The engineering features of the new Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis were discussed during a luncheon program June 5 in Indianapolis that attracted 60 Rose-Hulman alumni.  The event, sponsored by the Office of Alumni Affairs, was coordinated by Rose-Hulman alumnus Robert Fuller (’88), construction manager for Hunt Construction which is the lead construction firm on the new stadium.

Chris Capshaw (’95), far left, is seated with Chad Christie, Brian Gilley, Tim Rohe, Scott Davis and Herb Scott

Fuller and Pat Wipperman, project engineer, told the audience about the challenges and new technologies being used to build the new multipurpose stadium which will feature a retractable roof, a retractable wall that will create a view of the Indianapolis skyline, and 63,000 seats.

The roof structure features two, bi-parting panels that will move on an incline when closing which creates an engineering challenge.  Fuller noted that the roof’s peaks will be north and south or down the middle of the playing field which will enable the roof to open parallel with the sidelines.   He said all other retractable roofs open end zone to end zone.

The movable wall system includes six wall panels at the north end of the stadium.  The wall opening will measure 88 feet high by 244 feet wide and consist of three panels that are designed to move on top of each other.

Robert Fuller (left) and Kent Sharp (’57) discuss the engineering challenges of building the new Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis.

The stadium will be the new home of the world champion Indianapolis Colts and house other special events including the NCAA Final Four.

Among the guests at the luncheon were Roger Ward, alumni representative to the Board of Trustees; Jeff Papa, secretary of the Alumni Association Advisory Board; Mark Lindemood, newly appointed vice president for development at Rose-Hulman; and Alumni Affairs Director Brian Dyer.