It’s an industry tradition – celebrating the halfway point of construction as the final steel beam in the framework of the outdoor theater canopy is put in place.
Pioneer Construction President and CEO, Tim Schowalter says Friday’s ceremony gave an opportunity for workers and project partners to take pride in the progress made since breaking ground in May 2024.
They signed the beam before it was put in place.
The topping off ceremony traditionally marks the completion of the vertical steel construction, and dates to the late 1800s in the U.S. when many iron workers were Native American and hanging an evergreen from the steel beam had spiritual significance.
An American flag is also hung from the beam to demonstrate pride in U.S. construction.
When complete, the canopy will be roughly the size of a football field, covering the stage and about 75 percent of the seating area to provide protection from sun and rain and enhance acoustics.
Full construction is on track for completion in May 2026.
