Commercial Projects
Skanska Begins Massive Upgrade of MetLife Stadium
The stadium will host FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, including the final.
Swedish construction giant Skanska has begun a massive upgrade of MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, US, ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The scope of the project involves the renovation of the lower bowl of MetLife Stadium, which will host eight World Cup matches, including the final.
Skanska, the Nordic region’s biggest builder, will demolish the four corners of the pre-existing precast seating throughout the stadium and install a modular steel seating system.
The company will also oversee the adjustment of mechanical, electrical, audiovisual, and plumbing installations and the removal of 1,740 permanent seats.
This will help enlarge the playing field to meet the FIFA size requirements.
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According to Sean Szatkowski, executive vice president and general manager at Skanska USA Building, the contractor is well-equipped and ready for the task.
“Having begun our initial work at MetLife Stadium in 2010, this undertaking poses the unique and exciting challenge of making the necessary adjustments needed to meet FIFA requirements. This will include the honor of helping prepare the stadium to host the FIFA World Cup Final,” Szatkowski said in a press release.
The MetLife Stadium Skanska project will be carried out in two phases to ensure minimum disruption to the existing stadium activity and team schedules.
Phase one of the project started in January and is expected to be completed by May. Phase two will start in January 2025 and end in May of the same year.
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In 2010, Skanska successfully completed the construction of MetLife Stadium, covering 2.2 million square feet. This state-of-the-art open-air stadium accommodates 82,500 spectators and features 222 luxury suite boxes.
Notably, it was the inaugural facility designed for two National Football League (NFL) teams, the New York Football Giants and the New York Jets.
Beyond NFL events, the stadium hosts concerts, entertainment, and various sports activities. Notably, it served as the venue for Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014.
MetLife Stadium Highlights
Seating capacity: With a seating capacity of 82,500, MetLife Stadium is one of the largest stadiums in the NFL. It can be expanded to accommodate more than 90,000 spectators for special events.
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Luxury suites: MetLife Stadium features 222 luxury suites, offering premium amenities and excellent views of the field. These suites contribute significantly to the stadium’s revenue and fan experience.
Super Bowl: MetLife Stadium hosted Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014, making it the first outdoor, cold-weather Super Bowl in the history of the NFL. The game featured the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks.
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