COLORADO SPRINGS, CO  Mortenson Construction, a leading builder of sports facilities in the U.S., and joint-venture partner GE Johnson Construction, a full-service construction company headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, completes Phase 3 of the Bill Snyder Stadium Master Plan on the Kansas State University campus in Manhattan, Kansas, ahead of schedule and under budget. This important milestone was reached a mere seven months after the project began, and a full month before the Wildcats take on the University of South Dakota Coyotes in the first game of the season.

"Our ability to finish early and under budget was predicated on a "project first" mentality," said Adam Hardy, Senior Project Manager, Mortenson | GE Johnson Construction. "Nearly 1,700 craft workers worked through freezing temperatures, torrential down pours, and 60-hour work weeks to make sure the K-State Family would return to a new-and-improved stadium."

The structure that housed Wildcat football operations since 1972 was demolished in three weeks to make way for the new $65 million Vanier Football Complex, a facility that's twice the size of it's predecessor, with a new locker room, weight room, video room, and a new academic center for student-athletes. The fan experience is enhanced with additional seating, a new party deck, videoboard, and a wider concourse on the north side of the stadium.

"This project was a perfect example of planning the work and working the plan," said Justin Horsch, Senior Superintendent, Mortenson | GE Johnson Construction. "We supported one another and kept the best interest of the Project at the forefront of every decision and that's why we've been successful."

Other factors contributing to the success of the project include:

Integrated project delivery: The entire project team (K-State Athletics, Mortenson | GE Johnson, Populous, and the design consultants) worked together from day one focusing on common goals, full cost transparency to project stakeholders, and target value design.
Advanced Use of VDC: The team leveraged advanced VDC technologies throughout the project to enhance planning, decision-making, collaboration, coordination, and prefabrication.
4D models (created by linking the 3D computer models to time) were utilized during the best value trade partner selection process to ensure every contractor visually understood their scope(s) of work thereby improving pricing and planning.
Virtual reality technology was used to verify the layout and aesthetics of the final product.
Implementation of lean techniques: Lean principles such as daily POD (Plan of the Day) Meetings, Pull-Planning, Last Planner, and Just in Time were utilized to increase productivity and speed of delivery. 
Use of prefabrication and off site assembly: The team utilized precast foundation walls in lieu of traditional cast-in-place; exterior walls were fully constructed on the ground in large sections and flown into place in lieu of traditional stick framing; and all ductwork, conduit, and piping was fabricated off site. Even the lockers were built offsite and assembled in the field.

"The processes, tools and technology that Mortenson | GE Johnson leveraged to make this project successful were world-class," said Clint Dowdle, Chief of Staff and Associate Athletic Director for Administration, K-State Athletics. "But perhaps more importantly were the human elements that were delivered daily throughout the entire process as Mortenson | GE Johnson created a positive atmosphere, were exceptional listeners and communicators, showcased a deep understanding of our vision, and operated like an extension of our Athletic Department."