Total Quality Logistics (TQL) Stadium, a 26,000-seat soccer venue, has completed construction on 12.4 acres in downtown Cincinnati. The stadium, which will be home to FC Cincinnati, connects the historic neighborhoods of Over-the-Rhine and West End.
The stadiums is wrapped in over 500 vertically-oriented aluminum fins, each fully programmable through an integrated LED video display system. During the night, the exterior offers a dynamic video display that showcases the club’s brand, atmospheric graphics, and match-day messaging. During the day, the architectural fins create a singular twisting motion that signifies the tension between two teams on the pitch.
Inside the stadium, fans have a 360-degree continuous seating bowl with no breaks, putting all the focus on the pitch. The Bailey, FC Cincinnati’s supporters’ section, is situated in the North stands. Here, 3,170 fans standing on a 34-degree slope, create a wall of sound of the pitch. Above The Bailey is the widest video board in any North American soccer-specific stadium.
The height and orientation of the stadium were designed to minimize shadows cast on the surrounding neighborhood while the programmable LED facade primarily faces east to respect nearby residents to the west. An expansive East Plaza will greet supporters with a grand staircase that faces the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood and serves as a front porch and a means to channel fan energy.
The Tunnel Club uses materials such as teak wood and warm tones reminiscent of institutions like the Cincinnati Music Hall while the First Financial Club was inspired by Over-the-Rhine and the city’s brewing traditions to bring a fresh take on the conventional beer hall.
In a nod to the team orange and blue color palette, the design team programmed a contemporary interpretation to express the bold hues. Copper and brass materials take the place of orange, creating warm tones while paying homage to the city’s industrial history. In place of the team’s blue, a muted dark navy hue is seen throughout the stadium from common areas to the suites to the seating bowl.
In addition to Populous, Buro Happold provided structural engineering services and Elevar served as the local associate architect. Turner Construction served as the general contractor.
Related Stories
| Sep 3, 2014
New designation launched to streamline LEED review process
The LEED Proven Provider designation is designed to minimize the need for additional work during the project review process.
| Sep 2, 2014
Ranked: Top green building sector AEC firms [2014 Giants 300 Report]
AECOM, Gensler, and Turner top BD+C's rankings of the nation's largest green design and construction firms.
| Aug 29, 2014
The new College Football Hall of Fame opens in Atlanta
Adjacent to the Georgia World Congress Center and Centennial Olympic Park, the three-story, 94,250-sf attraction is designed to celebrate the traditions of college football.
| Aug 27, 2014
Ranked: Top sports facility sector AEC firms [2014 Giants 300 Report]
Populous, AECOM, and Turner head BD+C's rankings of the nation's largest sports facility design and construction firms, as reported in the 2014 Giants 300 Report.
| Aug 27, 2014
Survey of NCAA athletic directors reveals strong demand for new facilities, fan amenities
More than 80% of college athletic directors plan to make significant investments in facilities over the next five years to target potential recruits and spectators, according to a new survey by AECOM and Ohio University.
| Aug 20, 2014
WELL Building: The next step in green sports construction
The WELL Building Standard, a new protocol that focuses on human wellness within the built environment, is a particularly good fit for sports facilities, write Skanska's Tom Tingle and Beth Heider.
| Aug 19, 2014
HOK to acquire 360 Architecture
Expected to be finalized by the end of October, the acquisition of 360 Architecture will provide immediate benefits to both firms’ clients worldwide as HOK re-enters the sports and entertainment market.
| Jul 28, 2014
Reconstruction market benefits from improving economy, new technology [2014 Giants 300 Report]
Following years of fairly lackluster demand for commercial property remodeling, reconstruction revenue is improving, according to the 2014 Giants 300 report.
| Jul 28, 2014
Reconstruction Sector Construction Firms [2014 Giants 300 Report]
Structure Tone, Turner, and Gilbane top Building Design+Construction's 2014 ranking of the largest reconstruction contractor and construction management firms in the U.S.
| Jul 28, 2014
Reconstruction Sector Engineering Firms [2014 Giants 300 Report]
Jacobs, URS, and Wiss, Janney, Elstner top Building Design+Construction's 2014 ranking of the largest reconstruction engineering and engineering/architecture firms in the U.S.
