Ninyo & Moore, a SOCOTEC Company, played a key role in the successful construction of Snapdragon Stadium—part of San Diego State University’s $530 million Mission Valley West Campus redevelopment.
Key Information
Project name: San Diego State University - Snapdragon Stadium
Client: San Diego State University (SDSU)
Location: San Diego, California
Date: 2025
Services Provided: Materials Testing, Laboratory Testing, Construction Inspection & Testing

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Project Summary
Ninyo & Moore, a SOCOTEC Company in the USA, played a key role in the successful construction of Snapdragon Stadium—part of San Diego State University’s. The 35,000-seat multi-use stadium was built to host sports, entertainment, and university events, but presented several engineering and logistical challenges:
- Challenging Site Conditions: Construction began at a new location on-site while remediation work was underway elsewhere on the property.
- Global Fabrication: Structural steel and key components were manufactured in Thailand, Mexico, and China, requiring cross-border inspection coordination.
- Diverse Project Scope: In addition to the stadium, the project included infrastructure for future university growth, residential and hospitality zones, and 85 acres of Riverpark and open space.
Given the scale and complexity, SDSU needed an experienced partner for construction materials testing, inspections, and engineering oversight.
Project Details
Integrated Testing, Inspection & Quality Control
Ninyo & Moore, a SOCOTEC Company, provided end-to-end support, ensuring compliance and structural integrity through every phase, from pre-construction meeting, to the final special inspection:
- Materials Laboratory Testing: Laboratory analysis confirmed all materials met project specifications and building standards. Our labs are fully accredited by recognized agencies.
- Reinforced Concrete & Structural Steel Inspections: Our experts, accredited by the International Code Council (ICC), inspected and tested reinforced concrete placement and examined structural steel for potential defects—critical steps for long-term durability.
- International Oversight: We provided third-party inspections and testing at overseas fabrication shops (Mexico, China and Thailand), ensuring consistent quality from production to delivery.
- Collaborative Communication: Our team worked closely with SDSU general contractors, designers and project managers, providing real-time data and responsive insights to keep the project on track.
Built to Endure, Designed to Grow
Our involvement delivered clear benefits:
- Reliable Quality: Comprehensive testing minimized risk and ensured compliance with regulatory and performance benchmarks.
- Seamless Logistics: International inspections helped avoid delays and ensured ready-to-install components.
- Future-Ready Foundation: The stadium's successful delivery supports SDSU’s broader development goals and reinforces their leadership in resilient, community-focused infrastructure.
Partner with SOCOTEC for Complex Construction Projects
Snapdragon Stadium exemplifies how SOCOTEC supports high-performance construction through expert testing, inspections, and engineering services. Whether your next project is a stadium, university expansion, or large-scale development, we’re here to help you build with confidence.