Hurricane Sandy tore through the Nikon at Jones Beach Theater, submerging the lower levels of the venue, damaging the stage, seats, backstage and concession areas. More than three million gallons of seawater were pumped out of the structure, and hundreds of tons of debris and damaged building materials were removed. Skanska's involvement began in late November of 2012. Skanska teamed with architect EwingCole to provide Live Nation with a total solution as a design-build team. Getting the required drawings, permits and other approvals in a short time frame required an intense, collaborative effort between Skanska, EwingCole, Live Nation, insurance companies and other stakeholders. Construction encompassed more than 100,000 work hours. The scope of this fast-track project included completely rebuilding the stage and boardwalk, replacement of all electrical infrastructure, repair of all outbuildings, upgrades to the orchestra seating as well as an expanded VIP area. More than nine miles of special MCM cable had to be replaced in tunnels and access ways below the venue. Part of the design also included infrastructure to be redesigned to mitigate damages from future storms. Construction began mid-January 2013 and achieved substantial completion on May 1, 2013, in time for the opening of the concert season. Throughout that time of construction, the restoration created 225 jobs for local workers, many from areas hardest hit by Sandy.
