Background
In 2002, The Philadelphia Eagles constructed a 56,000 square foot tension fabric structure to serve as the field house for the NovaCare Complex facility at Broad and Pattison Avenue, across the street from Lincoln Financial Field. It served as the indoor practice facility for the team as well as other activities such as youth football camps, and fan experience events. After 15 years, however, it was time for a renovation. The fabric was dirty and worn, partly a result of the facilities location close to a busy interstate. Also, the team wanted to correct an oversight in the original design that was limiting the availability of the facility in the summer– the structure was not air-conditioned.
The Challenge
Because the renovation included much more than simply replacing the fabric, the organization needed to find a company that could provide a full range of services including design, engineering, fabrication, and installation. The original structure was a custom design which meant that any retrofit items would need to be designed and engineered to ensure seamless integration. Also, since the structure was not originally air-conditioned, there was no need for insulation. A new system would need to be designed to allow for the attachment of fiberglass insulation in the cavity between the inner and outer membranes. This would also mandate the design of a new attachment system for the inner membrane liner. And all of this work needed to be completed in the very short period of time between the end of minicamp and the opening of training camp.
Solution
Eagles chose Signature for a number of reasons: We offered the full line of services necessary to carry off this major renovation including design, engineering, fabrication, and installation. Our team is the most experienced in the industry with well over 100 years of combined experience. We specialize in this type of work, having performed refurbishment services to countless clients, regardless of original structure manufacturer. Signature fabricated all new tensioning hardware to install the new outer membrane over the steel frame utilizing Signature’s proprietary over-the-top method of membrane replacement which allows minimal interference with day to day operations throughout the installation process. A retrofit R-19 insulation system and a new inner liner completed the renovation. All of this was done on time and on budget.
Customer Appreciation
No structure company in the industry performs more of this type of work than Signature. Our ability to inspect, maintain, and repair any fabric structure, regardless of original manufacturer makes us one-of-a-kind. The Eagles now have an indoor practice facility that looks like new and will give them many more years of useful life.
Check out our Sports & Recreation Projects or contact one of our experts for assistance with your next football application or structure maintenance needs.
