In 2024, there was no shortage of exciting news in the world of sports architecture and design. Developments in this area include the completion of long-awaited projects, construction starts, and renovations. Other notable articles featured record-breaking, first-of-its-kind projects that may hint at what the future of sports architecture might look like.
This year, a greener approach to stadium design and a prioritization of integrating mixed-use planning that goes beyond sports to include public space, accessibility improvements, and even housing were common across projects.
As part of Archinect’s 2024 Year In Review, we take a look at some of the best sports architecture and stadium projects in the news this year.
Designing highly populated modular cricket World Cup stadium on Long Island
In January, Populous unveiled its design for a modular 34,000-seat cricket stadium for the Men’s T20 World Cup in June this year. The facility, located in Nassau County, Long Island, was built by reusing portions of the grandstand structure built for last November’s F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix. It also features a drop-in pitch that was first made in Australia and later grown in Florida. The stadium hosted nine events over two weeks.
Record-setting 3D printed monument will light up at Super Bowl XV next weekend
The world’s largest free-standing 3D printed structure was on display at this year’s NFL Super Bowl LVIIl in Las Vegas. The project, called the Al Davis Memorial Torch, was created in honor of the former Raiders owner and coach. It was developed by MANICA architecture and manufacturing company Dimensional Innovations (DI). A number of other organizations provided design services to the project, including Purdue University and HNTB. The monument is 93 feet tall and features 1,148 aluminum panels painted silver by robots and supported by 226 3D printed carbon fiber blocks.
Early ’70s modernist building restored as eco-friendly training venue for Paris Olympics
In the lead-up to this year’s Summer Olympics in Paris, French architecture studio Châtillon Architects has created an unused building, called the Grand Neff de l’Isle des Vannes sports complex, to serve as a training venue for Olympic athletes. A modernist heritage building that has disappeared has been renovated. The facility was originally built in 1971 but has been vacant since 2018. The company’s mission was to improve the building’s energy efficiency and accessibility rating while preserving its aesthetic and spatial qualities. Work includes installing acoustic wood panels, adding new seating for athletes and a state-of-the-art multisport floor, converting lighting fixtures to LED and installing a new HVAC system.
AECOM’s $2 billion Intuit Dome opens in rapidly changing Inglewood
The long-awaited AECOM-designed Intuit Dome opened in August and became the first permanent home of the LA Clippers. The $1.8 billion stadium is distinguished by a 38,375-square-foot perimeter LED Halo board, the world’s largest indoor arena, and a special 4,700-seat section with 51 uninterrupted rows called The Wall. It also features a unique red diagrid steel frame that incorporates diamond-shaped PTFE/ETFE panels that resemble a ball moving through a net.
Design unveiled for world’s largest soccer stadium with Morocco’s distinctive tent roof
A rendering of what will be the world’s largest soccer stadium was released in August. Morocco’s 115,000-seat Grand Stade Hassan II, designed by Oualalou + Choi and Populous, is scheduled to be delivered in time for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The stadium’s design references traditional Moroccan social gatherings known as moussems, reflected through its grand tented roof.
Trahan Architects brings new improvements to New Orleans’ historic Superdome after 25 years
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina in 2025, the interior renovation of the historic Caesars Superdome in New Orleans was completed in September by Trahan Architects. The project began with the goal of improving accessibility, fan experience, wayfinding, operational efficiency, and team facilities. The surrounding concession area was reconfigured and a series of new atrium volumes were installed. Additionally, more ADA-compliant seating has been added along with an ADA platform lift. The project is expected to extend the stadium’s lifespan by at least 25 years.
HOK Debuts Modular Vertiport Design for Future Flying Auto Racing Series
HOK has announced the design of a vertiport structure for the world’s first flying car racing series. This vertiport, called Skydeck, is for Airspeeder, a London-based electric flying vehicle racing series. The structure will be able to accommodate 10 teams with up to 20 flying cars. The design is modular and features a virtual track plus solar power infrastructure.
HOK begins construction of all-electric Etihad Park soccer stadium in Queens
In early December, it was announced that construction began on HOK’s $3 billion Etihad Park, the new home of New York City FC, at Willets Point in Queens. The 25,000-seat stadium will be all-electric and constructed using local materials. The project will also be the core of a larger mixed-use redevelopment plan that will include public space, affordable housing, a hotel, and a public school. Construction of the stadium is expected to be completed by the 2027 season.
Floating padel court sets sail into Port of Miami
A new temporary court for Mexico’s popular game called padel is floating in Miami Harbor. The building was constructed and designed by real estate investment venture Integra Group. The majority of the court is constructed from recycled steel and can operate without batteries or engines. The structure will remain floating in Miami until May 2025, after which it will be relocated to the Bahamas, where it will spread knowledge of the game.
To stay up to date, be sure to follow the 2024 Year In Review tag to follow Archinect’s special year-end coverage.
