Canopy scores a touchdown

As part the plan to realize head coach Jimbo Fisher’s commitment to rebuild the Seminoles football dynasty, Florida State University’s Doak Campbell Stadium recently underwent a major renovation. The project included the construction of a premium club seating section featuring 6,000 seats and hosted services at the south end of the stadium.

The 24,930-square-foot area required a canopy to protect fans from sun and rain, but it had to be free of columns that could hinder enjoyment of the game. FabriTec Structures LLC, a Dallas-based specialist in tension fabric structures, was selected to design, engineer, fabricate, supply and install the structure. The company created two identical PTFE Chukoh Skytop 800 tensile membrane canopies supported by steel and cables. The canopies cantilever out over the stadium seats from columns located on a new club-level deck.

The design includes distinctive spearheads, a nod to the spear used by the team’s revered mascot, Osceola. They’re located at the field end of several horizontal outriggers, which extend out over the seating. Each one includes LED lighting for a dramatic effect at night.

FabriTec began work on the project in April 2016. The renovation was completed in time for the Seminoles’ home opener in September 2016. Other improvements included raising the height of the exterior of stadium, installing exposed glass staircases and architectural lighting. For more information, visit www.fabritecstructures.com.