When the Kansas City Royals opened their 2009 home schedule, the team had more than the first pitch to celebrate. After 35 years of proud baseball moments, Kauffman Stadium experienced a rebirth worthy of the team’s heritage and stadium namesake, Ewing M. Kauffman.
Unveiled April 10, the $250 million stadium brought significant changes-new premium seating, restaurants, an upgraded outfield experience,a hall of fame, etc.-but none as prominent as the eye-popping 52-foot- (16-m-) high curtainwall system of perforated metal and glass that graces the stadium’s front door.
This faceted expanse of perforated metal,which covers 345 feet (105 m) of the radial stadium, was designed to integrate the glass façade with the adjoining façade treatments of perforated metal. The perforated metal has a dual quality of reflectivity and transparency depending on the time of day.
“From an architectural standpoint, we wanted to dress up the building,” said Bob Rice, Royals vice president of ballpark operations and development. “We knew we wanted a skin on the exterior,and the architects came up with a perforated metal concept.”
To create the colossal curtainwall, stadium architect Populous, Kansas City, Mo., and fabricator BrattonCorp., Kansas City, selected perforated metal panels in 50 different sizes from Tampa, Fla.-based McNICHOLS Designer Metals.
Unique to the curtainwall are the metal mullions that support the panels of metal and glass. The mullions project 4 inches (102 mm) from the façade, mitered and angled upward from the first level ticket offices at about 12 degrees. The same angle is repeated near the top level where the façade transitions horizontally into a perforated roof canopy providing shade for the public concourse at the roof of the building.
Behind the curtainwall on the second and third levels are the Royals administrative offices and part of the concourse ramps.
McNICHOLS Designer Metals are frequently used at sports facilities for aesthetics and functional qualities, said Bill Tuxhorn, McNICHOLS marketing executive.Among the stadiums wearing McNICHOLS metal are Yankee Stadium, Target Field and Ben Hill Stadium, home to the University of Florida Gators.
Bratton made the metal panels from McNICHOLS’ 0.125-thick aluminum product that features1/2-inch (13-mm) round holes on 11/16-inch
(17- mm) staggered centers. The sheets were each cut individually sized to fit into the 1-inch (25-mm)aluminum channels or mullions.
The panels are approximately 3 5/6 feet (1 m) wide, but vary in height from 1 1/3 feet (0.4 m) to12 2/3 feet (4 m).
“Our goal was to bring the stadium into the 21stcentury,” said David Lizarraga of Populous, who was on the stadium design team. Affectionately called “The K,” the original stadium had been an open air, non-enclosed facility since it first opened in 1973.
Lizarraga said the perforated metal was selected to bring ventilation and lighting into the concourse area and to provide the spectators with a view of the outside as they mingle between innings at the concession area.
By using perforated metal as a dominant feature, the design team could meet several objectives, the first one being the ability to maximize the dynamic nature of the material.
“It’s very alive,” Lizarraga said. “As light conditions change, the perception of the panels changes because they reflect light differently in night or dayand in artificial light.” Second, the holes in the metal allow visibility so visitors can see the outside, well beyond the wall. Third, perforated metal breathes.”It lets air go in and out, which keeps the spaces cool without the need to fully enclose the building.”
Durability played a role, too, Lizarraga said.”The idea when choosing materials is to find something that can withstand 25 to 30 years, and make the facility resistant to the kind of use the building experiences.
“The light brings life to the stadium after dark,and in the morning the sun hits the metal and gives it yet another striking form.”
The Royals experienced their highest home season attendance since the 1993 season. “The renovation was the major draw, and we feel the stadium will continue to be a draw,” said Colby Curry, Royals’ coordinator of communications and broadcasting.
Mary Estes is principal of Estes and Co., Tampa, Fla.
McNichols Designer Metals, www.mcnichols.com
