Dive Brief:

• Even though the $1.8 billion NFL stadium that will one day be home to the Las Vegas Raiders has stayed on budget and on schedule, the challenge of navigating the issues that accompany such a large project has kept Las Vegas Stadium Co. Cheif Operating Officer Don Webb up at night, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. 
• The construction effort, led by the joint venture of Mortenson Construction and McCarthy Building Cos., almost suffered a two-month setback when delivery of the project's structural steel order was delayed by more than 50 days, but a reorganization of the workflow — i.e. proceeding with finish work despite a risk of weather damage in areas not yet dried-in — preserved the original completion date. The potential impact of tariffs on millions of dollars’ worth of high-tech electronics, a tight supply of skilled ironworkers and the installation of a first-of-its-kind cable net roof have also required some extra planning.
• Raiders President Marc Badain told the Review-Journal that Mortenson-McCarthy has never missed a deadline and that he has every confidence that the construction team will continue its current level of performance, despite a laundry list of concerns, and will have the stadium ready for the team’s first kickoff in 2020.  

Dive Insight:

During the last report to the Las Vegas Stadium Authority earlier this month, Webb told officials that the stadium is now 44% complete, the Review-Journal reported. Eleven of the venue's 26 65-ton canopy trusses have been installed, creating almost half of the framework that will eventually support the roof. 

The owner's budget for the project has also increased by $40 million due to the sales of suites, personal seat licenses, club seats and sponsorships above what was originally projected. For personal seat licenses alone, the team has already reached 85% of its goal of $290 million and expects to exceed that number. The extra money will help fund the 20 additional suites the team is building. Because Las Vegas is such a tourist draw and already has plenty of hotel rooms to meet NFL requirements, many believe that the city is on track to win a spot hosting the league's Super Bowl.

The additional suites have a budget of $8 million, and the additional $32 million will go toward upgrades to fixtures and artwork ($10 million); enhanced technology and communication features inside the venue ($4 million); more robust internet and security ($4 million); seating upgrades ($2 million); additional restroom facilities outside the stadium ($2 million); and a 26,000-square-foot club-level section that can accommodate 800 people ($10 million).