Case Study: Professional Sports Arena Backup Power

Professional sports arenas are among the most visible and high-profile construction projects in any community. With gigantic scoreboards, luxury boxes, expansive locker rooms, and seating for tens of thousands of spectators, these facilities demand flawless execution from every project partner.

This 714,000-square-foot arena is a transformational development designed to anchor a world-class sports and entertainment district expected to include hotels, restaurants, public plazas, and large-scale gathering spaces. In addition to hosting a professional sports franchise and a Division I college program, the venue will serve as a year-round destination for concerts and major special events.

Four structures within the initial phase required backup power: an office building, a parking structure, a state-of-the-art training center, and the main arena. After a competitive bidding process, Rehlko was selected to provide backup power solutions for all four buildings.

As with many urban developments, available space at the arena site was extremely limited. One of the primary challenges was power density.

There was insufficient room for multiple generators, requiring a single unit capable of delivering the specified 3000 kW within a compact footprint. The solution needed to provide high-output standby performance while accommodating tight installation constraints.

In addition, the generator system had to integrate alongside pre-installed building chillers and incorporate a remote radiator and permanent load bank, all within the restricted footprint.

To meet the space and performance requirements, the project team selected a Rehlko 3250 kW diesel industrial generator. The unit delivers a 3000–3250 kW standby rating and features a brushless permanent-magnet alternator for superior short-circuit capability.

For this installation, the generator was fitted with a remote radiator positioned approximately eight feet away to conserve space. A permanent load bank was integrated to allow operators to exercise the system without requiring rental equipment. A sound-attenuated enclosure was utilized to minimize operational noise, and like all Rehlko enclosures, the unit includes multiple personnel doors and removable panels for easy service access, along with a textured automotive-grade finish for corrosion protection.

“Due to space constraints, we definitely had to get a little creative,” said Alan Grzywacz, generator systems specialist with Total Energy Systems LLC, the authorized Rehlko distributor on the project. “In addition to accounting for the radiator and the load bank, we also had to squeeze the system next to chillers for the building, which were already in place when the unit was installed. Fortunately, our team engineered a rock-solid solution that suited the project perfectly.”

Total Energy Systems worked closely with the general contractor, Mortenson, the primary electrician, Staff Electric, and Rehlko to design and install the backup solution for the arena.

The installed Rehlko generator provides the power required to keep critical circuits operational and ensure the safety and comfort of patrons during utility outages.

The system was delivered on schedule and provides slightly more amperage output than the specified 3000 kW requirement, offering additional operational assurance for facility owners.

“Being involved in a project of this magnitude is always rewarding,” Grzywacz added. “It will definitely be reassuring to know that our Rehlko unit is out there, ready-to-go when it’s needed.”