Classic Center Arena

Classic Center Arena – Athens, Georgia

Location: Athens, Georgia
Client: Kansas City Structural Steel
Project Type: Institutional – Arena & Event Facility
Scope: Steel Detailing for Structural Framework, Trusses, Stairs, Catwalks, and Complex Connection Assemblies

Project Overview

The Classic Center Arena is a premier event and performance venue designed to host concerts, sporting events, and large public gatherings. The facility’s structural design incorporates complex geometry, multi-level circulation systems, and extensive steel framing to support large open spans and elevated access zones.

Structures Online (SOL) provided comprehensive steel detailing services for this project, focusing on constructability, accuracy, and coordination across multiple intricate structural systems. The project required high-precision modeling to accommodate intersecting members, elevated platforms, and access systems while maintaining alignment with architectural and safety requirements.

Scope of Work

Multi-Beam Connection Junction
This connection represents a highly intricate multi-beam junction, where several beams intersect at varying angles and elevations. The detailing required precise alignment of beam axes, coordinated bolt patterns, weld sizes, and plate thicknesses to ensure structural integrity without clashes during fabrication or erection.

Multi-Flight Staircase with Platform
A multi-flight stair system integrated with an elevated connecting platform was detailed using a combination of beams and columns. The scope included accurate modeling of stringers, treads, risers, handrails, and landing frames, ensuring compliance with design geometry and site constraints.

Structural Steel Truss System
The arena features a steel truss structure composed of top and bottom chords, verticals, and diagonal members. Each truss joint was detailed with gusset plates, splice connections, and weld specifications to ensure fabrication precision and efficient field erection.

Catwalk System
A comprehensive steel catwalk system was detailed to provide safe and efficient access around the structure. The system includes grated flooring, handrails, toe plates, and supporting beams, all modeled with exact dimensions and connection details for fabrication accuracy and code compliance.

Column Base Plate and Anchor Bolt Connections
This connection incorporates base plates with welded studs and anchor bolts, detailing both vertical and sloped column bases. Precise orientation, weld profiles, and embedment details were modeled to ensure accurate load transfer and constructability at the foundation interface

Key Deliverables

• Detailed 3D models for complex connection nodes, trusses, stairs, and catwalk systems.

• Shop and fabrication drawings with coordinated bolt layouts, weld specifications, and plate details.

• Base plate and anchor bolt drawings for accurate foundation integration.

• CNC-ready data and erection-friendly assemblies to support      efficient fabrication and installation.

Project Outcome

Through detailed coordination and advanced modeling, Structures Online contributed to the successful execution of the Classic Center Arena, ensuring that complex structural systems were delivered with accuracy and efficiency. The project highlights SOL’s capability to manage highly congested connections, multi-level access systems, and large-span structural framing, resulting in a venue that balances architectural ambition with engineering excellence.