Barclays Quickly Taking Shape

Barclays Center continues to rise, with the shape of its arched roof the latest sign that a June 2012 completion date is realistic.  It's on-time, fully funded, and the Nets are about to start selling ticket packages for the 2012-2013 season. And it's taking shape, looking more and more like an arena.

As the Record reports, precast concrete steps will be put in place within the next 30 days or so. The first part of the facade is expected to be in place by mid-July, and the roof should be in place by year’s end. Already the first of six roof trusses is up, giving a sense of the arena's height to those passing by on Atlantic or Flatbush avenues. Brett Yormark says a "soft launch" of concerts can be expected in summer 2012, then the Nets in October.

The rest of Bruce Ratner's $5 billion Atlantic Yards project is slow to match the progress at the "billion dollar arena", John Brennan adds. There's the uncertain start date and lack of financing for the residential towers; some embarrassing phone call transcripts released as part of an indictment; a controversial funding method that trades green cards for financing; and the latest: plans to build a 34-story tower next to the arena using prefabricated components.

• Nets' new home moving forward - John Brennan - The Record
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