Forest City Ratner Companies has awarded Hunt Construction Group the construction contract for the US$800 million Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, that will be the new home of the New Jersey Nets.

The cornerstone and the first building of the larger Atlantic Yards development, the Barclays Center will feature 18,000 seats for basketball and 19,000 seats for concerts, 104 luxury suites, public concourses on two levels, a suite level club restaurant, and an adjoining basketball practice facility.

Designed by Ellerbe Becket and SHoP Architects, the Barclays Center will be constructed using a structural steel superstructure frame with structural precast seating bowl and a weathered steel rain screen facade.

• Haier's deal with Nets is finally announced
• New Jersey Nets secure Chinese sponsors

"Hunt is extremely proud to be a part of this historic endeavor, and is excited about serving as the design-builder," said Ken Johnson, executive vice president for Hunt.

"We are thrilled to be working with Hunt Construction Group on building what will be a world-class sports and entertainment venue in Brooklyn," said Bruce Ratner, chairman and chief executive of Forest City Ratner Companies. "Hunt has an outstanding construction team that has built many of the best sporting venues in the country. We are excited to team with Hunt for the Barclays Center and to bring major professional sports and entertainment back to Brooklyn."