‘Huskers Arena Nearly Ready

The University of Nebraska’s under-construction Pinnacle Bank Arena is on track to debut in time for the school’s August graduation ceremony, according to a project manager.

The $179 million, 15,500-capacity arena described as looking like a flying saucer has sold out of tickets for the 2013-14 men’s basketball season. With a steep seating configuration, it could make for an intimidating home-court advantage for those facing the Cornhuskers.

“It’s right on top of the court, so it’ll be a great building for basketball,” said John Hinshaw, project manager for Minneapolis-based M.A. Mortenson Co.

About half of the seats are in the lower bowl, with a portion retractable to make room for convention space or other sporting events. The main entrance was specifically designed to offer a view of the Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln, Neb., rising to the southeast.  There is also an outdoor deck that will be open during warm weather.

The arena is ringed with 36 suites equipped with three rows of four seats, a drink rail, wet bar, cooktop and television.  There are an additional 20 mini-suites with seating for four.

  Mortenson Co. also built the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Mo., Coors Field in Denver and the Target Center and Target Field in Minneapolis. The company also won the contract to build the Minnesota Vikings’ new stadium in downtown Minneapolis.