Dallas

McKinney Stadium Issues Not a ‘Life Safety Concern,' According to First of Investigator's Three Reports

The problems are thought to be different than those that plagued Allen ISD in 2014

The first of three reports on excessive cracking in McKinney ISD's yet-to-be-opened $69.9 million football stadium indicates the district is dealing with far less of a nightmare than did its neighbor, Allen ISD.

"The cracking at the home side concourse slab-on-grade is excessive and unsightly; however, does not presently compromise the strength to the slabs or otherwise pose a life safety concern," says the report, described as preliminary in nature and sent to Rob Daake, an attorney representing McKinney ISD, on May 15 by Nelson Forensics.

NBC 5 asked a civil engineer who is not involved in the project to review the preliminary report. Tom Witherspoon agreed the cracks don't appear to be structural. He agrees that Allen ISD's stadium, built on an elevated slab, saw a much different cause to its cracking which closed the stadium for repairs back in 2014.

"That was a serious safety issue that had to be addressed," said Witherspoon. "This is an irritation and it wasn't done right."

McKinney ISD spokesman Cody Cunningham told NBC 5 two more reports are expected this week. Each report will focus on two other areas where excessive cracking has been seen.

If the cracks do not pose a threat to safety, Cunningham said the district would have more flexibility in how to proceed with repairs. 

Last week, the companies involved in the design and construction of the stadium and event center assured the public taxpayers would not be on the hook for the cost of additional repairs.

District officials retain hope that McKinney ISD Stadium and Community Event Center will be ready for high school football's Aug. 30 regular season kickoff.

Read more from our media partner The Dallas Morning News.

Officials with the McKinney Independent School District say they don't know when their new $70 million stadium and event center will open after several cracks have been found in the concrete.
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