Saints | Superdome roof repairs almost complete
Sat, 8 Jul 2006 06:39:21 -0700
Jeff Duncan, of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, reports for the first time since Hurricane Katrina tore open its roof more than 10 months ago, the Superdome will sport the smooth, white top that locals have grown accustomed to seeing against the downtown skyline. Repairs on the roof damaged by Hurricane Katrina should be completed in the next couple of weeks. If all goes well, the stadium's roof will be gleaming white by the end of the month, completing what contractors and Dome officials are calling the largest roof job in American construction history. Doug Thornton, regional vice president of SMG, the company that manages the Dome, said the white roof was the most aesthetically pleasing contrast to the building's gold aluminum skin. He said there also was concern that a darker color might absorb more heat and create higher utility bills. The new roof will be able to withstand the most intense hurricanes Mother Nature has to offer. He said the surface is guaranteed to hold firm against all levels of hurricane-force winds, unlike the previous version, which sustained damage to more than 70 percent of its surface from Katrina. The Superdome is expected to be "football ready" by the New Orleans Saints' first home game Sept. 25, with some interior work to the luxury suites and club room areas scheduled to continue through August 2007.
Something to start getting excited about.
