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Story and Photos by Pat Krause

The Firebirds Acrisure Arena celebrated another milestone in building this massive new addition to the Coachella Valley. On Wednesday, February 16th, they held a "TOPPING OUT" ceremony. This is the placement of the last primary steel beam that closes the top of the structure. This is the final beam to be placed on this 300,000 square foot, 11,500 seat arena. There were 5,100 steel pieces in this Arena, and this is the last one of the steel framing portions.

This exciting event was where workers, owners, sponsors, partners, and guests signed the steel beam. The event symbolized the celebration of the hard-working men and women that are part of the construction of this Arena. People were busy putting their names on this beam painted white with the Firebirds logo in several places. Men and women in orange and green safety vests were all over the grounds. They are proud of what they accomplished, and it showed in their smiles as they signed the beam. The workers were treated to a taco lunch menu after the event.

Founder Tim Leiweke thanks the workers, Photo by Pat Krause

The excitement builds each time a new milestone is reached. They said over 160 workers daily on-site, and there have been no injuries. I was one of the lucky ones to sign my name. Everyone was in awe as the beam was hoisted into place by a giant crane. 2 men stood on top, waiting to place the beam. They walked across the beam when it was in place, shook hands, and then waved to the crowd below. They are protected against falling but scary to see them up so high. More than 75% of the workers have come from Riverside County. This venue will create hundreds of permanent and temporary jobs for people who need housing, etc.

A small tree was placed atop the beam as a centuries-old symbol to show that no structure is taller in spirit than a tree. The American Flag was placed at the opposite end of the beam. The placement of this beam marks one of the biggest moments to date. This will start the work on enclosing the Arena. Everyone who spoke said they were thankful for the unionized tradespeople who safely and successfully kept this Arena's building on target. They are all excited and waiting for the day the Acrisure Arena will open.

Dan Griffis, Robert Norvelle, Troy Bodie, Steve Fraser, Tim Leiweke and John Bolton, Photo by Pat Krause

The Acrisure Arena will be visible from the highway as people drive by. They will see this magnificent structure, but I was amazed at a depth of the Arena. The Arena's base is shallow, and you can see where the seating will be and the Ice floor. A lot has yet to be done before the first hockey game in December. This world-class Arena is not just for hockey. They will be announcing some of the biggest names in music for concerts. The Arena will also accommodate large meetings, conventions, international and awards events and exhibitions. They will also announce new partners shortly, and this Arena is fully funded by private money.

They have prioritized green initiatives in the planning, making it the best. They will be solar panels covering the parking spaces and electric vehicle charging stations. Every detail has been looked at to make it the best and the biggest in the World. Everything, in fact, up to waterless urinals, weatherproof skin, fuel efficiencies all around while protecting the view. Speakers included. Founder Tim Leiweke, Steve Collins-CEO Oak View Group, Robert Hart, Executive Vice President of AECOM Hunt, Bill Deiter, Project Executive for AECOM Hunt, and John Bolton-General Manager of Acrisure Arena and SVP Oak View Group along with Architect Robert Norvelle. Look for more big news coming.