IIA’s Advanced Wire Rope Testing Scores Home Run for Major League Baseball Stadium

Operating much like a drawbridge, the retractable roofs at many sports stadiums are mechanical marvels. Using massive motors and miles of cable strung through a pulley system, these roofs can open and close in minutes to keep baseball fans comfortable as they cheer on their favorite teams.

In 2025, when management at one major league baseball stadium wanted to assess the integrity of this critical cable system, inside and out, they called Industrial Inspection & Analysis (IIA).

How It Works
Our magnetic wire rope testing (MRT) technology allows us to evaluate the internal and external condition of wire ropes in less time than it takes for a visual inspection. The resulting data helps customers determine the remaining service life of wire rope and make informed decisions.

IIA’s compact, portable MRT system works by introducing a magnetic field into sections of cable. Conditions like corrosion or broken wires disrupt the magnetic field, in which case the system will indicate an issue and its severity.

Our technology detects and accurately measures rope deterioration, including clusters of broken wires, interstrand nicking, fretting, core condition, and corrosion pitting. The MRT system requires minimal rope preparation and is not affected by grease, paint, ice or other materials.

Outstanding in Their Field
Prior to Opening Day, IIA arrived on site and began assessing the condition of the cable throughout the stadium roof.

For roughly a week, our team of four technicians worked at heights of 200 feet and more to complete the massive and meticulous task. Each morning, they met with the ballpark superintendent to share testing plans for the day and ensure work proceeded safely and seamlessly.

In addition to the MRT inspections, our team also performed external visual inspections and used calipers to obtain cable measurements in various locations. The results provided critical data that management could use to plan for repairs and upgrades. IIA’s Kova Engineering subsidiary in Canada provided oversight for the project, as well as engineering analysis and support.

Compared to the previous inspection company, IIA’s advanced and compact MRT system provided far better coverage of the entire cable system and faster turnaround times at less cost.

A Winning Play
As management at this major league stadium discovered, MRT testing is a fast, affordable and accurate way to assess the integrity of critical cables — and reduce the chance of a wire rope failure due to unseen damage.

MRT testing eliminates the guesswork involved with strictly visual inspections and offers peace of mind that people and property are protected.

With IIA on its team, and a plan in place to complete the necessary upgrades, baseball fans will be able to safely and comfortably enjoy “America’s favorite pastime” at this ball park for many years to come.