multi-year and multi-phase roof assessment, analysis and overhaul to restore the roof system and its support structure. We improved the roof’s operational reliability, extended its life by 20 years, and optimized the redundancy and diagnostic capabilities of the roof control system.
This project was the first complete modernization of a mechanized roof in North America. Each year of the seven-year project, we carefully coordinated all work inside the stadium to avoid impacting 230 different events, including 82 Blue Jays games. Project manager Randy Braun led a multi-discipline team that included both structural and diagnostic specialists and several outside specialty firms.
The Rogers Centre Roof Modernization was a resounding success. It was completed within budget and schedule and produced a much more reliable—and quiet—roof control system, eliminating the operational noise, vibrations, and headaches of the original system.
Advancing redevelopment
The Rogers Centre Roof Modernization was a resounding success. It was not only the first complete modernization of a mechanized roof in North America, but the team’s advanced computer modeling resulted in industry-leading strides in precision and reliability.
The project was also completed within budget and on schedule. Walter P Moore remains a trusted adviser for the Rogers Centre staff and routinely provides advice on stadium concerns that extend well beyond the roof structure. By creating value for Rogers Centre, we enhanced our position as the sports industry leader and set the stage for future complex stadium improvement projects.
