Designing the future stadium

Today, people expect more from their stadium experience. It’s not just about watching the action on the field. It’s about the buzz of being there, the ease of getting around, the energy of the crowd and everything that happens before and after the main event.

Modern stadiums are designed with all of this in mind. To stand out and keep fans coming back, they need to deliver:

• Excitement, with digital tools that build hype and keep fans engaged every step of the way.
• Connectivity, like smart ticketing, in-seat food delivery and instant event updates.
• A strong identity, through design that captures the spirit of the place and its people.
• Life beyond game day, with precincts that stay active year-round, hosting everything from local events to community markets.

Take Etihad Park in New York City, for example, which is set to become Major League Soccer’s first all-electric stadium. With a focus on connection and inclusivity, it’s a great example of how stadiums can be both future-focused and community-led.

To make stadiums truly valuable, they need to be versatile. That means hosting a wide range of events, not just sport, and making it easy to adapt spaces for different uses.

Some key features that help:

• Multipurpose rooms and flexible layouts, so spaces can scale up or down depending on the event.
• Retractable or modular seating, allowing the venue to adjust to different audience sizes and types.
• Durable surfaces that can handle concerts, shows and festivals without damaging the turf.
• Weather protection, like covered roofs or enclosures, so events can go ahead in any conditions.

In Las Vegas, the proposed new stadium for the MLB’s Athletics team is a bold example of this thinking. It features dramatic overlapping volumes and what’s set to be the world’s largest cable-net glass wall. It’s flexible, striking and built to last.

Resilience is now a must-have. With climate impacts and shifting community needs, stadiums need to be ready for whatever comes next.

That includes:

• Encouraging public transport and reducing car reliance.
• Using energy and water more efficiently, with renewables built in from the start.
• Designing for everyone, regardless of age, ability, gender, or background.
• Allowing for change over time, so spaces can evolve as the community does.

We’re seeing this in projects like the $1.3 billion redevelopment in St. Petersburg, Florida. After Hurricane Milton, the design was reshaped to better address climate risks and reflect the concerns of the local community. Resilience isn’t just a feature anymore – it’s the foundation. 

As communities grow more diverse, stadiums need to reflect that. The rise of women’s sport, in particular, has driven new thinking around everything from changerooms to crowd amenities.

That means:

• Gender-neutral facilities that welcome everyone.
• Culturally inclusive spaces that reflect the people they serve.
• A broader mix of events, from sports and concerts to community festivals and local celebrations.

In Philadelphia, the new downtown arena for the 76ers is aiming to do just that. With a $1.55 billion investment, it’s not just about revitalising the city centre – it’s about creating a space that’s truly for everyone. 

Stadiums don’t just serve the people who walk through their gates. They’re global stages, broadcast to millions, sometimes billions, of viewers.

That means how a stadium looks on screen matters. Bold architecture and strong visual identity can make a venue iconic, instantly recognisable from around the world.

Take the Cleveland Browns’ new stadium concept. It’s angular, futuristic, and built with the global audience in mind – an example of how architecture can shape perception on a massive scale.

And back in 2011, during the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, we talked about the idea of a “stadium of five million” – a reminder that even if only a few thousand people are physically present, the reach and impact of a stadium can be nationwide.

In the end, the best stadiums are more than just places for events. They’re part of the social fabric -where people come together for sport, music, culture, or just to be part of something bigger.

Designing or upgrading a stadium is a chance to create something meaningful. Something that reflects the identity of a place and gives people a sense of pride. It’s about building a space that brings joy today and continues to serve generations to come.

Because great design isn’t just about form or function. It’s about understanding people, place, and possibility. Creating something that truly stands the test of time.

A great example of this is the recently redeveloped East Stand at Yarrow Stadium. Designed to operate well beyond major event days, the stand is zoned so different areas can be unlocked and used independently, without needing to power or open the entire facility.

On non-game days, the second-floor function room becomes a space for meetings or community events. The ground-floor toilets and changerooms are used by local sports teams playing on the adjacent field, while the rear plaza transforms into a lively space with food trucks and gatherings.

It's proof that when stadiums are designed with people and place in mind, they can serve the community 365 days a year.

Harry is our Director of Architecture and Design Leader, with over 40 years of experience shaping complex, high-profile projects across New Zealand, Australia and the UK. His portfolio includes stadiums, civic buildings, and major community spaces – designed to be flexible, inclusive and built for the future.

Harry works closely with clients from concept to completion, bringing strengths in master planning, design leadership and stakeholder engagement. Known for his collaborative approach, he brings diverse perspectives together to create spaces that are both deeply functional and rooted in place.