Collins Company was brought in by Hellas Construction to support one of the most high-profile stadium builds in NFL history—SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA. Our team was tasked with designing and installing custom padding for field-level drink rails and a retractable netting system for the field goal areas. Both systems required innovative thinking, creative engineering, and flawless execution during a time when COVID protocols and construction delays were at their peak.
The SoFi project posed unique and unprecedented challenges. The drink rails surrounding the sunken skyboxes at field level had never been padded before—requiring Collins Co. to develop a completely new solution that was removable (but tamper-resistant), safe for high-speed impact, and visually clean. At the same time, SoFi needed a retractable field goal netting system that could be deployed quickly during games, then fully removed for concerts and events.
Installation required creative design reviews, dozens of mockups, engineering around structural limitations, and working 90 feet in the air—often at night—under strict pandemic conditions. The entire stadium was still under active construction, adding even more coordination complexity.
Working closely with designers and field engineers, Collins Co. developed a drink rail padding system using flush-mount hardware that locked securely in place—but could still be serviced or replaced when needed. Our padding team completed rapid on-site installs in sync with SoFi’s fast-moving construction schedule.
For the retractable field goal netting system, we collaborated with an engineering design team to provide stamped drawings and ensure the system met all structural and safety requirements. While the cable rigging was permanently installed, the netting itself was designed to be easily deployed and retracted as needed—allowing quick setup during games and complete removal for events like concerts. The installation required a highly coordinated, overnight effort with a 10-person crew working 90 feet in the air to protect sensitive materials and maintain an active construction schedule.
Despite enormous complexity and a hard deadline, the Collins Co. team delivered on every front. SoFi Stadium opened on time with all custom padding and netting systems installed, tested, and fully operational. Our work has been featured on national broadcasts, including the Super Bowl—and we continue to support SoFi Stadium with ongoing upgrades and solutions.
“Collins Company executed flawlessly on this high-stakes, high-visibility project with zero room for error. Their ability to problem-solve under pressure and meet extremely tight deadlines in such a complex build makes them an exceptional, invaluable partner." — Hellas Project Manager
