Red Bull New York hosted the traditional "topping off" ceremony Tuesday at Red Bull Arena, to place the final piece of steel at the club's state-of-the-art soccer specific facility in Harrison, New Jersey. A number of key state and local government officials as well as key union officials were on hand to celebrate this milestone event in the construction process. Red Bull Arena is situated on a 12.34 acre lot bounded by 6th Street to the west, Cape May Street to the south and east. The lot is owned by the Town of Harrison. However, the entire stadium construction process is being funded by Red Bull.
The final piece of steel being secured in place signifies a key milestone in the construction process for Red Bull Arena. It is the last piece of over 7,100 tons of steel that has been erected since the first piece was set on August 19, 2008. In keeping with tradition, a tree was hoisted on top of the last beam, marking the highest structural element. The tree will remain in place throughout the remainder of the building process, and finally be planted nearby upon project completion.
"I am particularly proud to work for the Red Bull organization that is funding the entire construction project," said Red Bull New York Managing Director Erik Stover. "In this day and age of taxpayer subsidized stadiums and arenas, we are truly investing in this community. We are really honored to be part of Harrison, Hudson County, the State of New Jersey and the entire New York Metropolitan area."
Among those scheduled to be on hand for the ceremony included U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg, U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, New Jersey Senate President Richard Codey, Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise, Town of Harrison Mayor Ray McDonough, New Jersey Governor's Office of Economic Growth Chief Jerry Zaro, and MLS Commissioner Don Garber.
Red Bull Arena is set to be ready for the 2010 Major League Soccer season. The new soccer-specific stadium will have 25,000 seats, including 30 suites and 1,116 club seats. The stadium design incorporates a unique roof top, which will extend from the last seat to just over the touchlines, with 60 feet of the roof will be translucent in order to allow natural light to enter.
