Cotton Bowl Stadium

Size (sq ft)

150,000

HEI Project Profile - Long

The phased renovation of the historic Cotton Bowl Stadium focused on modernizing the west tower while preserving the venue’s legacy as one of college football’s most iconic stages. Improvements included new clubs, suites, restrooms, concourses, concessions, and a writing press mezzanine. New food service spaces and escalators on the north and south ends of the tower improved comfort and circulation, while upgrades to lighting, electrical, and mechanical systems enhanced performance and efficiency. To maintain the stadium’s event schedule, construction was strategically phased over two years –pausing during the Texas State Fair – with the first phase completed in time for the 2024 OU/Texas game and final completion in September 2025. Henderson Engineers provided engineering design services for the renovation, including a new air-cooled chiller, fan coil units, and replacement of the existing chilled water piping system. When the team discovered significant corrosion in the existing piping during construction, Henderson collaborated closely with the contractor to design and implement a new air-cooled chiller solution on an accelerated timeline. This approach not only kept the project on schedule but also added system redundancy for long-term reliability. Through close coordination with architects, contractors, and city stakeholders, Henderson ensured all systems were seamlessly integrated to support the client’s operational goals and deliver a modernized west tower ready for game day.

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