• 47 acres, including 40 acres for parking (about 2,750 spaces) and two entry gates;
• Fire-resistant and maintenance-free concrete stadium structure with 11,000 spectator seats;
• Minimal-maintenance AstroPlay synthetic turf with protective shock pad layer;
• Velarium field entrances;
• An emergency response center;
• A 20' x 15' Daktronics Prostar scoreboard with instant replay and video production capabilities;
• Four spacious concession stands and four ticket booths with closed-circuit TVs;
• Athletic staff offices, home and visitor locker rooms, conference rooms, equipment stor-age, and an informa-tion/ data services area;
• A secure two-tier press box and large filming decks.

Foremost was the budget. Precast was estimated to be the most cost-competitive structural system, so ACLP bid out the precast work to the subcontractor community. ACLP achieved additional savings by submitting its own bid for the work. To make sure the bid process was uncompro-mised, ACLP submitted their bid a day early. As a result, ACLP was awarded the work at a cost of $200,000 less than the next closest bidders. This $200,000 went directly back to the client.

The stadium has a segmented, elliptical shape which was ideal for economizing pre-cast production by allowing for the casting of standardized pieces. The design also incor-porated a graduated dish shape (the angle of the risers becomes steeper at the highest points of the stadium), and the off-site precast fabrication process allowed for excellent control in the production of the precast members to accommodate this design requirement.

ACLP developed a special quality control program for the precast operation. This process allowed for casting pieces off-site in a controlled environment. By using precast as the main structural component, the result was better quality.

The original schedule called for completion in 15 months. However, the groundbreaking that should have taken place in June of 2002 was delayed until November of that year due to City of Austin permitting issues. ACLP took advantage of the interim period to fabricate precast members and revise the erection plan. This assured that ACLP was fully prepared when permitting came through.

At the new yard, ACLP tradesmen cast nearly 400 pieces (some exceeding 60 tons) while monitoring quality control, sequencing the casting to meet schedule requirements, and staging delivery to the site.

ACLP had direct input on sizing and recommendations for detailing the members, which also contributed significantly to cost and time savings. The excellent quality of the precast throughout the project can be attributed to the use of innovative ideas, such as development of a special steel-forming system specifically for this project.

The lead designer on the stadium, from HOK Sports said, "Compared to the NFL stadiums we're involved with, the precast used on this stadium is the best quality we've ever seen."

One of the highest priorities of the project was safety. And as a direct result of ACLP's advanced safety and health program, including weekly safety meetings, safety inspections, training sessions, and daily safety walkthroughs, there were zero lost work days.

It's not difficult to see how all of ACLP's hard work has paid off. By self-performing, the stadium was completed within 11 months, just in time for the fall football season as originally planned, and at no additional cost to the client.

Dr. Thomas Gaul, Superintendent for the Round Rock Independent School District, had this to say about the project: "Our new athletic complex was designed and built to maximize usability and minimize maintenance costs. Opening the stadium in time for the first game of the season was the result of the strong partnerships between the RRISD construction staff, architects, and contractors."

Westwood High School Coach, Doug Fertsch said, "I've traveled around the country, seen major high school and small college facilities ... this might be the finest football stadium in the nation."

Precast concrete is one of the most buildable materials available today. Whether we're constructing one story or 40, our clients enjoy the safety, comfort and quality of precast construction that results from its outstanding fire, thermal and acoustical performance, superior strength and durability.

(See how American Constructors implemented precast for the recently completed Round Rock Stadium Complex above).

Precast integral structure and enclosure systems can enable faster and better construction, and significantly reduce construction and development costs by eliminating expensive structural redundancies.

Reliability
With all phases of precast production performed in a controlled environment, reliability is assured. This is due to several significant factors. Stringent production control and skilled craftsmen are able to consistently produce a high quality product, getting as close as possible to "zero defects." The downstream benefits of pre-casting, such as quicker build periods, allows less reliance on a large labor force. No requirement for scaffolding also contributes to cost savings, and on-site construction/off-site fabrication can be overlapped, thereby reducing overall site periods.

The reliability factor was paramount on American Constructor's Vista Ridge High School project. There, architecturally precast tiltwall was combined with masonry accents so that the exterior would require minimal maintenance. The owner's wise selection of quality precast tiltwall ensured that the project was cost effective, durable, and structurally sound.

Job Safety
When cast off-site, finished structural components are delivered to the site and lifted directly from the vehicle into position on site, often without the need for scaffolding. This reduces the potential for accidents, and removes the risk of hand-setting stone or brickwork in potentially hazardous locations.

Productivity
Innovative use of precast construction methods can reduce the number of construction workers needed, increase productivity levels, provide an early weatherproof envelope, and enable faster access for the next trades in line.

Environmental Integrity
On-site precast construction creates less air pollution, noise and debris. Road traffic to and from the project site is also reduced. And the high quality finish of precast concrete means that it can be left untreated and exposed in order to maximize concrete's thermal capacity and contribute to green energy-management solutions.

Care of your artificial turf

Your artificial turf requires basic care. Here are some things you can do to keep up the turf's appearance:

• Use a greens groomer regularly to keep the turf standing up and avoid matting. It will also take care of any debris, such as sunflower seeds, which can settle into the turf and be difficult to remove.
• Cross brush the turf field to keep the fiber fibrillated and the rubber filling level and even.
• Do not allow liquids, food or gum to accumulate on the field. Spilled liquids and foods can cause painted lines to look dull.
• Treat stains on the turf fibers accord-ing to the brand maker's maintenance manual.
• Wash down the field turf if your site experiences extensive periods without rainfall.
• Keep vehicle traffic off the grass field as much as possible, and maintain fabric joints (if any) to prolong the life of the turf.