Metal Roof Complements Colorado Amphitheater’s Modern Aesthetic

The Ford Amphitheater is an 8,000-seat outdoor venue nestled in Colorado Springs, Colorado, offering stunning views of Pikes Peak, fondly known as “America’s Mountain.” The venue is beautifully framed by the United States Air Force Academy stadium to the left and the striking, iconic Air Force chapel to the right, creating an unforgettable setting for any event.

It features a combination of permanent seating, 92 luxurious fire-pit suites and a spacious lawn area for those who prefer to enjoy the concert under the stars. It’s designed to deliver a top-tier concert experience for the residents of Southern Colorado, without the need to trek up to Redrocks Amphitheater in Denver (another S-5! snow guard project). 

The stage cover boasts a 1-1/2-inch Berridge Double-Lock Zee-Lock, 24-gauge standing seam metal roof, equipped with a S-5! ColorGard snow retention system, including S-5-UTM clamps and the SnoClipTM II. Finished in a striking Matte Black color to match the roof, the roof seamlessly complements the venue’s modern aesthetic.

The Challenge

The new 14,580 square foot roof, soaring up to 70 feet above the stage floor, is exposed to extreme weather conditions, including high winds (up to 100 mph), snow and ice. Without an effective snow retention system, snowpack and ice could easily escape, posing a serious risk to performers, concertgoers and expensive equipment.

Also, given the large scale of the roof and the “Class 6 Assembly facility”—designed for public gatherings—the installation of a snow retention system was not only crucial for safety but also required to comply with building codes.

A high-quality, long-lasting aesthetically pleasing snow retention system was necessary to prevent snow and ice from sliding off the metal roof, ensuring the safety of all in the venue while maintaining the structure’s aesthetic integrity.

The Solution

Standing seam metal roofing is renowned for its exceptional performance in high-wind conditions, due to its attachment methods and interlocking installation where roof panels are joined together and attached to the building’s structure, reducing the ability of wind to disrupt the panels. Metal roofing lends itself to high-wind areas because it can be engineered during the design phase to easily withstand nearly any uplift force.

Extensively tested for load-to-failure, ColorGard dramatically reduces the risks associated with rooftop avalanches, offering enhanced safety. Its sleek, seamless appearance not only perfectly matches the color of the roof, but also elevates the overall aesthetic with a visually appealing look.

TEAM

Architect: BCA Studios Architects, Gainesville, Georgia, bca-studios.com
Engineer: Martin/Martin Consulting Engineers, Lakewood, Colorado, www.martinmartin.com
General Contractor: Executive Custom Construction, Colorado Springs, Colorado  [no website]
Roofing Contractor: Highline Roofing & Gutters, Aurora, Colorado, www.highlineroofandgutter.com

MATERIALS

Roof: Berridge Manufacturing Co., San Antonio, Texas, www.berridge.com
Clamps and Snow Guards: S-5!, Colorado Springs, Colorado, www.s-5.com