Total Quality Logistics Stadium completes in Cincinnati
By David Malone, Associate Editor
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.