By: Contech Engineered Solutions
Project Summary
The 2023 NCSPA Special Application Project of the Year helped transform the former Hollywood Park Racetrack into SoFi Stadium, one of the most recognizable sports venues in the world. Corrugated steel pipe caissons played a critical role in the stadium’s innovative seismic foundation system, helping support construction in one of California’s most active earthquake regions.
From Historic Racetrack to World-Class Stadium
For more than 75 years, Hollywood Park Racetrack served as a landmark destination in Inglewood, California. Opened in 1938, the facility hosted horse racing and entertainment events for generations before closing in 2014.
Its closure created an opportunity for one of the most ambitious redevelopment projects in Southern California. Plans called for transforming the 300-acre site into a modern entertainment district anchored by a new indoor stadium, public gathering spaces, and supporting amenities.
The result would become SoFi Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers. Located only a few miles from Los Angeles International Airport, the venue would eventually host major sporting events while accommodating more than 70,000 spectators.
Submitted by Contech Engineered Solutions, the project earned recognition as the 2023 NCSPA Special Application Project of the Year for its innovative use of corrugated steel pipe within the stadium’s foundation system.
Designing for California’s Seismic Conditions
Building a stadium of this scale presented significant engineering challenges.
Southern California’s seismic activity required a foundation system capable of performing during earthquake events while supporting the immense loads associated with the stadium structure. Engineers ultimately developed a foundation concept that functioned similarly to a bridge on rollers, allowing portions of the structure to move independently from surrounding soils during seismic activity.
This innovative approach required large-diameter foundation elements that could support the stadium while accommodating movement when necessary.
Projects involving complex structural applications continue to demonstrate the versatility of steel infrastructure systems. Engineers evaluating similar applications can explore NCSPA’s Technical Resources and Design Data Sheets for additional engineering guidance.
Corrugated Steel Pipe Becomes Part of the Foundation
To bring the design to life, the project team utilized large-diameter corrugated steel pipe caissons as isolation casings surrounding structural concrete support columns.
Working with Kiewit Infrastructure West, Contech supplied heavy-gage corrugated steel pipe designed to function as a casing and air gap between the concrete columns and surrounding backfill materials. These components played an important role in the stadium’s unique foundation system.
The completed foundation included approximately 13,000 linear feet of 96-inch and 108-inch diameter corrugated steel pipe along with an additional 12,000 linear feet of 30-inch, 42-inch, and 54-inch diameter pipe. The 10-gage pipe utilized a 3×1 corrugation profile that met demanding structural requirements while supporting significant loading conditions.
Support columns reached heights approaching 100 feet in some locations, highlighting the scale of the project and the demands placed on the foundation system.
Meeting Tight Construction Deadlines
Large infrastructure projects often face changing conditions and aggressive schedules. SoFi Stadium was no exception.
Because the project utilized a design-build delivery approach, requirements evolved continuously throughout construction. Contech remained closely involved throughout the process, responding quickly to changing material demands and construction schedules.
The company leveraged multiple nearby manufacturing facilities to support production requirements and maintain project momentum. One particularly important advantage was the use of a mobile mill, a portable manufacturing system capable of producing corrugated steel pipe directly at or near project sites.
The ability to rapidly produce materials helped keep the project moving despite weather delays and changing project requirements. Similar innovations continue to support major transportation and infrastructure projects, including the award-winning Union Pacific Bridge Replacement and the Exit 41 Interchange, where construction efficiency played a critical role in project success.
A Foundation Built for the Future
The transformation of Hollywood Park into SoFi Stadium represents one of the largest redevelopment projects completed in Southern California in recent years.
Today, the stadium serves as a centerpiece for entertainment, sports, and community events. Beneath the venue, thousands of feet of corrugated steel pipe continue supporting an innovative foundation system designed to withstand demanding conditions for decades to come.
The project demonstrates how corrugated steel pipe applications extend far beyond traditional drainage infrastructure. From transportation projects to large-scale structural applications, steel solutions continue to provide engineers with flexible and durable options for challenging environments.
Additional information on long-term steel performance can be found through NCSPA’s Studies & Reports and Service Life Calculator.
The SoFi Stadium project stands as a remarkable example of how innovative engineering and corrugated steel pipe technology can contribute to some of the most recognizable construction projects in North America.