06/09/2023
The roof’s retractable opening is 250’ x 250’, the largest in the tennis world. The project uses 6,500 tons of steel and consists of PTFE fabric stretched over the structural steel frame. Though built completely independent of the existing stadium, the roof was designed to appear part of the arena. It stands on eight independent columns placed at each of the stadium’s corners, and since the columns did not require horizontal connections underground, the existing infrastructure was able to remain undisturbed.
Arthur Ashe Stadium remained operational over the two-plus years of construction and hosted the U.S. Open twice with minimal impact to players and spectators.
In addition to the roof itself, the project included new HVAC systems to provide cooling, air movement and humidity control, new sports lighting, a new audio system, new fire sprinkler system on the underside of the new roof, new storm drainage, and overhead doors above the upper concourse to close off the bowl from the outside.
