Cowboys Name Lead Contractor for New Stadium

Manhattan Construction Co. will be the lead general contractor for the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium, the Cowboys said Wednesday. The stadium is scheduled to open in Arlington in time for the 2009 NFL season,Tulsa-based Manhattan will work with minority-owned firms Grand Prairie-based Rayco Construction Inc. and Dallas-based 3i Construction to direct the construction of the 100,000-seat stadium, which has been designed by Dallas-based architect HKS Inc. The design calls for a retractable roof, open end zones linked to fan decks and artificial turf. Shops, restaurants and an interactive hall of fame also will be part of the complex. "As a consultant, Manhattan has been a part of our organization as we progressed through the development of this stadium project," Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones said in a written statement. "The experience they have in this type of construction is invaluable, having worked right here in Texas on Reliant Stadium in Houston and Ameriquest Field in Arlington." With 110 years of experience in the industry, Manhattan Construction Co. is well-known for its management of large and complex projects, the Cowboys said. Adding Rayco Construction and 3i Construction to the construction team shows the Cowboys' commitment to involving minority firms in every step of the project, Jones added. Rayco Construction Inc. is a general construction company with 25 years of experience, including contracts with Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the federal General Services Administration. 3i Construction Inc. is a general construction company that has been in business for six years and has major contracts with D/FW Airport, the Dallas Independent School District and the University of North Texas. Spokesmen from 3i and Rayco were unavailable for immediate comment on Wednesday.