The New Marlins Ballpark rising in Little Havana has hit a new and exciting milestone. The first piece of structural steel to support the fixed roof has been erected. This 24,000 pound plate beam is the first of 13 plate beams which will form the fixed steel structure on the west side of the ballpark. This steel will continue to be erected over the next several weeks and the west canopy is expected to be completed by early July.

The construction manager, Hunt/Moss will continue to erect the structural steel pieces along the east, south, and north sides of the ballpark. The entire fixed canopy is expected to be completed by January 2011. Some of the Miami-based companies working on the installation of the structural steel pieces are Omega Steel (decking), George’s Welding (miscellaneous fabrication), El Champion Painting (painting), RJR Construction (providing grout), A&B Hardware (miscellaneous supplies), and The Finest Towing (trucking services).

In the coming weeks, the shoring tower erection will begin on the west side of the project. This will provide temporary support for the retractable roof structural steel. Erection of these shoring towers will continue through June. Erection of the retractable roof will continue through August 2011. Structal is the fabricator of the structural steel and LPR Construction Co. is the erector. Miami-based D.K.G. & Associates, Ltd. is providing a significant amount of the mobilization and shoring tower efforts for this portion of the project.