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
| Aug 11, 2010
ASHRAE introduces building energy label prototype
Most of us know the fuel efficiency of our cars, but what about our buildings? ASHRAE is working to change that, moving one step closer today to introducing its building energy labeling program with release of a prototype label at its 2009 Annual Conference in Louisville, Ky.
| Aug 11, 2010
10 tips for mitigating influenza in buildings
Adopting simple, common-sense measures and proper maintenance protocols can help mitigate the spread of influenza in buildings. In addition, there are system upgrades that can be performed to further mitigate risks. Trane Commercial Systems offers 10 tips to consider during the cold and flu season.
| Aug 11, 2010
Jacobs, HOK top BD+C's ranking of the 75 largest state/local government design firms
A ranking of the Top 75 State/Local Government Design Firms based on Building Design+Construction's 2009 Giants 300 survey. For more Giants 300 rankings, visit http://www.BDCnetwork.com/Giants
| Aug 11, 2010
Gilbane, Whiting-Turner among nation's largest university contractors, according to BD+C's Giants 300 report
A ranking of the Top 50 University Contractors based on Building Design+Construction's 2009 Giants 300 survey. For more Giants 300 rankings, visit /giants
| Aug 11, 2010
AASHE releases annual review of sustainability in higher education
The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) has announced the release of AASHE Digest 2008, which documents the continued rapid growth of campus sustainability in the U.S. and Canada. The 356-page report, available as a free download on the AASHE website, includes over 1,350 stories that appeared in the weekly AASHE Bulletin last year.
| Aug 11, 2010
Burt Hill, HOK top BD+C's ranking of the nation's 100 largest university design firms
A ranking of the Top 100 University Design Firms based on Building Design+Construction's 2009 Giants 300 survey. For more Giants 300 rankings, visit http://www.BDCnetwork.com/Giants
| Aug 11, 2010
PBK, DLR Group among nation's largest K-12 school design firms, according to BD+C's Giants 300 report
A ranking of the Top 75 K-12 School Design Firms based on Building Design+Construction's 2009 Giants 300 survey. For more Giants 300 rankings, visit http://www.BDCnetwork.com/Giants
| Aug 11, 2010
AGC unveils comprehensive plan to revive the construction industry
The Associated General Contractors of America unveiled a new plan today designed to revive the nation’s construction industry. The plan, “Build Now for the Future: A Blueprint for Economic Growth,” is designed to reverse predictions that construction activity will continue to shrink through 2010, crippling broader economic growth.