The MLS season is underway, and the professional soccer league continues to expand and grow in popularity in the US. Along with the addition of teams has come the addition of new stadiums that seek to add vitality, and financial benefit to their surrounding communities.
These new soccer facilities are state of the art stadiums that are setting new standards in this country. Geodis Park in Nashville, Q2 Stadium in Austin, and the Miami Freedom Park in FL, all reflect design that promotes environmentally conscious and sustainable gathering. The 100% privately funded Miami Freedom Park includes 130 acres of environmental remediation, a 25,000 seat MLS stadium, and public park space accessible by sidewalks and public transportation. Q2, the corporate sponsor for Austin FC quotes their stadium mission as “the first ever stadium sponsors, we’re committed to providing a healthy, inclusive and super-charged experience for everyone.” The stadium which incorporates reduced indoor water use, maximizes energy efficiency, and supports public transit and walkability, was awarded LEED Gold from the US Green Building Council. Nashville’s Geodis Park which opened in May 2022 is the largest US soccer specific stadium with seating for 30,000 fans. A result of a public – private partnership, the stadium is built on the historic Nashville Fairgrounds.
As soccer continues to gain in popularity in the US, new proposals are in the works that we can look to for inspiration in the coming years. JL Architects is a firm that never stops learning, growing, and seeking inspiration from everything around us.
Enjoying a soccer game and getting design inspiration is a win-win for our JL team!
-Franklin Rodriguez, Architectural Designer