Inglewood stadium developers working to resolve FAA concerns
Developers of the proposed NFL stadium in Inglewood are working to resolve the Federal Aviation Administration’s concerns about the venue’s impact on radar at nearby Los Angeles International Airport.
“As we advance our design documents, our project has reached the point where it is time to obtain the many permits required of an effort of this scale,” Chris Meany, senior vice president of the Hollywood Park Land Co., said Tuesday in a written statement. “The permit process involves working closely with dozens of relevant agencies like the FAA. We are in the midst of that process now, and fully expect to address and satisfy any issues or concerns that may arise.”
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In a preliminary report issued last month, the FAA said that the $1.86-billion stadium backed by St. Louis Rams owner Stan Kroenke is “presumed to be a hazard to air navigation.” The report isn’t a final determination, but a starting point for negotiations between the FAA and developers.
A primary issue is a large portion of the stadium’s exterior covered in metal skin. The FAA report warned that the building’s proximity to LAX runways plus the metal skin could interfere with radar that tracks inbound aircraft. The report suggested several potential measures to mitigate the problem -- including the far-fetched idea of relocating the stadium -- but covering parts of the stadium with radar-absorbing paint is expected to be part of the solution.
Citing ongoing discussions, an FAA spokesman declined to comment.
The developers have until early January to respond to the FAA report.
Twitter: @nathanfenno
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