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
| Jul 7, 2014
A climate-controlled city is Dubai's newest colossal project
To add to Dubai's already impressive portfolio of world's tallest tower and world's largest natural flower garden, Dubai Holding has plans to build the world's largest climate-controlled city.
| Jul 3, 2014
Arthur Ashe Stadium the latest to tap Birdair
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) and ROSSETTI, the architect of record for the Arthur Ashe Stadium, tapped Birdair to supply a 210,000-square-foot, PTFE membrane, retractable roof, expected to be installed by 2016.
| Jul 2, 2014
First Look: Qatar World Cup stadium design references nomadic heritage
Organizers of the Qatar 2022 World Cup, the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, recently unveiled designs for the second stadium.
| Jul 2, 2014
Emerging trends in commercial flooring
Rectangular tiles, digital graphic applications, the resurgence of terrazzo, and product transparency headline today’s commercial flooring trends.
| Jul 2, 2014
Grimshaw's 'kit of parts' design scheme selected for Qatar sports facilities program
The series of projects, called the Al Farjan Recreational Sports Facilities, have been designed in such a way that the same basic design can be adapted to the specific requirements of each site.
| Jul 1, 2014
Sochi's 'kinetic façade' may steal the show at the Winter Olympics
The temporary pavilion for Russian telecom operator MegaFon will be wrapped with a massive digital "pin screen" that will morph into the shape of any face.
| Jun 30, 2014
Philip Johnson’s iconic World's Fair 'Tent of Tomorrow' to receive much needed restoration funding
A neglected Queens landmark that once reflected the "excitement and hopefulness" at the beginning of the Space Age may soon be restored.
| Jun 30, 2014
Research finds continued growth of design-build throughout United States
New research findings indicate that for the first time more than half of projects above $10 million are being completed through design-build project delivery.
| Jun 26, 2014
Plans for Britain’s newest landmark brings in international cooperation
Designers of the London Eye will team up with companies from France, the Netherlands and the United States to construct i360 Brighton, the U.K.'s newest observation tower.
| Jun 25, 2014
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Spring House, Cincinnati’s Union Terminal among 11 Most Endangered Historic Places for 2014
The National Trust for Historic Preservation released its annual list of 11 Most Endangered Historical Sites in the United States for 2014.