The world’s first domed stadium was also one of the largest construction challenges of the 20th century, creating innovations that ushered in a new era for sports events stadiums across the U.S. The brain child of the legendary entrepreneur Judge Roy Hofheinz, who based his idea on the Roman Coliseum, the project soon required a unique collaboration between general contractor Lott and engineer Moore. The design of the roof, based on a steel lamellar (criss-cross) truss pattern, had to be amended during construction to slightly flatten the dome’s arch. Foundation conditions also changed plans due to a new paving process employed to stabilize the soil. Solutions had to be invented on the spot. The result was an 18-story structure 710 feet in diameter, the world’s second longest steel span at that time. Air conditioning for the 66,000 seat stadium was designed by engineer Jack Boyd Buckley.