Building The Future Together

Hunzinger Construction is proud to have built the original Amphitheater back in 1987, and of being chosen to lead the team working with Milwaukee World Festivals on this dazzling upgrade at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater.  Raising the roof to almost twice the height of the current roof, from 39 feet to 65 feet is a challenging feat that called for extensive pre-planning, bringing in the right experienced team members together, and precision execution that involved critical engineering analysis and highly skilled tradespeople.  Approximately half of the current roof was raised, from the stage out to the end of the current reserved seating sections 1-3, which is approximately 24,100 square feet (1/2 acre), and weighing 607,000 pounds.  The lift expands stage production capabilities in the Amphitheater, which will now have the ability to host larger and more complex tours. 

 

“This project is very special to me because I ran the construction crews that built the Amphitheater 32 years ago and I am here again supervising this amazing renovation,” said Joel Becker, Vice President Field Operations Hunzinger Construction Company.  “This roof structure was lifted with 8 Strand Jacks using the Amphitheater’s permanent structural system. It’s a very high tech, efficient and safe method that required constructing a minimal temporary structure to accomplish the lift. Each strand jack’s capacity varies from 95 tons to 201 tons, depending on location.  The Strand Jacks work in unison, controlled by a computerized Master Panel.  This system allows the roof structure to be lifted gradually and uniformly,” Becker continued. “After our work is complete, the American Family Insurance Amphitheater will endure as a premier venue for years.” 

The first phase of the American Family Insurance Amphitheater construction is currently on schedule and will continue into June 2019.  Immediately following Summerfest, we will resume construction on the second phase of work which includes new food and beverage options and hospitality areas, added concourse space, new and remodeled restrooms, increased ADA accessibility, and a newly configured seating bowl which will maintain the same seating capacity.  The grand opening is scheduled for Summerfest 2020.

About Hunzinger Construction Company
Hunzinger Construction Company was founded in 1907, is based in Brookfield, WI and has offices in Denver, CO.  Hunzinger is a fourth-generation family owned firm responsible for the construction of many of Southeast Wisconsin’s most significant buildings and venues.  Hunzinger is annually recognized by Engineering News Record (ENR), as one of the top 400 Contractors in the United States.

 

BUILDING THE FUTURE TOGETHER™

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