(03-28-2024 06:52 PM)HawaiiMongoose Wrote:  The State of Hawaii has selected two development teams as finalists to bid on the New Aloha Stadium project.

https://www.staradvertiser.com/2024/03/2...velopment/

The project continues to move forward on its planned -- albeit slow -- timeline.

The two finalists have until this summer to submit proposals, after which one will be chosen in the fall. The decision will basically come down to who can deliver the most appealing stadium and adjacent entertainment/retail/housing complex in exchange for the $400 million in taxpayer money that's been allocated to the project plus long-term development rights to the surrounding 98 acres. The next step after selection of the winning bidder is to negotiate and sign a binding development agreement, which is targeted to be executed by the summer of 2025. After that construction is expected to take three years, with the stadium opening in time to host the University of Hawaii's 2028 football season opener against Kansas.

Looking at the composition of the two development teams, I see that one's leading architect is Populous and the other's is MANICA. These are two of the top sports facility design companies in the world. Populous's recent work includes Canvas Stadium at Colorado State, the Bleymaier Football Center at Boise State, and McLane Stadium at Baylor. MANICA's recent projects include Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, the Chase Center in San Francisco, and NRG Stadium in Houston.