Arizona State University and Sun Devil Athletics, in partnership with Mortenson and Oak View Group, recently hosted a "Topping Out" ceremony to commemorate the last beam set in place on top of the new Multi-Purpose Arena. Set to open in late 2022, the new Multi-Purpose Arena will host university and community events and serve as the future home for Sun Devil men's ice hockey, wrestling and women's gymnastics.
 
Located in the Novus Innovation Corridor, the arena's steel structure was topped out, completing the final placement of 1,100 tons of steel. In addition, 6,980 yards of concrete have been poured since the project broke ground earlier this year.
 
The ceremony recognized the major construction milestone, by placing a tree and flags atop the last structural beam that was lifted into place, a custom tradition acknowledging the successful partnership and project progress to date. Having worked more than 124,892 hours since groundbreaking, without a single recordable injury, workers were recognized for their commitment to a safe project site.

"The multi-purpose arena will be a very important piece of the Novus Innovation Corridor — a 'live, work, play' community that will span more than 10 million square feet," said Morgan R. Olsen, ASU executive vice-president, treasurer and chief financial officer. "Sun Devils can cheer on ASU athletes in the arena housed in this sustainable, pedestrian-friendly mixed-use development that provides community resources and economic value to the region. We're pleased that Mortenson and Oak View Group have partnered with us on this exciting arena project."
 
"This is truly an exciting time and an amazing milestone to celebrate in partnership with Arizona State University and all of our trade partners who are bringing this world-class facility to life," said Ben Goetter, vice president, general manager at Mortenson. "The topping out is always a rewarding moment to acknowledge all of the hard work, and pay tribute to the team's commitment to ensuring everyone goes home safely each day. We are excited to continue this momentum and look forward to seeing this transformational project complete next year."
 
"We look forward to bringing top-quality live entertainment and attractions to the new Multi-purpose Arena that will attract visitors to Tempe and unite the ASU community," said Peter Luukko, Chairman, Oak View Group Facilities. "With today's milestone we move a little closer to that   electrifying feeling of what it will be like inside the new ASU multi-purpose arena and the future home of ASU Athletics."
 
In addition to housing Sun Devil Athletics' events and competitions, the 5,000 seat Multi-Purpose Arena, which also includes an adjacent community ice rink, will serve as a public venue for the university and community to host concerts, conferences, youth competitions, educational opportunities, and more. The arena will feature a wide variety of luxury suites, group suites, a large club lounge, along with premium seating, a 942-seat student section and more than 8,000 square feet of state-of-the-art locker rooms, weight rooms and office space.
 
Some additional facts about the project and construction team on site:

• 650+ team members have gone through safety orientation to make this project a success, with an average 150 people onsite at all times
• Recently, the rooftop mechanical system, consisting of a quarter million pounds, a quarter mile of pipe and enough sheetmetal to cover the outside of two average homes, was set in place
• Approximately 6.5 miles of electrical conduit, underground and throughout the building, have been installed
• Mortenson's team and their trade partners are making an impact in the community – supporting various organizations through donations and volunteer time including Southwest Human Development, Hope Women's Center and the Boys & Girls Club of Tempe

Mortenson is providing development services and is the design-builder, with SCI Architects, the designer. Oak View Group will manage and operate the arena.