State Supplement sponsored by:
TEXAS STATE EDITION
A Supplement to:
WINTER SPECIAL
2% financing* on ®
December 10 2017
Gorilla Hydraulic Breakers • 2% Financing for 24 Months!!* • Models from 250-13,500 ft. lbs. • Prices up to 50% below the competition • Ships in 48 hours to typical carriers • Fully supported by a 75-year family-owned business • Programs available for ALL buyers!*
CALL 800-367-4937
Vol. III • No. 25
“The Nation’s Best Read Construction Newspaper… Founded in 1957.”
Your Texas Connection • Dennis Hogeboom • 1-877-7CEGLTD • dennishogeboom@cegltd.com
AND START
STUFF TODAY!
www.gorillahammers.com *On approved credit
Fort Worth Builds New $540M Venue for Major Events By Cindy Riley CEG CORRESPONDENT
Construction of a $540 million multi-purpose venue that will include space for major sporting events, rodeos, concerts and graduation ceremonies is under way in Fort Worth, Texas. When it opens in 2019, the 14,000-seat Dickies Arena will glisten as the latest jewel in the city’s crown. “We’re one of the fastest-growing large cities in the U.S. over the past decade, now the 16th largest,” said Bill Thornton, president and CEO, Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce. “We had outgrown the Will Rogers Memorial Center and the Convention Center Arena and needed a larger, newer venue for existing events and to attract new ones.” Upon completion, Dickies Arena will serve as the new home for the Fort Worth Stock Show rodeo performances. The adjacent 1930s-era Will Rogers Memorial Coliseum, which seats roughly 2,800, will continue to serve as a major equestrian venue. The Convention Center arena, built in 1968, has a capacity of 13,000, but lacks the technology capabilities the new arena will provide. “Although in the region we have AT&T Cowboys Stadium in Arlington and American Airlines Center in Dallas, Fort Worth needed our own state-of-the art venue,”
said Thornton. “We are looking forward to arena events attracting residents from the North Texas region and visitors from the entire Southwest to our cultural district, where the arena is situated, and introducing them to all we have to offer in Fort Worth.” The local economy will clearly benefit from the new arena. According to Thornton, the new construction will employ dozens of workers and have a positive impact on suppliers, hotels and restaurants in the area. “Also, there is an immense loyalty to the beloved Will Rogers Memorial Center, and what’s special about Dickies Arena is that it
Multipurpose Arena Fort Worth photo
Cranes, lifts, dump trucks and other heavy machinery dot the landscape, as work continues on various aspects of the project.
Multipurpose Arena Fort Worth photo
When it opens in 2019, the 14,000-seat Dickies Arena will glisten as the latest jewel in the city’s crown.
will be a state-of-the art facility, but maintain the art deco architectural influence of Will Rogers and be a complement to our western heritage.” The community voted overwhelmingly in favor of the arena in three ballot propositions in 2014, and interest in the project hasn’t waned. “When a special bond issue was made available to residents to invest in the arena, $240 million in bonds were sold within a day,” said Thornton. “Once the sports events and concerts begin happening, people will really be buzzing with excitement. “This arena will become home
to the legendary Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, which attracts a million visitors annually from throughout the country. The new arena, including the exterior space, will allow for larger audiences and more dining and musical entertainment during the stock show.” He added, “We’re fortunate that we have such strong leadership in the private sector, a collaborative city government and engaged citizens to bring these projects into reality. As Mayor Betsy Price said, this will allow generations to enjoy new experiences and make lasting memories in Fort Worth.” The total project cost includes see DICKIES page 4
Earthmover parts and components Eakin At Eakin Industries, we dismantle late model heavy equipment, and offer those to dealers and equipment operators around the world. Industries LLC good used components Do business locally! We are in Cleveland, TX Earthmover Parts and Components.
281-978-4351 • Email: Damien@eakinindustries.com • www.eakinindustries.com