AEC firms and their clients constantly talk about the importance of “community engagement” to the success of their projects.
In Sacramento, Calif., a new soccer stadium is walking the talk. On September 19, Sacramento Republic FC, a local professional soccer team, and HNTB, the architectural firm Sac Republic hired to design its new $245 million, 20,000-seat stadium, launched a “Citizen Architect” competition that invites the public to submit design concepts for sections of the 409,000-sf stadium and its surrounding plaza.
Ben Gumpert, COO of Sac Soccer & Entertainment, the team’s holding company, tells BD+C that the contest designates three areas for which contestants can submit ideas: the stadium’s “front door” on its west side, which includes a huge promenade and access to light rail service (the stadium would be built on 14.9 downtown acres that include the former Sacramento Railyards); the North Plaza, which Gumpert says would be a large “gathering place” for fans; and the Main Concourse, which wraps around three sides of the building.
Sac Republic FC's Citizen Architect contest gives the public a chance to influence the design and operation of three areas of the new stadium (colored red in the above rendering). Image: Sacramento Republic FC
Submissions and collateral materials can be entered through a new website (https://mls.sacrepublicfc.com) until October 27, and must meet specific criteria for feasibility, creativity, and community. Gumpert notes, however, that the criteria do not include budgetary limitations. “We want to leave all possibilities open,” he explains. A panel of judges that includes HNTB will announce the winning entry on November 7.
Sacramento is one of a dozen cities vying for two expansion slots in Major League Soccer, the highest professional-level league in the U.S. Since 2014 Sacramento Republic FC has played in the western conference of the United Soccer League. MLS is expected to choose its two expansion cities in December, with those teams scheduled to start playing in that league in 2020. Gumpert says that Sacramento is the only city under consideration that is far enough along on its new stadium plans meet MSL’s proposed timetable.
The Building Team on the new stadium includes general contractor Turner Construction, which has already started preconstruction on this project; and ICON Venue Group, which is the project manager.
A rendering of the stadium's North Plaza, along 8th Street in Sacramento, which is expected to be a major fan gathering spot. Image: HNTB
HNTB’s initial design concept for the stadium was informed by fan input from a web survey. And the Citizen Architect contest is one of five pillars of the #BringItHome initiative that Sac Republic FC launched in May to catalyze the community’s support for this project. (Last December, the Sacramento City Council voted 8-0 to approve the construction of this privately financed stadium.)
The initiative's goals include connecting directly with 20,000 fams and local residents through town halls, surveys, forums, focus groups, and one-on-one conversations to ensure the community guides the future of the club. The initiative also calls for “strong participation” by local workers and businesses in the construction and operation of the stadium; concession partnerships with local farms, restaurants, and breweries; and ensuring that there is fan representation with the operation's Board of Directors.
Related Stories
| Dec 5, 2012
McIntyre appointed Business Development Director for Shawmut’s Sports Venue Group
McIntyre will be tasked with expanding existing client relationships and creating new partnerships.
| Dec 4, 2012
Wagner joins Ghafari as Manager of Structural Engineering
Wagner comes to Ghafari from Walter P Moore, where he served as a principal, chaired the construction administration task force and led the design of numerous projects ranging in size from $10 million to $70 million.
| Sep 24, 2012
$3.8-million athletic field and track opens in Glen Head, N.Y.
The complex also includes a new, one-story, multi-purpose building that serves as the main entry port to the athletic facilities.
| Sep 7, 2012
Duffy joins Thornton Tomasetti
At Hardesty & Hanover, Duffy partnered with Thornton Tomasetti on a number of projects.
| Aug 24, 2012
Meis heads to Woods Bagot Sport
Staples Center, Paul Brown Stadium architect to leverage global studio to serve clients worldwide.
| Aug 8, 2012
Giants 300 Sports Facilities Report
BD+C's Giants 300 Top 25 AEC Firms in the Sports Facilities sector.
| Jun 14, 2012
Minnesota Vikings stadium plan gets legislative go-ahead
Legislation that approved the construction of a new billion dollar stadium for the Minnesota Vikings passed the Minnesota legislature.
| Jun 8, 2012
Chestnut Hill College dedicates Jack and Rosemary Murphy Gulati complex
Casaccio Yu Architects designed the 11,300-sf fitness and social complex.
| Jun 1, 2012
New BD+C University Course on Insulated Metal Panels available
By completing this course, you earn 1.0 HSW/SD AIA Learning Units.
| May 30, 2012
Hill International to manage construction of Al Risafa Stadium in Iraq
The three-year contract has an estimated value to Hill of approximately $3.3 million.