HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Crews began the process of lifting the precast concrete panels that will make up the north end of the Hutchinson Sports Arena expansion.

The panels came in on semi trucks overnight and work got under way early this morning getting the panels in place. The panels, which can weigh as much as 30 tons, are lifted off of the trucks with two cranes. A single crane lifts the panels into place where they are welded to steel anchors attached to concrete footings.

Work also continues in the interior of the building as crews get ready for the renovation of the arena’s bowl. That will come May 23rd following the last graduation ceremony.