Allen’s $60M Football Stadium Deemed ‘Not Safe'; Will Close For 2014

(ALLEN, TEXAS) - The Dallas Morning News is reporting that the newly opened Eagle Stadium in Allen, Texas will not host any events in 2014 and maybe beyond. The $60 million dollar crown jewel of the city was found to have extensive cracks in the concourse level just 2 months ago. Allen ISD officials say that design flaws have led to the problems, forcing them to close the venue.

PBK Architects, the firm who designed the stadium, previously stated that the problems were due to shrinkage in the concrete. Allen ISD officials have since commissioned an independent analysis of the structure. Those findings point to design flaws, including support structures that were not designed in a way to hold the kind of weight that was placed upon them.

“The stadium is not safe for public assembly,” Superintendent Lance Hindt said. Nelson Forensics’ analysis is at least 70 percent complete, Hindt said. The final report is expected in June.

The closure is sure to be a black eye for the community, who was already reeling from the embarrassment of the news of the cracks back in February. The Allen football team will play it's home games in neighboring Plano. Allen will pay Plano $5,300 for field rental each time.

The 18,000 seat stadium opened on August 31, 2012 with a non-district matchup between Allen and Southlake Carroll. The stadium is largest which serves as home field for only one high school. The Eagles are undefeated to date (11-0) when playing in Eagle Stadium and have won 2 state championships (2012, 2013) in 2 seasons playing at Eagle Stadium.

Here's a look inside the stadium: