The Game-Changing Revolution: Unveiling the Astonishing Future of Stadium Development in Football

Emirates Stadium and Wembley Stadium, once considered the epitome of stadium design in the UK and worldwide, are now facing competition from more modern counterparts. The recent completion of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2019, along with the emergence of other cutting-edge stadiums globally, has highlighted the rapid advancements in stadium design. Although Emirates and Wembley remain top choices for hosting prestigious football matches and events, they can no longer hide behind their former status as leaders in the field.

"Within a span of just 10 years, one can witness the remarkable evolution of stadiums in London, from iconic venues like the Emirates and Wembley to the cutting-edge Tottenham Hotspur Stadium," mentioned Chris Lee, the managing director of Populous, a renowned global design firm responsible for the architectural and design aspects of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

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The current Wembley Stadium was opened in 2007

As part of our "We' Future of Football" series, we explore the significant advancements in stadium design over the past decade, which can be likened to a condensed history of its evolution. We also anticipate what exciting developments may lie ahead by consulting with the architects responsible for designing these innovative stadiums, as well as the clubs overseeing their construction.

Multi-functional stadiums a top priority

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Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was opened in 2019

Lee has personally witnessed this change through his participation in the Emirates Stadium project and later as the project director of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

A crucial aspect of this transformation is the stadium's adaptability to be used for various purposes, accommodating multiple sports and types of events. For instance, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, it is now common to witness football matches one weekend, American football games the next weekend, and even music concerts during weekdays. Furthermore, the stadium will soon feature a karting track, specially tailored for each specific event.

The key is how we can reconfigure the stadium so they can be perfect for all the different uses, whether that is different football codes, different sporting uses or concerts.

Populous MD Chris Lee

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The heavyweight world title fight between Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk took place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2021.

These events not only boost a club's revenue and offer a diverse range of events for spectators, but they also contribute to the long-term sustainability of the stadium, allowing a large number of people to enjoy it for many years to come.

For new stadiums worldwide, prioritizing multifunctionality is crucial. Examples include incorporating movable pitches and retractable roofs to facilitate versatile designs and accommodate various uses.

Lee emphasized the significance of having prominent venues situated within our communities. These establishments hold immense importance and can be utilized throughout the week, accommodating various events such as local football matches, rugby games, NFL games, and concerts. Lee stressed the crucial role these venues play from multiple perspectives.

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Regular season NFL games take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium every year

From the viewpoint of architects and designers, the ability to reconfigure space is incredibly thrilling. With the advancements in technology, we now have the capability to physically move substantial sections of buildings to achieve the desired reconfiguration, resulting in flawless outcomes.

Architects experimented with this concept back in the 1960s. Stadiums like the Aloha in Hawaii attempted to incorporate moving stands or roofs, although the success was limited. However, our current engineering technology has brought us to a stage where we can genuinely reconfigure buildings in a practical manner.

"Each stadium and location presents a unique set of circumstances," he remarked. "Nonetheless, we must collaborate with our clubs and partners to explore ways in which we can seamlessly incorporate the multi-use aspect without compromising on excellence."

The Tottenham stadium is the ideal home for Spurs. It not only prioritizes Premier League football but also stands as the first NFL stadium crafted outside the continental USA. Every detail, from sightlines to locker rooms, has been meticulously designed to ensure seamless functionality. Whether you attend a Spurs match or an NFL exhibition game, the stadium offers a distinct experience. Its unique ambiance, appearance, and versatility perfectly suit both sports.

Tottenham's stadium stands out as the ideal home for Spurs, specifically designed to cater to their needs. While it primarily serves as a top-notch venue for Premier League football, it also holds the distinction as the first purpose-built NFL stadium outside of the United States.

The architectural layout ensures excellent views from every angle, well-functioning locker rooms, and seamless operations. Whether you attend a Tottenham match or an NFL exhibition game, the experience is unparalleled. The venue exudes a distinct atmosphere, boasting a unique aesthetic that suits both sports perfectly.

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The importance of community

In a strategic move, Formula 1 has formed a 15-year partnership with Tottenham to actively support the discovery and development of emerging motor sport prodigies. Furthermore, there has been a shift in the stadium landscape, with modern arenas relocating from the outskirts of urban areas back to the heart of their communities, primarily noticeable in the United States.

The local stadiums have become the focal point of the community, bustling with activity throughout the year. Moreover, they play a pivotal role in revitalizing the area by enhancing local amenities and transportation infrastructure, thereby benefiting the entire community.

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A general View of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on matchday

Fulham's new Riverside Stand, designed by Populous, is an excellent example. This transformative project will not only add 3,000 seats to Craven Cottage, increasing its capacity to 28,000, but it will also offer a host of amenities. These include restaurants, bars, a hotel, health club, and conference and event spaces.

Furthermore, the project will introduce a riverside walkway, providing valuable community amenities on both matchdays and non-matchdays. This walkway will also give the public the opportunity to stroll along the banks of the Thames, spanning from Hammersmith to Putney bridges, for the very first time.

Tottenham is a great story of how a stadium can connect with its local community, making it feel like it is part of the fabric of the surrounding area.

In the UK and Europe, our cities have predominantly developed around these buildings, becoming an intrinsic part of our everyday lives and societal framework. Whether it's the excitement of a weekend sports match or the arrival of a circus, these stadiums have the power to transform our urban spaces.

It is crucial for the stadiums to remain in our communities. In the past, there was a trend in urban planning during the 70s and 80s to consider these structures as undesirable neighbors, leading to their relocation to the outskirts of cities.

In the United States, it became customary for cities to move their stadiums to the outskirts and surround them with extensive blacktop parking lots. However, a shift occurred in the 90s, including a baseball stadium project we carried out in Baltimore at Camdens Yard. The objective was to establish the clubs and the stadiums as positive neighbors and catalysts for regeneration.

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A crucial aspect of the future lies in our ability to reintegrate stadiums into our cities with care, ensuring their presence is maintained and enabling the flow of liveliness, fans, and revitalization into our local communities.

Jim Heverin, a director at Zaha Adid Architechts, who has been involved in high-profile projects such as the London Olympics and the recent Qatar Word Cup, is of the opinion that stadium design should and will evolve in the coming future to develop innovative methods of engaging local communities.

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Tailgating parties in stadium parking lots are common place in America

"We need to encourage our minds to explore more captivating approaches to engage the community.

"Our ongoing endeavor entails examining a ground concourse that can serve as a market as well. By setting up stalls in the concourse, we can truly utilize the space as a covered market beyond matchdays.

The sustainability challenge

It offers a captivating perspective of the concourse, serving not only those who have paid a designated fee but also those seeking to utilize conference amenities, for instance.

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Made almost entirely from wood, Eco Park will be the world's most sustainable football stadium

Heverin is currently project director for of the Eco Park Stadium project for Forest Green Rovers.

Sustainability is a concern that affects various aspects of life, and it holds particular significance in the fields of architecture and construction. At Forest Green Rovers, the objective is to develop the most environmentally friendly stadium globally. The club aims to promote sustainability in sports, and Eco Park is being positioned as "the world's inaugural timber stadium."

Heverin, a proponent of using football to promote sustainability, is optimistic that this project can serve as a demonstration of future possibilities, recognizing the growing significance of environmental concerns worldwide.

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Forest Green Rovers are looking to raise the profile of sustainability within sport

"The issue of carbon emissions related to stadium construction is significant," he expressed. "Football, just like any other entity, must take this into consideration.

"There is a collective duty to ensure that all endeavors are striving towards achieving a net zero carbon footprint."

The goal at Forest Green was to achieve complete energy neutrality for the stadium," he explained. "The owner wants the stadium to exemplify his commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness.

"It's impressive how well Forest Green Rovers are able to pursue net zero and address carbon emissions across their entire supply chain."

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In every aspect of life, including architecture and construction, the topic of sustainability holds great significance. This is especially true when considering stadiums, whether they are major national arenas like Wembley or club venues such as Tottenham's. The way in which these institutions represent their stance on sustainability is of utmost importance. As architects, it is imperative for us to incorporate this vital aspect into our design process.

Populous MD Chris Lee emphasizes the importance of considering more than just stadiums when it comes to sustainability. He raises questions about the origins of team uniforms, food sources, and even the fertilizers used. By thoroughly examining these aspects, he advocates for ensuring that they are derived from renewable resources. Lee emphasizes that this level of responsibility should not only be limited to small clubs but also extended to larger ones.

The Barcelona model

I believe that the value derived from a stadium and project like Forest Green Rovers is crucial. It highlights the importance of engaging in such endeavors, as they are integral to both the progress made on and off the field.

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A design for the new Camp Nou

Another way of improving sustainability is renovation and refurbishment.

The iconic Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona is currently undergoing renovations as part of the Espai Barca project, which also includes the revitalization of an 18-acre area surrounding the stadium. Similarly, Real Madrid is undertaking a similar process at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, while Liverpool is making ongoing improvements to Anfield in England. In contrast, Everton is constructing a state-of-the-art stadium with a seating capacity of 52,888 at Bramley-Moore Dock.

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Considering sustainability, Heverin believes that stadium designs similar to Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Liverpool are the future. He suggests that Manchester United's Old Trafford could potentially be renovated in the future, following the same approach as the Camp Nou.

He suggested that, at Old Trafford, there should be a strong consideration for re-purposing instead of exploring other options. He pointed out Liverpool's successful approach of incorporating minor modifications and upgrades, which seems to represent the future rather than constructing entirely new stadiums.

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Liverpool's redevelopment of Anfield continues with the

Anfield Road exapnsion

"I know why Everton moved but that is looking more like the old way of looking at new stadiums, particularly when you have something already that is an asset.

"Initially, it is imperative to thoroughly analyze and investigate the reasons behind your inability to enhance that aspect," he suggested. "There exist numerous advantages to this approach, which will likely serve as the foundation for numerous English clubs in the future, as it rightfully should.

"By opting for this strategy, you can obtain all the essentials while significantly reducing carbon emissions."

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Barcelona has already started construction work to renovate the Camp Nou, taking into consideration sustainability and the positive impact the new campus can have on the surrounding neighborhoods.

Alex Barbany, the head of business development for the Espai Barca project, stressed the importance of sustainability in today's world. It is crucial to consider sustainability when undertaking a project like this.

The renovation of Camp Nou involves preserving the first two tiers while constructing the third one from the ground up. All of the gravel used in the construction will be recycled, with 50% of it being used for our own project and the remaining 50% utilized for other projects in the city as per our agreement with the town hall.

"We are paying special attention to delivering solar panels on the roof so we can use renewable energy for our own consumption in the building.

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How the Camp Nou will look once renovations are complete

Sustainability needs to become the standard worldwide. Barcelona takes pride in renovating their stadium instead of tearing it down and constructing a completely new one. This demonstrates their commitment to sustainability.

Furthermore, with the goal of making their campus more relevant to the local residents and community, the club also takes pride in the new facilities that will consistently host a variety of events throughout the year, attracting a substantial number of visitors.

Barbany stated that there are only a handful of stadiums worldwide that are located in the heart of a major global city like Barcelona, which attracts a large number of tourists. He also mentioned that there are very few new projects being developed in such prominent and internationally appealing areas as Barcelona.

"If you combine the strength and prestige of the Barca brand with its exceptional central location within the vibrant city of Barcelona, we firmly believe that it elevates its uniqueness to a whole new level.

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The club's ambition is for this project to become one of the most transformative endeavors in our history, considering the ongoing technological revolution and its impact on humanity and mankind.

The central location and spacious grounds around the stadium allow us to successfully accomplish our goals. This enables us to incorporate the community and integrate the neighborhood and city into our project, even beyond matchdays.

On days when there are no matches, approximately 95 percent of the visitors on campus are tourists. Our main objective is to establish a stronger presence in the minds of the local residents and community. We strive to be considered not only during matchdays but also offer a variety of entertainment options at Camp Nou and the arena on any given day or weekend.

Rewriting:

Having the chance to reshape the world's biggest stadium and establish a pristine campus in the heart of a renowned city like Barcelona is a rare opportunity that may not come again in your lifetime. The significance of this undertaking is immense and will serve as the enduring legacy of this club for future generations. It is this prospect that continues to fill everyone with exhilaration about the project.

What's next? Innovations and the future

Barcelona is also considering the future, with the announcement that the improvements of Camp Nou will serve as a driver for the club's digital transformation. However, they are not alone in recognizing the significance of the digital and technological revolution within the sport.

Given the continuous global expansion of the top football clubs, it becomes crucial to expand their influence beyond the physical presence of fans in the stadiums. This can be achieved by embracing virtual and augmented reality technologies, which are currently being explored.

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Barcelona's new campus has been hailed as the driving force behind the club's digital revolution.

According to finance expert Kieran Maguire, the future seems to hold great potential with the emergence of the metaverse. This technology allows for the utilization of augmented and virtual reality to deliver an immersive matchday experience directly to fans' homes.

Manchester United claims a massive following of 1.1 billion worldwide. With such a vast fan base, why should Old Trafford's capacity be limited to only 75,000 attendees? Instead, why not organize a physical match at the stadium while simultaneously broadcasting it in an immersive 3D format to cities like New York, Lagos, Melbourne, and Beijing? This way, an additional 40 or 50,000 fans can participate in the matchday experience, either by attending the physical stadium or enjoying it from the comfort of their homes. These fans would happily pay around $30 or $40 to be present in the stadium or around $10 for the matchday experience at home.

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During the Covid-19 pandemic, fans were barred from entering stadiums, providing us with a fleeting glimpse of the potential future. This circumstance compelled individuals to enjoy games from the comfort of their homes, while simultaneously connecting with loved ones through the medium of Zoom.

So, how does this evolve and what does it mean for stadium design?

Populous managing director Lee said: "The live remote audience is the next frontier for stadium design.

Given the unpredictable trajectory of digital advancements, particularly in the realm of sports, our primary responsibility is to establish a highly resilient foundation capable of supporting various future digital applications.

However, I firmly believe that augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and the integration of these technologies will undeniably shape our upcoming experiences, whether within the stadium or for viewers tuning in remotely.

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"Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is known for stating that only one percent of Cowboys fans will have the opportunity to visit the AT&T stadium. Therefore, it is crucial to address the needs of the remaining 99 percent who may not physically attend the stadium, but are still actively watching the game in various bars and restaurants worldwide."

"It's the way in which you bring these individuals together, and that's what makes it thrilling," he remarked.

"During the pandemic, we caught glimpses of this phenomenon - the virtual attendees on Zoom and the cardboard replicas in stadiums - but it reiterated the significance of a live audience. Without a live audience, the essence of sports changes, transforming the experience entirely. Nonetheless, we are well aware that there are countless individuals, ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 or even more, gathering in small bars across the globe, from Sao Paulo to Sydney and beyond, to watch the game."

How can we enable audiences to interact digitally in the same space? Fans, atmosphere, and experience will continue to be essential in stadium design, but the digital aspect is likely to be the most significant change that awaits us.

Could we potentially experience matchday in virtual stadiums alongside our loved ones and unfamiliar faces in the upcoming years? Delving deeper into the subject, our ongoing Future of Football series explores the realm of virtual and augmented reality.