New York Construction Report staff writer
What does it take to construct a 1.35-million-sq. ft. open-air stadium capable of hosting 60,000 fans?
A new exhibit at the Buffalo Museum of Science is giving visitors a closer look at the science, engineering and design behind the new Highmark Stadium, home of the Buffalo Bills.
Built for Buffalo, a complementary exhibit to the museum’s new Science Stadium, showcases the construction and engineering behind the recently opened facility. The exhibit features real construction materials used in the stadium project, stadium seats, a player locker photo opportunity and an 11-foot 3D model of the new stadium on loan from the Buffalo Bills.
Sponsored by Gilbane and Turner Construction, the joint venture building the new stadium, the exhibit examines the STEM disciplines involved in delivering a large-scale professional sports facility, from engineering and design to construction materials and building technology.
The new stadium is a 1.35-million-square-foot open-air facility designed to accommodate 60,000 fans. The museum exhibit provides visitors with an opportunity to see physical components of the project while learning more about the technical challenges involved in constructing the facility.
Science Stadium includes 17 interactive experiences covering subjects such as physics, biomechanics, sports medicine, athletic performance and sports technology.
One of the interactive features is a sports simulator that demonstrates principles including velocity and momentum. Other displays explore the work of professionals who support sports operations and performance, including medical trainers, sports analysts, designers and sound engineers.
The Buffalo Museum of Science developed Science Stadium in partnership with the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres and Buffalo Bandits.
The museum said the exhibits are intended to demonstrate to young visitors that an interest in sports can lead to careers in STEM fields.
The addition of Built for Buffalo gives that message a direct construction connection, showing how engineering, design, materials and skilled construction work come together to deliver a major sports facility.
The museum also collaborated with Buffalo artist Emeka Wajed on a custom installation celebrating the diversity of athletes and sports represented in the exhibits.
While Science Stadium is a permanent exhibit, Built for Buffalo is a temporary exhibit providing visitors with a behind-the-scenes look at the engineering and construction of the Bills’ new home.
