INGLEWOOD, Calif. – Hosting the College Football Championship game exposed flaws in the building design of the multi-billion SoFi Stadium.
Although the stadium has received awards and recognition for its structural design, basic things like making sure people don’t slip and fall on the wet flooring fell by the wayside. The stadium was built with openings on the North and South side of the structure which allowed water to come indoors while it was raining. The wet surfaces caused injuries to some attendees.
When people walked on surfaces covered in rainwater, they slipped. Some got injured.
That part is astounding. It represents a failure of imagination for the engineers and lawyers, who should have ensured that any surfaces that could become wet would have a non-slip surface.
It’s inexcusable, frankly. Especially since the facility relies on people showing up for events there. Basic safety measures are a must, and SoFi Stadium obviously bears responsibility for every injury that occurred.
SoFi Stadium gets an ‘F’ for its performance in the rain
SoFi Stadium was built as an indoor/outdoor stadium but the floor is entirely too slippery tonight in the rain. Multiple people are slipping and falling and having to be helped out on stretchers. pic.twitter.com/j7awcw8Q8E
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) January 10, 2023
It is not immediately known if the City of Inglewood’s Building and Safety department would have been over the approval process of the flooring but its not a good look to pay thousands of dollars to attend a sporting event only to be carted out by medical professionals.
Kroenke also should immediately order a full study to be conducted of all surfaces on which human beings may be walking. If a new covering is needed to minimize the possibility of slipping and falling, it should be selected and implemented as soon as possible.
What does Kroenke care? When the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics roll into town, it will be during dry season but then again there have been previous reports of a sewage pipe bursting near the luxurious field level suites during a Los Angeles Rams game.
Related: I HAD A CRAPPY TIME AT THE RAMS GAME!!! Sewage Spill Near Suite
While the stadium was being built, Inglewood had an an early morning earthquake that hit around 6 a.m.
Mayor Butts was so concerned about the structure that during a city council meeting he shared with the public he got up and drove past the stadium to see if there was any damage.
It was widely reported that construction workers shared with reporters they were under significant amounts of pressure to get the stadium open on time which resulted in multiple safety issues befalling the Turner AECOM Hunt joint venture, including the deaths of many workers.
What’s next?
