Project Overview
Allegiant Stadium is the home of the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders and one of the largest entertainment venues in Las Vegas. The Mortenson | McCarthy joint venture delivered the $1.9 billion, 1.8 million-square-foot facility on-time, completing construction in 31 months and just 40 months after the NFL approved the Raiders' move to Las Vegas. The 65,000-seat stadium is publicly owned by the Las Vegas Stadium Authority. The accelerated timeline required early alignment and disciplined execution, setting a new standard for speed and scale in modern NFL stadium construction.
Delivered through an integrated design-build approach, the project brought together more than 200 partners and leveraged digital modeling from the outset to drive performance. The result is a highly flexible venue: a fixed, translucent domed roof paired with a retractable natural grass field that rolls outside the building between events, operable walls that open to a view of the Las Vegas Strip, and a fully connected fan experience.
Key Takeaways:
- Accelerated Stadium Delivery: Completed the $1.97 billion, 1.8 million-square-foot stadium on time in just 31 months, only 40 months after NFL approval of the Raiders’ move to Las Vegas.
- Flexible Entertainment Venue: Built as the home of the Las Vegas Raiders and UNLV Football, with 65,000 seats, a retractable natural turf field, operable walls, premium spaces, and views of the Las Vegas Strip.
- Technology-Forward Fan Experience: Installed one of the most advanced stadium connectivity systems, including over 1,700 Wi-Fi access points, 227 miles of fiber
- Community and Workforce Impact: Exceeded inclusion goals with 23% SBE participation, 63% workforce diversity, 80% local Las Vegas workers, and more than $297 million awarded to small businesses.
- Recognized Industry Achievement: Earned national awards from ENR and AGC for project excellence, highlighting the stadium’s speed, scale, innovation, and community impact.
- Completion Date
July 2020
- Project Cost
$1,900,000,000
- Delivery Method
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Design-Build
LEED/Sustainability Certified
- Additional Project Facts
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1.8 Million Square Feet
65,000 Seats
Delivery at Speed and Scale
The project required alignment early and sustained throughout construction. When the NFL accelerated the Raiders’ relocation timeline by a full season, the schedule left little margin for error and required decisions to be made quickly and with confidence.
Work began before every variable was fully defined, making coordination across teams and disciplines critical from the outset. The team aligned design, procurement, and construction activities to move forward in parallel, maintaining momentum while managing risk.
At peak activity, more than 12,000 workers and over 200 trades were active on site, supported by a detailed project schedule managing tens of thousands of activities. The team maintained progress through disciplined planning, clear accountability, and continuous coordination across stakeholders.
Execution and Coordination
Allegiant Stadium required a high level of coordination across design, construction, and trade partners. The project team operated within a shared digital environment, using a common model to align decisions and manage complex systems throughout the build.
This approach supported more informed decision-making and improved visibility across the project, allowing teams to identify issues early and avoid rework. It also enabled the team to visualize and coordinate key elements before installation, which was critical given the scale and complexity of the design.
Throughout construction, the team focused on identifying efficiencies and managing costs without compromising quality or long-term performance. Solutions were developed in real time, with input from across disciplines, to keep the project moving forward.
Integrated Approach and Owner Alignment
The design-build delivery model created a direct connection between the owner’s vision and the execution of the project. By integrating design and construction teams from the start, the project team was able to incorporate priorities around fan experience, operations, and long-term performance into the building as it took shape.
This structure also supported transparency in decision-making. The team worked to provide clear, realistic input on cost and schedule certainty, helping establish alignment early and maintain it throughout the project.
The joint venture combined Mortenson's national sports and entertainment construction construction experience with established relationships in the Las Vegas market. This local knowledge supported coordination with stakeholders and helped navigate regional requirements as the project progressed.
Lasting Impact
Allegiant Stadium continues to serve as a major destination for events in Las Vegas, hosting professional sports, concerts, and large-scale gatherings. The venue has strengthened the city’s position as a year-round destination for entertainment.
During construction, the project engaged thousands of workers and hundreds of contractors, contributing to the local workforce and business community. These efforts supported local business development both during the build and after completion as the stadium continues to operate as a catalyst for economic activity.
Awards
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Best Project Award, 2022 - Engineering News Record (ENR) - National HQ
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Build America Award, 2021 - Associated General Contractors (AGC) - National
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Best Project Award, 2021 - Engineering News Record (ENR) - National HQ
The Team
Mike O'Rourke
Technology Executive
Adam Hardy
Vice President of Project Development
Aaron Calhoon
Vice President, General Manager
Dave Richardson
Project Executive
Sean Brummer
Senior Superintendent
Logan Gerken
Vice President, General Manager
Michal Wojtak
Director of Integrated Construction
Ian Small
Senior Safety Director
Scott King
Chief Estimator
Joe Yeargan
Design Phase Executive
Sarah Narjes
General Manager
Brian Fitzpatrick
Vice President, General Manager
Avin Kallenbach
Market Executive
Jeremy Chouinard
Director of Design Phase Management
Partners
Additional Resources
09.22.2020 /// YouTube
From the Ground Up: Inside the Building of Allegiant Stadium06.15.2020 /// ENR Southwest
New Las Vegas Stadium Sprints to the Finish Line09.21.2020 /// YouTube
Must-See 4K Timelapse06.01.2020 /// Stadia Magazine
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