25 Sep 2019
HNTB designs noise-boosting stadium for Columbus Crew SC
BY Stu Robarts
Major League Soccer (MLS) team Columbus Crew SC has revealed HNTB designs for a new 20,000-seat stadium aimed at helping to amplify crowd noise and generate atmosphere.
The stadium will feature a steep seating bowl that will keep fans and the noise they generate close to the on-pitch action. A wrap-around roof will help to contain the crowd noise, reflecting it back through the crowd and on to the pitch.
A 360-degree concourse with views of the pitch will run around the inside of the stadium. The concourse will link up different areas of the stadium, including the seating, bars, two patio areas and a beer garden, which is said to be a first for the MLS.
The concourse will also provide access to a 40,000sq ft (3,700sq m) external plaza that will be used on match-days, for events and as a public space.
Elsewhere, the stadium will feature suites with cantilevered ledge seats, an elevated concourse with views to downtown, an integrated tifo rigging system, capo stands and a videoboard.
“We see our new home as becoming an integral part of Columbus’ downtown,” said Crew SC president and general manager Tim Bezbatchenko. “Because of this, we are building a modern facility that is rooted in the culture created by our supporters in order to provide an experience that champions soccer in Columbus.”
A groundbreaking event is planned for October 10th.
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