Editing Lumen Field (section)

== Construction and layout ==
[[File:Qwest Field (Seahawks Stadium) under construction - 2001.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|alt=A stadium under construction with two cranes positioned where the field will eventually be installed. The terraced seating sections rise above the partially complete concourse levels, and half of the roof is in place. |The stadium under construction in 2001]]

The architectural firm [[Ellerbe Becket]], in association with [[Loschky, Marquardt and Nesholm]] (LMN) Architects of Seattle, designed the {{convert|1.5|e6sqft|m2}} project. Allen was closely involved during the design process. While growing up he attended games at the [[University of Washington]]'s (UW) outdoor [[Husky Stadium]]. His goal was to create a similar experience and atmosphere at the new venue.<ref name="Seattle PI Paul Allen">{{cite news |first=Anfelo |last=Bruscas |title=Seahawks owner believes stadium will help drive team to higher level |date=July 7, 2002 |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/football/79037_allen18.shtml |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |access-date=April 4, 2009}}</ref><ref name="Tribune-Review">{{cite news |url=http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_418255.html |title=Profile of Allen, Seahawks owner |last=Robin |first=Acton |date=January 29, 2006 |work=Tribune-Review |access-date=November 28, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061022025835/http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_418255.html |archive-date=October 22, 2006 }}</ref> The exhibition center portion of the project was designed over a period of 14&nbsp;months by LMN Architects while First & Goal managed the construction.<ref name="Puget Sound Business Journal 2002-07-19">{{cite news |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2002/07/22/focus3.html |title=Multiple options: Building Seahawks Stadium was a challenge for architects and engineers |last=Smith |first=Rob |date=July 7, 2002 |work=Puget Sound Business Journal |access-date=September 9, 2009}}</ref><ref name="Business Journal Opening">{{cite news |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2002/07/22/focus1.html?page=all |title=Sustained drive: Seahawks Stadium's opening culminates a six-year effort |last=Smith |first=Rob |date=July 7, 2002 |work=Puget Sound Business Journal |access-date=April 4, 2009}}</ref> Town meetings were held to discuss the impact on the public, and the company created a $6&nbsp;million mitigation fund for nearby neighborhoods.<ref name="DJC Mitigation">{{cite news |url=http://www.djc.com/news/co/11134803.html |title=The six million dollar mitigation |last=Graham |first=J. Todd |date=June 27, 2002 |work=Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce |access-date=December 8, 2009}}</ref> In accordance with a program established by the building team, contracts totaling $81&nbsp;million were awarded to [[Minority business enterprise|minority- and women-owned businesses]]. Union [[Apprenticeship#United States|apprentices]] made up 19% of the workforce through another program with local trade unions.<ref name="Custom Builder 2003-05-01">{{cite news |url=http://www.bdcnetwork.com/building-team-project-year-awards-1 |title=Building Team Project of the Year Awards |last=Young |first=Renée |date=May 1, 2003 |work=[[Building Design+Construction]] |access-date=March 20, 2012}}</ref>

Construction of the new exhibition center and parking garage was set to commence on September 19, 1998, but prolonged lease discussions between First & Goal and the Public Stadium Authority delayed the official [[groundbreaking]] to September 28.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Barber |first1=Mike |title=Lease signing on stadium delayed again – Seahawks, board won't explain reasons why |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=WORLDNEWS&req_dat=C12EB6BE1393489FA580F5880B8B058E&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0EB04B6378CE040B |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |date=September 4, 1998 |page=B2 |via=NewsBank}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Modie |first1=Neil |title=Groundbreaking for new Seahawk stadium on again – Public board, Allen's people on verge of deal |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=WORLDNEWS&req_dat=C12EB6BE1393489FA580F5880B8B058E&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0EB04B66A1F2EE16 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |date=September 24, 1998 |page=B2 |via=NewsBank}}</ref> The exhibition center opened on October 30, 1999, and subsequently hosted its first event on November 4.<ref name="Times - Exhibition center opening">{{cite news |last1=Fryer |first1=Alex |title=New exhibition center to open – Facility to host trade and consumer shows |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=WORLDNEWS&req_dat=C12EB6BE1393489FA580F5880B8B058E&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F0ED1C86890517CBA |work=The Seattle Times |date=October 29, 1999 |page=B5 |via=NewsBank}}</ref> On March 26, 2000, to make way for the stadium, the Kingdome was demolished in the world's largest [[Building implosion|implosion]] of a single concrete structure.<ref name="Kingdome Implosion">{{cite news |first=Heather |last=MacIntosh |date=March 27, 2000 |title=Kingdome stadium is imploded on March 26, 2000. |publisher=HistoryLink.org |url=http://www.historylink.org/essays/output.cfm?file_id=2252 |access-date=April 27, 2009}}</ref> Almost all of the Kingdome rubble was recycled with roughly half used for the new stadium. The designers were challenged by the soft soil at the site since it was a [[tidal marsh]] until public works projects in the early 20th century adjusted the waterline of nearby [[Elliott Bay]]. The top layer is a soft fill taken from [[Regrading in Seattle|the grading projects]] that had leveled portions of [[Seven hills of Seattle|Seattle's hills]]. To account for the soft soil, the complex sits on over 2,200&nbsp;pilings driven {{convert|50|to|70|ft|abbr=on}} below the ground to form what is essentially a pier for the foundation.<ref name="DJC Fill">{{cite news |url=http://www.djc.com/news/co/11134806.html |title=Driven piles make stadium strong |last=Page |first=Martin |date=June 27, 2002 |work=Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce |access-date=December 8, 2008}}</ref> Eight individually connected sections were built to account for the soil concerns, temperature effects, and the potential for earthquakes.<ref name="Journal of Commerce Soil">{{cite news |url=http://www.djc.com/news/co/11134804.html |title=Soft soil makes for tough design |last=Magnusson |first=Jon |date=June 27, 2002 |work=Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce |access-date=November 5, 2009}}</ref> The adjoining exhibition center and parking garage are separate structures and are not part of the eight-section stadium.<ref name="Journal of Commerce Soil" />

[[File:Aerial of Qwest Field and downtown skyline, 2002.jpg|thumb|upright=1.15|left|alt=The stadium from the air on a clear day. SEAHAWKS STADIUM is painted on the white partial roof. The stadium is surrounded by roads and buildings.| The stadium after completion in 2002]]

The site of Lumen Field is the smallest of those developed for new [[List of current National Football League stadiums|NFL stadiums]], at {{convert|30|acre|ha}}.<ref name="Seattle Times 2002-08-02 Newnham">{{cite news |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/sports/seahawks/stadium/newnham04.html |title=Allen's vision: Open venue with a view |access-date=April 14, 2004 |last=Newnham |first=Blaine |date=August 2, 2002 |work=The Seattle Times |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040417005323/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/sports/seahawks/stadium/newnham04.html |archive-date=April 17, 2004}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Newcomb |first=Tim |date=February 5, 2014 |title=NFL now has three legitimate Los Angeles stadium sites in play |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2014/02/05/los-angeles-nfl-stadium |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |accessdate=February 16, 2022}}</ref> The upper levels were [[cantilever]]ed over the lower sections to fit within the limited space. Along with the angle of seats and the placement of the lower sections closer to the field, this provided a better view of the field than typically seen throughout the country and allowed for a 67,000-seat capacity.<ref name="Puget Sound Business Journal 2002-01-19">{{cite news |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2002/07/22/focus6.html |title=Close to the action: Fans come first in Seahawks Stadium |access-date=April 14, 2004 |last=Smith |first=Rob |date=July 19, 2002 |work=Puget Sound Business Journal}}</ref> Space is available to increase the total capacity to 72,000 for special events. Included in the capacity are 111 suites and over<!--official website says 7,000 while others say more--> 7,000 [[Club seating|club seats]]. The stadium has 1,400 seats for those with disabilities and their companions located in various sections.<ref name="Puget Sound Business Journal 2002-01-19" /> In 2009, Qwest Field ranked 21st out of the 31&nbsp;stadiums in the NFL for total [[seating capacity]].<ref name="ESPN Stadium Size">{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/8062/rating-the-stadiums-team-by-team-glance |title=Rating the stadiums: Team-by-team glance |date=September 17, 2009 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=November 16, 2009}}</ref>

The configuration of Lumen Field is a U-shape with an open north end to provide views of [[downtown Seattle]] and the large north plaza. The large [[retractable roof]] of [[T-Mobile Park]] along with [[Mount Rainier]] to the southeast can be seen from the partially open south end.<ref name="Seattle Times 2002-08-02 Newnham" /> The stadium's [[concourse]]s were built to be wide, and they provide additional views of the surrounding area.<ref name="Journal of Commerce June 27, 2002">{{cite news |url=http://www.djc.com/news/co/11134805.html |title=Taking fans beyond the game |last=Kressback |first=Jim |date=June 27, 2002 |work=Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce |access-date=November 5, 2009}}</ref> A 13-story tower was erected at the north end of the stadium that visually complements the [[List of tallest buildings in Seattle|Seattle skyline]].<ref name="Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce 2002-06-27">{{cite news |first=Ron |last=Gans |title=Designing Seattle's newest landmark |date=June 27, 2002 |url=http://www.djc.com/news/co/11134759.html |work=Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce |access-date=May 25, 2009}}</ref> The tower features a vertically oriented [[scoreboard]] which is the first of its kind in the NFL. At the base is bleacher seating for 3,000 called the "Hawks' Nest". Another addition not previously seen in the NFL are field-level luxury suites located directly behind the north end zone.<ref name="Seattle Times 2002-08-02 Newnham" />

[[File:CenturyLink Field Sounders layout.jpg|thumb|upright=1.15|alt=Two stadiums in an industrial area. Both have roofs with large arched trusses.|The roofs of Lumen Field and [[T-Mobile Park]]]]

Allen rejected plans for a retractable roof during the early stages of the stadium's design. The lack of a retractable roof made it open to the elements, provided better views, and reduced the total cost of the project.<ref name="Seattle Times 2002-08-02 Newnham" /> The roof, at 200,000&nbsp;sq&nbsp;ft&nbsp;(19,000&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup>),<ref name="Roof Contractor">{{cite web |url=http://www.specjm.com/sustainable/casestudies/seahawks.asp |title=Seahawks Stadium – Sustainable Building Case Studies |publisher=Johns Manville Inc |access-date=April 14, 2009}}</ref> covers 70% of the seats but leaves the field open.<ref name="Custom Builder 2003-05-01" /> The roof spans {{convert|720|ft|abbr=on}} between concrete pylon supports at the north and south ends of the stadium. Its two expansive sections are held from below by [[truss]]es.<ref name="Modern Steel Construction 2004-04">{{cite web |url=http://www.modernsteel.com/Uploads/Issues/April_2004/30728_EAE_seahawks.pdf |title=EAE Award Seattle Seahawks Stadium |publisher=Modern Steel Construction |access-date=April 28, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101126142056/http://modernsteel.com/Uploads/Issues/April_2004/30728_EAE_seahawks.pdf |archive-date=November 26, 2010}}</ref> From above, two arches with additional supports rise {{convert|200|ft|abbr=on}} over the field.<ref name="Roof Contractor" /> [[Prestressed concrete#Unbonded post-tensioned concrete|Post-tensioned]] cables were used to achieve its final shape and positioning.<ref name="Point of Beginning">{{cite news |url=http://www.pobonline.com/Articles/Cover_Story/97a0817cac0f6010VgnVCM100000f932a8c0____ |title=Tackling a Stadium Project |last=Brown |first=James |date=November 1, 2001 |work=Point of Beginning Magazine |publisher=A/E/C Media Group |at=Cover Story |access-date=December 10, 2009}}</ref> To minimize damage in the event of an earthquake, the roof has a [[Earthquake engineering#Seismic vibration control|friction pendulum]] damper system. This disconnects the roof from the support pylons so that it can move independently of the structure. The technology had never been applied to a large-scale roof before Lumen Field.<ref name="Journal of Commerce Soil" /> A 6.8-magnitude [[2001 Nisqually earthquake|earthquake]] struck the Seattle area during construction. The structure responded as expected by the designers, and there was minimal damage.<ref name="Point of Beginning" /> The project was completed on budget and a month ahead of schedule.<ref name="Modern Steel Construction 2004-04" />

The roof was originally painted white to aesthetically distinguish it from both T-Mobile Park and the nearby [[Industrial District, Seattle|industrial area]];<ref name="Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce 2002-06-27" /> however, the paint gradually turned [[ash gray]] despite cleanings and repaintings, prompting a blue-colored repaint of the roof from May to July 2010.<ref>{{cite news |title=Filthy Qwest Field roof could use a little love |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=WORLDNEWS&req_dat=C12EB6BE1393489FA580F5880B8B058E&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F12F85AA9C61E2D68 |department=Seattle Sports Blog |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |date=May 4, 2010 |via=NewsBank}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=It turned blue! Qwest Field roof painted |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=WORLDNEWS&req_dat=C12EB6BE1393489FA580F5880B8B058E&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F130FEBBF442FB378 |department=Seattle Sports Blog |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |date=July 15, 2010}}</ref> [[Light-emitting diode]]s following the outline of the stadium's logo were subsequently installed on the roof in October 2019.<ref>{{cite press release |date=October 3, 2019 |title=Seahawks, CenturyLink Field Shine Bright From The Rooftop With Connected Lighting From Signify |url=https://www.seahawks.com/news/seahawks-centurylink-field-shine-bright-from-the-rooftop-with-connected-lighting |publisher=[[Seattle Seahawks]] |accessdate=April 9, 2023}}</ref> The east side of the stadium has a large glass [[curtain wall (architecture)|curtain wall]] that faces the nearby International District. The exterior of the stadium also consists of salmon-colored concrete, and the west side of the structure is partially clad with red brick. The coloring and facade were designed so the stadium would blend with the older buildings in neighboring Pioneer Square. To reduce costs, the exterior was not completed with brick or ornate steel work.<ref name="Seattle Times 2002-08-02 Newnham" />

In 2015, the stadium was expanded with the addition of the Toyota Fan Deck{{efn|The Toyota Fan Deck is sponsored by the Western Washington Toyota Dealers, an association of local [[Toyota]] dealers; it is not sponsored directly by Toyota.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Seahawks adding 1,000 seats to CenturyLink Field |url=http://www.seahawks.com/news/2015/02/23/seahawks-adding-1000-seats-centurylink-field |publisher=Seattle Seahawks |date=February 23, 2015 |access-date=November 15, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117025254/http://www.seahawks.com/news/2015/02/23/seahawks-adding-1000-seats-centurylink-field |archive-date=November 17, 2015}}</ref>}} on {{convert|5775|sqft|m2}} of space at its southern end; privately funded by the Seahawks, it consisted of a new 12 Flag raising platform flanked by two 500-seat sections, pushing the capacity of the stadium to 68,000. The 1,000 additional seats were made available to then-current season ticket holders, with remaining seats allocated to the Blue Pride waiting list for season tickets.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Stiles |first1=Marc |title=The ruling on the field is confirmed: Seahawks expanding the Clink |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/blog/2015/02/the-ruling-on-the-field-is-confirmed-seahawks.html |access-date=May 19, 2023 |work=Puget Sound Business Journal |date=February 23, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Baker |first1=Geoff |title=With new deck, Seahawks cater more to quality than quantity |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/with-new-deck-seahawks-cater-more-to-quality-than-quantity/ |access-date=May 19, 2023 |work=The Seattle Times |date=August 16, 2015}}</ref> The stadium also has additional seats that can be deployed for special events, bringing the maximum capacity to 72,000.<ref>{{cite web |title=Venue Information |url=http://www.centurylinkfield.com/venue-information/ |publisher=CenturyLink Field |access-date=August 2, 2019}}</ref>

Lumen Field underwent minor renovations in 2022 as the stadium marked its twentieth anniversary. Improvements to the stadium made before the start of the 2022 Seahawks season include the conversion of an unused {{convert|6300|sqft|m2|adj=on}} space below the Hawks' Nest into a food and beverage area, the addition of an open [[cashierless store|cashierless]] concession area on the concourse behind the Toyota Fan Deck, and the replacement of a pair of video display boards at the north end of the stadium with [[Diamond Vision]] boards from [[Mitsubishi Electric]] that were more than double the size of the pre-existing ones.<ref name="DJC - renovations">{{cite news |title=New bars, food market teed up at Lumen Field |url=https://www.djc.com/news/ae/12150098.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=April 1, 2023 |work=Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce |date=July 22, 2022 |language=en}}</ref> A {{convert|1800|sqft|m2|adj=on}} pregame hospitality area adjacent to the home team's locker room was then opened for the 2023 Seahawks season; named the Tunnel Club, it allows spectators to view players walking between the locker room and the field.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McCormick |first1=Bret |title=New premium space opening at Lumen Field for '23 NFL season |url=https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Issues/2023/02/09/Facilities/seahawks-tunnel-club-lumen-field.aspx |access-date=January 12, 2024 |work=Sports Business Journal |date=February 9, 2023 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite press release |title=Introducing The Tunnel Club At Lumen Field |date=February 8, 2023 |publisher=Lumen Field |url=https://www.lumenfield.com/venue-info-news/introducing-the-tunnel-club-at-lumen-field |access-date=January 12, 2024}}</ref> Additional planned renovations include the creation of two standing room open-air decks.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McCormick |first1=Bret |title=Lumen Field to get fan experience upgrades |url=https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Closing-Bell/2022/07/20/Lumen-Field-upgrades.aspx |access-date=April 1, 2023 |work=Sports Business Journal |date=July 20, 2022 |language=en}}</ref>

In October 2023, the stadium's gates and concourses were renamed under a new "neighborhoods" program for destination signage; the four "neighborhoods" are Cityside (north), Cascade (east), Rainier (south), and Olympic (west).<ref>{{cite press release |date=October 11, 2023 |title=A New Wave of Fanovation |url=https://www.lumenfield.com/venue-info-news/new-wave-of-fanovation-2023 |publisher=Lumen Field |accessdate=October 20, 2024}}</ref> The concourses at Lumen Field are staggered: Olympic Hall on the west side is at field level, while Cascade Main on the east side and Rainier Main on the south side are elevated one level above. The club and suite levels sit above the Cascade and Olympic concourses, followed by the "Summit" levels for the Cascade, Rainier, and Olympic "neighborhoods".<ref>{{cite web |title=Lumen Field Stadium Directory |url=https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/seahawks/zmmdd0y8poreqyajbuww |publisher=Seattle Seahawks |accessdate=October 20, 2024}}</ref> Lumen Field has 45 concession stands, 63 restrooms with 799 toilets and 364 urinals, 12 elevators, and over 500 television screens.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lumen Field |url=https://www.soundersfc.com/club/facilities |publisher=Seattle Sounders FC |accessdate=October 20, 2024}}</ref> The stadium has a [[public art]] collection that includes ''Earth Dialogue'', a series of four disks by Bob Haozous on the north side of the Hawks' Nest that faces Downtown Seattle.<ref name="Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce 2002-06-27"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Hackett |first=Regina |date=July 18, 2002 |title=Public art commitment adds passion to stadium |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/public-art-commitment-adds-passion-to-stadium-1091561.php |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |accessdate=October 20, 2024}}</ref>