Archinect - News

Dirk Lohan proposes domed Soldier Field renovation as Bears new stadium talks take off

2024-05-06T13:01:00-04:00

A proposed redesign of Chicago’s soon-to-close Soldier Field stadium from architect Dirk Lohan gained some press recently after the Bears NFL franchise debuted Manica Architecture’s $4.7 billion design for its new lakefront home. Lohan is the architect of its modern 2003 renovation (in association with Wood & Zapata), a project that ultimately cost Soldier Field its landmark status. He says the design alternative is at once cheaper and more sustainable than the current proposal that’s been targeted by critics but still backed by team owners and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.

Image: Lohan Architecture via LinkedIn

The proposed plan calls for a lightweight domed roof to be constructed over the structure, with 20,000 new seats added underneath and upheld by cables connecting to four exterior columns. Lohan, who also designed the master plan for the surrounding Museum Campus, says it "remains] true to the values reflected in the Burnham and Bennett Plans and the Chicago Lakefront Ordinan...

Manica Architecture debuts new NFL stadium proposal for potential Kansas City Chiefs relocation

2024-05-01T17:17:00-04:00

Manica Architecture has released renderings related to a late bid to lure the Kansas City Chiefs NFL franchise across the state border to Wyandotte County, Kansas. The design has been made public for the first time a week after the firm’s plans for a new Bears lakefront stadium in Chicago were panned by critics.

Rendering courtesy Manica Architecture

The proposed new dome-enclosed stadium was presented to Kansas lawmakers this week as part of a pitch to bring its first-ever major American sports franchise to the Jayhawk state in addition to potentially hosting the NCAA Final Four and concert tours, according to architect David Manica's recent statements to local outlets.

Rendering courtesy Manica Architecture

The repeat Super Bowl champions released a separate proposal for an $800 million renovation in Kansas City led by Populous in February. Its neighbor Kauffman Field (home to the Royals MLB franchise) is also weighing the costs of renovating its classic midcentury design over buil...

Lee Bey reviews Chicago Bears' revised new lakefront stadium plans

2024-04-25T19:00:00-04:00

However, check out the stadium renderings accompanying this story. Look at how big that thing is. The size almost makes the Museum Campus buildings look like neo-classical LEGO blocks in comparison. Judging from the renderings, the stadium looks pretty good as far as professional sports facilities go. It’s the right building but the wrong spot.

Bey’s effective teardown includes a slideshow of Manica Architecture’s new renderings for the reported $2 billion stadium, which replaces a scrapped plan to relocate the team to suburban Arlington Heights from its hallowed Soldier Field home.

Bey said Mayor Brandon Johnson's team "stood by as a private entity took the lead and told how the public’s lakefront would be redeveloped." The stadium is expected to be built on a three-year timeline, with the completed design made ready in time to kick off the 2028 season.

The White Sox are also mulling an upgrade closer to the South Loop that could cost upwards of $9 billion.

Chicago Bears reverse suburban stadium plans, will remain at Soldier Field site under latest proposal

2024-03-13T11:49:00-04:00

On Monday morning, several Chicago news outlets reported that the Bears want to form a public-private partnership with the park district to build a stadium and renovate part of Chicago’s lakefront museum campus to add more public space. That would presumably include knocking down Soldier Field, which has the smallest seating capacity in the NFL, despite Chicago being the third-largest market.

The team still owns a 326-acre land plot in suburban Arlington Heights, where they first proposed a new Manica-led retractable roof design in March of 2022.

For now, the Bears' new Soldier Field proposal is expected to cost $2 billion. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said it was "a testament to Chicago’s economic vitality."

NBC Chicago reported that 80% of Chicagoans included in a recent survey would prefer an enclosed stadium at the Museum Campus, which would turn Soldier Field into a park space while retaining signature architectural elements such as its Doric colonnades.

Chicago's White Sox MLB franchise is also in the process of seeking public approvals for a new ballpark away from their traditional home on the Southside that would require a $9 billion investment.

New Buffalo Bills stadium reaches milestone with start of structural steel construction

2024-02-05T08:00:00-05:00

A milestone was reached recently regarding the construction of the new, Populous-designed Buffalo Bills football stadium, the New Highmark Stadium.

The 60,000-seat facility, located in Orchard Park, New York, is now ready for large-scale structural steel work. This marks the completion of excavation work, seven months after the project broke ground in June 2023. Approximately 25,000 tons of steel will be installed, with several massive cranes used to build the superstructure. The steel will be erected in tiers over the next 12–14 months.

Previously on Archinect: Buffalo Bills tap Populous to design proposed stadium

Following the placement of the steel framework, the structure will be clad, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical will be installed, and each of the sections of the stadium will be built out.

Construction on the 1.35-million-square-foot stadium is expected to be completed in 2026. The Gilbane-Turner joint venture is in charge of construction.

Record-setting 3D printed memorial will light up Super Bowl LVIIl next weekend

2024-02-01T16:14:00-05:00

With the presentation of this month’s NFL Super Bowl LVIIl in Las Vegas, a specially-made design constituting the world’s tallest free-standing 3D printed structure will also be on display inside Allegiant Stadium courtesy of the Kansas City tandem MANICA Architecture and fabrication firm Dimensional Innovations (DI).

The special Al Davis Memorial Torch is made in tribute to the eccentric former Raiders owner, author of the phrase "Just Win Baby," and a favorite among NFL fans for many decades.

Over 50,000 work hours went into the project between 2019 and 2020. When it culminated at 93 feet, it featured 1,148 total aluminum panels robotically painted in silver and supported by 226 individual 3D printed carbon fiber blocks weighing approximately 350 pounds apiece.

Image: © Dimensional Innovations

Each metal component was machined on a five-axis router to an incredible tolerance (approximately the width of a human hair) before DI could take over the installation. The result was a po...

2023's best in sports architecture and stadiums

2023-12-22T08:00:00-05:00

Throughout 2023, nearly every month featured exciting news related to forthcoming big-scale stadium projects and athletic developments. Many of these weren't limited to stadiums alone but were merely components of greater mixed-use districts that also include room for housing, office spaces, parks and green spaces, as well as retail. Schemes centered more around lifestyle, living, and entertainment seem to be a growing trend in this arena.

There were some common names, such as Populous and HOK, who were very busy this year. Other notable firms were active, as well, with projects including both renovations and completely new structures for various sports.

As part of Archinect's 2023 Year in Review, take a look at some of the best sports architecture and stadium projects in our news this year.

Image courtesy Indy Eleven and Keystone Group

Populous unveils $1 billion Eleven Park stadium design for Indianapolis

In February, Populous unveiled designs for a $1 billion, 20,000-seat multip...

Gensler and Gilbane will revamp M&T Bank Stadium for the Baltimore Ravens

2023-12-18T13:27:00-05:00

Gensler and Gilbane Building Company have announced the design for a major renovation of the 25-year-old M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. The home of the Baltimore Ravens NFL franchise is set to undergo a list of stadium enhancements that will bring the fan experience in line with other professional sports entities, including the addition of social spaces, club experiences, dining, and expansion of its concourse and plaza areas near Camden Yards.

Three new membership clubs will be delivered at the field level on the west, north, and south corners of the stadium, with another suite area added above the West End Zone Club by 2025.

Image: © Baltimore Ravens Photos

Other upgrades include an upper-level concourse expansion that will add an additional 12,000 square feet of space in three locations, the construction of a new two-level “Baltimore Style” fan area called the Gatehouse totaling 5,000 square feet, and enhancements to the North and South plazas to c...

A look at the architecture of LA’s SoFi Stadium, voted today as host of Super Bowl LXI

2023-12-13T18:28:00-05:00

When SoFi Stadium takes center stage as the host of Super Bowl LXI in 2027, the eyes of an unprecedented number of viewers will be tuned in to see the skills of both architects and professional football players being put on display in what is taking shape to be the nation’s most dynamic team sports development.

The new home of the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers already hosted Super Bowl LVI in 2022 and was inaugurated during the 2020 season following a three-year construction effort and much older development plan that, in the end, awarded the community of Inglewood with a stadium that was previously slated for a Convention Center-adjacent site ten miles further northeast in Downtown LA.

Image: Nic LeHoux

HKS was the architect in charge of the project with help from all-pro landscape designer Mia Lehrer of the Los Angeles-based Studio-MLA.

Image: Nic LeHoux

Like so many of the players on the field, SoFi’s stats are rather impressive. The massive...

Populous to design Beaver Stadium renovation for Penn State

2023-10-18T17:09:00-04:00

Populous has been named as the lead architect for a major renovation of the historic Beaver Stadium on the flagship campus of The Pennsylvania State University.

Barton Malow, AECOM Hunt, and Alexander Building Construction will join the project as construction managers, expanding on over 20 years of collaboration with Populous. The scope of the renovation entails winterizing the entire stadium for year-round use as an entertainment venue or the potential host of a college football playoff game. The western side of the stadium will also be reconstructed to include new executive suites and loge seating areas. Other renovations will be enacted in order to keep up with code upgrades and accessibility concerns. The reported cost of the project is $700 million.

The school emphasized its funding would be provided for entirely by the Athletics department, circumventing the need for tuition hikes. Construction is expected to begin in January of 2025 and conclude in time for the start of the ...

Tennessee Titans pick construction team for new Nashville NFL stadium

2023-08-23T13:47:00-04:00

NFL franchise Tennessee Titans has announced that Tennessee Builders Alliance (TBA) will serve as the Construction Manager at Risk on its new stadium project.

TBA consists of Nashville-based ICF Builders, Polk & Associates, Turner Construction Company, and AECOM Hunt. The team has more than 55 years of NFL stadium construction experience, with Turner and AECOM Hunt behind 17 of the 30 most recently completed NFL stadiums.

Renderings of the Titans’ proposed $1.2 billion, 60,000-seat stadium by Manica Architecture in collaboration with HASTINGS Architecture were revealed in October 2022. The structure will span 1.7 million square feet and sit along Nashville’s East Bank, on the east side of the current stadium. It will feature a circular ETFE translucent roof, exterior porches with panoramic views of the city, improved sightlines for spectators through a variety of seating experiences, and a 12,000-square-foot community space that is available year-round.

Previously on Archinect: T...

University of Kansas details multipronged campus gateway project with HNTB and Multistudio

2023-08-16T16:43:00-04:00

HNTB and Multistudio have released details for a planned campus gateway district and athletics complex upgrades at the University of Kansas’ main flagship location in Lawrence.

The project will cover the school’s existing 102-year-old David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium and provide updated amenities to the adjacent Anderson Family Football Complex while creating a dynamic new mixed-use district at the intersections of 11th and Mississippi Streets. Architects and school officials are both hoping it will help the Big 12 school become an athletic powerhouse while boosting the regional economy.

Image: © HNTB + Multistudio

“The corner of 11th & Mississippi will forever transform this part of campus and provide a memorable experience for visitors entering the KU campus,” Gerardo Prado, Vice President and National Sports Practice Leader for HNTB, said in a news announcement. “These types of transformational projects and vision is what drives us towards excellence in the delivery of our desi...

HOK enlisted by Jacksonville Jaguars to reimagine stadium

2023-06-08T13:05:00-04:00

HOK has announced that it is partnering with the Jacksonville Jaguars to undertake the renovation of TIAA Bank Field into the “Stadium of the Future.” The transformation seeks to invigorate the Jaguars franchise and spur the development of the city of Jacksonville.

Rendering courtesy of HOK

Work towards a long-term stadium solution began in July 2020 with a thorough engineering assessment of the current stadium. It was concluded that it was possible to address the stadium’s challenges through a renovation rather than new construction.

“From stadium discussions starting in 2016 to the formal process launched in July 2020 and now concluding, our objective has always been the same — lock in a promising future for the Jaguars and help our downtown become an economic engine to lift all of Jacksonville, particularly areas that have been underserved,” said Jaguars owner Shad Khan.

Rendering courtesy of HOK

HOK is joined by Impact Development and Management as the owner’s representative, al...

Tennessee Titans reveal renderings for proposed new stadium design in Nashville

2022-10-26T15:45:00-04:00

The Tennessee Titans NFL franchise has shared renderings for its proposed new 60,000-seat stadium in Nashville from Manica Architecture.

The 1.7-million-square-foot design will feature a dome enclosure with a network of exterior public terrace “porches,” inspired by the city, that will “serve Nashville and Tennessee for generations,” according to Titans president and CEO Burke Nihill.

Per a team press announcement: “The stadium architecture is inspired by the city of Nashville and is planned to be complementary to the broader East Bank development plan led by the City. The design gave specific attention to multi-purpose function, in order to maximize the number and types of events that could take place in the building.”

Rendering courtesy Manica Architecture

Key design elements will reportedly include:

A circular-shaped, high-tech ETFE translucent roof
12,000-square-foot dedicated community and public events space
Improved sight lines for all spectators through diverse viewing experien...

The Chicago Bears unveil plans for an enclosed new suburban stadium

2022-09-09T12:09:00-04:00

The Chicago Bears generated keen interest from fans and non-fans alike Thursday for a presentation of plans for a new domed stadium and entertainment district in Arlington Heights. Team officials drew applause when they said the stadium would be enclosed, and that the team would not negotiate renovations at Soldier Field while pursuing the Arlington deal.

The Bears President Ted Phillips said the team would not seek any public funding except for critical infrastructure and that the new stadium would result in greater seating capacity than Soldier Field. He also shared that the team was uncertain as to whether the enclosure will be retractable or not but alluded to mechanical problems and costs as a potential deterrent.

Previously on Archinect: Chicago proposes three alternatives to the Bears' planned Soldier Field exodus

The retractable roof feature and multi-sport entertainment focus had previously been a part of Mayor Lori Lightfoot's recent last-ditch counteroffer, though the team’s “singular focus” on the 326-acre site in Arlington Heights means more or less the Manica-led project is a done deal as soon as approval and the additional outside funding can be secured. As of now, the entire project (excluding the stadium portion) is expected to take around 10 years to complete.

Chicago proposes three alternatives to the Bears' planned Soldier Field exodus

2022-07-27T12:32:00-04:00

Chicago’s last-ditch effort to dissuade its Bears football team from decamping to a new home in the northwest suburbs has yielded a trio of design alternatives after Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s office released renderings for three proposed Soldier Field redesigns on Monday.

Two of the three options include either installing a dome or creating the capacity to do so in a fan experience-oriented renovation that could cost between $900 million and $2.2 billion to complete, according to figures quoted in the city’s plan.

Rendering of the 'Dome' proposal. Courtesy Landmark Chicago Interests.

The third proposes the creation of a flexible multi-sport layout oriented more towards concerts and other tourist draws. Further components of the proposal include major transportation improvements and the creation of a new public plaza to be located in place of the existing Solidarity Drive.

Rendering of the 'Dome' proposal. Courtesy Landmark Chicago Interests.

Rendering of a proposed transformation. Cour...

Los Angeles Chargers break ground on new Gensler-designed HQ and training facility

2022-05-23T17:02:00-04:00

Less than eight months after announcing plans to establish its new practice facility and headquarters campus in El Segundo, a groundbreaking ceremony held this week marks the start of construction for the new home of the NFL's Los Angeles Chargers.

Last Wednesday’s groundbreaking marks a major milestone for the NFL franchise, which spent four years searching for a location for a permanent headquarters following its move from San Diego to Los Angeles. During this time the Chargers have been operating out of a temporary space in Costa Mesa.

this is groundbreaking content pic.twitter.com/RIpdtwKfI2
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) May 23, 2022

The new Gensler Sports-designed complex will occupy a 14-acre site and span 145,000 square feet. It will feature offices, state-of-the-art medical facilities, three practice fields with seating for more than 5,000 spectators, strength and conditioning areas, a rooftop hospitality area, an esports venue, and more.

Previously on Archinect: The LA Chargers have tapped Gensler for a proposed new $100 million training facility

The campus is located roughly seven miles from the recently-opened So-Fi Stadium, which the Chargers occupy as co-tenants with the Los Angeles Rams. In March, real estat...

Fire erupts inside Denver's Mile High Stadium

2022-03-25T11:08:00-04:00

Producing a thick, black smoke plume that was seen throughout downtown Denver on Thursday afternoon, a fire burned in a portion of the club level on the east side of Empower Field at Mile High, which is home to the NFL's Broncos. A Denver Fire Department spokesman said the fire covered "over 1,000 square feet'' and began on a suite level -- the fourth level -- of the stadium and then spread into seats in the third level.

The fire began in a part of the Fentress-designed stadium that is currently under construction. No injuries were reported. Officials said that the composition of the plastic seats in part helped fuel the blaze, producing a porous cloud of black smoke that could be seen widely across the city.

The Chicago Bears are soldiering on from their iconic home with help from Manica Architecture

2022-03-18T11:56:00-04:00

The Chicago Bears have selected Manica Architecture to help with initial plans for their proposed NFL stadium at the site of Arlington International Racecourse in the city’s northwest suburbs, team officials confirmed. David Manica, owner of Kansas-City based Manica Architecture, said he could not comment on the project. Interviews were held in late January, industry sources said. Overall, Manica Architecture has been on a hot streak.

The 98-year-old Soldier Field in the South Loop, the Bears' home since 1971, is being abandoned and recast as a campus-type “cross-section of heavyweights in the city’s business and cultural spheres,” according to the Chicago Tribune. The franchise has been looking for a way out of the iconic Neoclassical delisted landmark since nearly the beginning of their tenure there, and will now look to decamp to a former horse racing site in the city’s northwest suburbs.

Kansas City-based Manica Architecture will reportedly look to its $2 billion Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas and HKS’ mixed-use So-Fi Stadium megadevelopment as models. The Bears now have to decide whether or not to break their current lease on Soldier Field, which would require paying the city a steep $84 million penalty should they choose to do so before it expires in 2033.

Super Bowl LVI will light up Studio-MLA’s award-winning Hollywood Park design

2022-01-12T15:22:00-05:00

The eyes of the sports world will soon be on Studio-MLA’s award-winning landscape design as it takes center stage during SoFi Stadium’s turn as host of the 56th Super Bowl in Los Angeles next month.

Around 100 million viewers are expected to tune in to this year’s version of the big game, which takes place in the new multibillion-dollar behemoth designed by HKS. Perhaps the most significant feature of the massive 3.1-million-square-foot stadium complex is the 25-acre Hollywood Park that is coming to life all around it, allowing it to serve in a way that helps the overall development meet its mandate as a vital anchor for the community of Inglewood.

Image © Craig Collins 2021

The park is part of a much larger complex that will eventually take up close to 300 acres and feature two other flexible performance venues as well as a 5.5-acre artificial lake designed by the studio to collect and reuse 26 million gallons a year in water runoff from each facility. What was once an empty racetr...

NASCAR is converting the LA Coliseum into a short-track race venue

2022-01-10T19:22:00-05:00

The track will only have two weeks to set and cure before the February 6 weekend race, which is about half the normal time, but he doesn’t expect any issues. Temporary barriers, like those used on a street circuit, will be installed to define the oval, which was designed with help from simulations conducted on the iRacing platform. A pit lane won’t be required as the Clash will consist of several short heat races and a non-stop main.

The quarter-mile track project cost about $1 million (which is apparently the going rate for a mile of paved road in the US). 1,560 tons of high-performance asphalt was poured to make the track after a protective layer of plywood and other materials was placed over the original natural grass field along with a five-inch thick layer of dirt.

The 2028 Olympics venue recently underwent a $315 million renovation that modernized the 99-year-old stadium. NASCAR has yet to confirm a 2023 edition of the short track race that would coincide with the Coliseum’s centennial celebration. The race could be seen as a success depending on whether or not it draws to the building’s 93,000-seat capacity.

The executive in charge of the installation told the New York Post he was optimistic about the event, although certain fans don't seem to be sharing his enthusiasm.

The LA Chargers have tapped Gensler for a proposed new $100 million training facility

2021-11-03T13:50:00-04:00

A four-year-long scouting mission has finally been completed. The Los Angeles Chargers will be getting some much-needed new practice facilities thanks to the sports team at Gensler.

Looking to establish a larger footprint in LA, the Chargers have turned to the firm to create a scaled-down version of its recently-opened Inglewood home to compete with the ranks of the professional football elite.

Image courtesy Los Angeles Chargers

“It’s putting a flag in L.A. It really is a statement about where we want to be and who we are at our core,” the team’s Chief of Staff Fred Maas told the LA Times.

Image courtesy Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers only recently moved to Los Angeles after playing the entirety of the franchise’s 60-year history two hours south in San Diego. Now, four years removed from its relocation, the team is hoping the new practice facility will unleash a new energy that will propel the team to previously unseen heights.

Image courtesy Los Angeles Chargers

"The look, feel,...

10 Design reveals plan to revitalize downtown Raleigh

2021-09-02T18:23:00-04:00

North Carolina’s Research Triangle is getting a major upgrade thanks to a massive new billion-dollar mixed-use development unveiled this week by 10 Design.

The firm is behind the new Downtown South Raleigh Master Plan which includes a 20,000-capacity football stadium and virtual reality center, aiming to enhance the city’s startup-laden downtown south end.

Image courtesy 10 Design/Frontop

Per the architect: “Connectivity is at the core of the scheme. 10 Design has ensured seamless accessibility from Downtown Raleigh through the creation of a bridge loop that encloses the entire development, providing efficient circulation from in and out of the site and with the rest of the city. The scheme will be a positive connection to Raleigh’s extensive greenways system and local historic neighborhoods.”

Image courtesy 10 Design

The comprehensive plan takes the profile of native oak trees as its inspiration for the 32-acre site through a series of pocket parks and a central pedestrian walkway t...

EarthCam releases 4k time-lapse of LA's SoFi Stadium construction

2020-12-09T13:47:00-05:00

EarthCam has released a 4k time-lapse video of the HKS-designed SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The video took over 1400 days and four million images to document the construction process. The 3-minute time-lapse captures all 3.1 million square feet of the stadium. Check it out below.

Studio-MLA showcases the future of LA's sports stadiums

2020-10-16T18:21:00-04:00

Mia Lehrer of Studio-MLA and associate principal Matthew Lysne showcase their latest stadium projects in Los Angeles. Taking the design lead to each site's landscape and urban layout, Studio-MLA teamed with HKS, Gensler, and Levin & Associates, among others, to showcase their landscape designs for Dodger Stadium, SoFi Stadium, and Banc of California Stadium.

Studio-MLA provided Archinect with images of all three larger-scale projects and descriptions. Mia Lehrer shares, "Our new stadium-parks offer a model for economic recovery and for improving the urban experience, including as cities recover from the pandemic and reinforce efforts to address social inequities."

Dodger Stadium

Project Description

"The renovated landscape for the 260-acre site furthers the client’s goal to strengthen their fans’ experience and memory of the stadium. Children’s play areas and g...

SoFi Stadium, L.A.'s $5-billion NFL football venue, debuts

2020-09-14T18:42:00-04:00

After four years of construction, SoFi Stadium has made its debut in Inglewood with a game between the Rams and the Dallas Cowboys. [...] The complex will play host to both the Rams - which have been housed in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum since returning to Southern California in 2016 - and the Chargers - which are relocating from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson.

Several years in the making, the HKS-designed SoFi Stadium in Inglewood just hosted its first NFL game, albeit without cheering crowds of spectators that may, one day, fill the 70,000 seats.

3D-printed stadium created by FIU students helped Florida police prepare for the Super Bowl

2020-02-03T11:58:00-05:00

In preparation for yesterday's Super Bowl, the Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) utilized a highly detailed 3D-printed model of the Hard Rock Stadium. The model was created by students at Florida International University's (FIU) College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts along with the school's Robotics and Digital Fabrication Lab.

Measuring 4' x 5', the model intricately shows the stadium's bleachers, hallways, exits, rooms, and even structural elements. It can be separated and reconfigured, allowing viewers to focus in on focal areas of interest. In total the printing took over 3,500 hours and was the result of months examining digital documentation of the stadium, walkthroughs, and calibration and programming of the printers.

“This was something unique, for FIU and MDPD, the creation of a physical model to use in training,” said Professor Shahin Vassigh, Director of the RDF Lab in a statement. “It’s not necessarily the scale that is unique – architects make models for d...

Trahan Architects unveils renderings for Superdome renovation in New Orleans

2019-11-19T15:58:00-05:00

Trahan Architects has unveiled renderings for a recently approved $450 million upgrade package for the historic Superdome football stadium in New Orleans.

The Superdome, one of the few remaining Modernist football stadiums from the post-World War II era, was designed by local New Orleans firm Curtis and Davis in 1975 and is considered among the more iconic structures in the city. The building is topped by the largest single-span dome in the country, Nola.com reports, and was last upgraded in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Those renovations, as it turns out, were also carried out by Trahan Architects.

The stadium's existing ramp system will be replaced with new entrance atria. Image courtesy of Trahan Architects.

Trey Trahan, founder and CEO of the firm tells Nola.com, "The strategy here has been to enhance the quality of experience for the spectator at all levels: general seats, club, the suites, and now there is going to be SROs [Standing Room Only zones]."

The 76,000-seat Me...

Does the future of the Los Angeles Rams go beyond football? The new $5 billion dollar stadium impacts more than just fans

2019-02-04T15:03:00-05:00

“If you’re going to build a stadium in a city, it has to play a larger role than the NFL. It has to bring people together in a meaningful way — both on Sunday and on every other day of the week, both in the fall and every other season. That’s the driver, [...] If you’re looking at a stadium project, everybody now is trying to figure out how you make it the epicenter of day-to-day life. Hopefully, this project will serve as a great model for that.”

Although recent events may have put a damper on the Rams historic season, the team's future is still bright. Los Angeles is already home to many championship teams, but what makes this particular team different is what its presence and growth will do for the city. Construction for the $5 billion stadium began in 2015, the stadium's timeline has kept the city buzzing with hope and optimism. Sports stadiums and arenas have been known to transform towns and cities alike. The new Los Angeles Rams football stadium is no exception.

Los Angeles Rams Stadium render by HKS Architects Image courtesy of HKS Architects

Los Angeles Rams construction site Image courtesy of Los Angeles Rams

Located in Inglewood, California the new stadium not only shapes the future of a sports team but of a city. According to Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts Jr. he "sees his city rising again after hard times and double-digit unemployment further damaged Inglewood’s psyche following the loss of its identity as a spor...

Inglewood NFL Stadium takes shape as roof truss is set into place

2019-01-03T14:25:00-05:00

Crews from AECOM Hunt and Turner Construction are hoisting the components of the stadium's immense roof truss into place. The metal structure will eventually be wrapped with a canopy of the plastic material ETFE, which will give the structure a translucent coat on which the logos of both its occupants can be displayed. Scheduled to open in 2020, the 70,000-seat stadium is scheduled to host the 2022 Super Bowl, and is also poised to play a key role in the 2028 Summer Olympic games.

Construction of the Inglewood NFL Stadium moves forward as its distinctive roof truss is hoisted into place. Meanwhile, in a recent report from KTLA 5, longtime business owners in Inglewood are already worried that they may have to move out due to rapidly rising rents as the stadium is built.

Archinect - News

Dirk Lohan proposes domed Soldier Field renovation as Bears new stadium talks take off

Manica Architecture debuts new NFL stadium proposal for potential Kansas City Chiefs relocation

Lee Bey reviews Chicago Bears' revised new lakefront stadium plans

Chicago Bears reverse suburban stadium plans, will remain at Soldier Field site under latest proposal

New Buffalo Bills stadium reaches milestone with start of structural steel construction

Record-setting 3D printed memorial will light up Super Bowl LVIIl next weekend

2023's best in sports architecture and stadiums

Gensler and Gilbane will revamp M&T Bank Stadium for the Baltimore Ravens

A look at the architecture of LA’s SoFi Stadium, voted today as host of Super Bowl LXI

Populous to design Beaver Stadium renovation for Penn State

Tennessee Titans pick construction team for new Nashville NFL stadium

University of Kansas details multipronged campus gateway project with HNTB and Multistudio

HOK enlisted by Jacksonville Jaguars to reimagine stadium

Tennessee Titans reveal renderings for proposed new stadium design in Nashville

The Chicago Bears unveil plans for an enclosed new suburban stadium

Chicago proposes three alternatives to the Bears' planned Soldier Field exodus

Los Angeles Chargers break ground on new Gensler-designed HQ and training facility

Fire erupts inside Denver's Mile High Stadium

The Chicago Bears are soldiering on from their iconic home with help from Manica Architecture

Super Bowl LVI will light up Studio-MLA’s award-winning Hollywood Park design

NASCAR is converting the LA Coliseum into a short-track race venue

​The LA Chargers have tapped Gensler for a proposed new $100 million training facility

10 Design reveals plan to revitalize downtown Raleigh​

EarthCam releases 4k time-lapse of LA's SoFi Stadium construction

Studio-MLA showcases the future of LA's sports stadiums

SoFi Stadium, L.A.'s $5-billion NFL football venue, debuts

3D-printed stadium created by FIU students helped Florida police prepare for the Super Bowl

Trahan Architects unveils renderings for Superdome renovation in New Orleans

Does the future of the Los Angeles Rams go beyond football? The new $5 billion dollar stadium impacts more than just fans

Inglewood NFL Stadium takes shape as roof truss is set into place

The LA Chargers have tapped Gensler for a proposed new $100 million training facility

10 Design reveals plan to revitalize downtown Raleigh