Seahawks
Stadium's roof has close to 50 leaks, PSA says

By José Miguel Romero
Seattle Times staff reporter

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About 50 water leaks have appeared throughout Seahawks Stadium, and the Washington State Public Stadium Authority has moved to correct the problem.

The stadium authority (PSA) sent a formal letter to First & Goal, Inc., which represents the Seahawks' interests and is still responsible for correcting defects. The $430 million stadium, which serves as home to the Seahawks and soccer's Seattle Sounders as well as various concerts and other events, will mark its second year of operation this summer. That's when the two-year period for the stadium's warranty provided by First & Goal expires.

Sensing the urgency of repairs before the warranty expires, the PSA is requesting that the leaks be repaired now rather than closer to the June expiration.

"We're sure they'll get it done by June — we just need to give them plenty of time," Kevin Evanto, a spokesperson for the PSA, said of the letter sent to First & Goal.

If the leaks aren't properly repaired, the PSA could go so far as to hire another contractor and bill First & Goal upon completion of repairs. First & Goal contracted Turner Construction to build the stadium.

First & Goal maintains that the leaks are confined to its offices in the north end of the stadium as well as the Sea Gals' locker room and not public areas such as seating or concourses. Brian Surratt, First & Goal's public-affairs manager, said the company has had to wait for days with significant rainfall, such as yesterday, to better determine where leaks can be found.

The PSA's list shows leaks and/or water damage in places such as the visitor's locker room and various storage and auxiliary rooms in the bowels of the stadium. But most of those leaks are either already fixed, being fixed, soon to be addressed or identified with no action as yet taken.

Steve Woo, the PSA's project manager, was unavailable for comment yesterday, though he told The Associated Press that there are about $100,000 in repairs left to be completed by First & Goal.

Ray Colliver, senior director of design and construction for First & Goal, said that the construction warranty can be extended to cover certain areas requiring repair.

José Miguel Romero: 206-464-2409 or jromero@seattletimes.com.

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