Kent Event Center

The roof structure incorporates large custom steel trusses spanning the main arena area and creating a consistent roof system over the playing surface and seating bowl.

The trusses were assembled at ground level before being lifted and erected as complete, full-length assemblies. This erection strategy placed significant importance on dimensional control throughout modeling, detailing and fabrication.

According to the project records, the completed roof system bolted together without a single erection issue—an important result for a structure composed of large, preassembled long-span trusses.

Steel framing coordinated with retractable seating.

One of the project’s defining operational features is its retractable seating system. The system allows the arena to transition between ice hockey, basketball, concerts and other event layouts.

The supporting structural steel had to accommodate the movement and storage of the seating sections while maintaining the required relationships between the seating bowl, event floor and surrounding building structure.

This required careful definition of the steel framing around the retractable system and coordination with the equipment’s operational clearances.

Overhead access for arena systems and the center scoreboard.

The structure also includes a suspended catwalk system above the arena floor. The catwalk provides access to lighting, overhead services and other systems located within the roof structure.

Additional suspended steel supports the large center-hung scoreboard above the playing area. The catwalk, scoreboard support and long-span roof framing had to be coordinated as interconnected elements within the overhead arena structure.