How Football Stadium Design Is Changing With the Visio

Manchester United’s plans for a new 100,000-seater stadium mark a significant moment in sports architecture. As stadiums evolve into multi-purpose venues, their design must accommodate football matches, large-scale concerts, and other events. This shift reflects broader changes in how stadiums are constructed, designed, and used.

This article discusses the new stadium being built at Manchester United and how it fits into the shifting vision of such venues.

Manchester United’s Bold New Stadium

One of the most anticipated projects in stadium design is Manchester United’s proposed stadium, designed by Foster + Partners. The £2 billion plan envisions a 100,000-seat venue, making it the largest in the UK.

Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said the plan is to complete the construction in five years. Once completed, the club’s existing home may be demolished. The club’s members planned to shrink the Old Trafford stadium to accommodate United’s women’s and youth teams. However, doing so might not be a cost-effective option, which might lead to demolishing.

A unique triple-mast roof inspired by the club’s logo adds to its distinctive look. These trident-like masts will be 200 meters high and visible from several miles away. The new stadium will be built next to Old Trafford, ensuring matches can continue uninterrupted during construction.

The designers say that the stadium will feature an umbrella design. It will also have a new public plaza, which is planned to be twice as big as Trafalgar Square. Manchester United say that the project will be a part of the broader regeneration of the Old Trafford area, which the government already backs.

If done correctly, the project may create 92,000 jobs. It will also increase the number of visitors by 1.8 million and add £7.3bn per year to the country’s economy.

Designing for More Than Football

It is evident that modern stadiums are no longer built exclusively for sports. Many popular artists now use stadiums for their music concerts. Consider the example of Taylor Swift, who brought the Eras Tour to Wembley Stadium in 2024. According to BBC, she played for over 1.2 million people during her shows at Wembley Stadium.

Similarly, Toronto’s Rogers Stadium will host concerts by several artists in 2025. The 50,000-capacity stadium will host Coldplay, Oasis, Blackpink, and more. 

Large venues must now handle the rhythmic movement of concert crowds, which differs significantly from the dynamic flow of football fans. This has influenced structural designs to ensure safety and comfort for all types of events.

Updates to engineering guidelines, such as those from the Institute of Structural Engineers, aim to create spaces that can withstand these varied crowd movements.

The Evolution of Construction Materials

Advancements in construction materials have played a crucial role in shaping modern stadiums. Early stadiums relied heavily on concrete and steel. However, today’s designs incorporate lightweight composites, advanced polymers, and sustainable materials to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

Some of these materials have raised concerns over long-term environmental and health effects. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly found in certain coatings and construction products, have been discussed in recent years. These chemicals, also linked to the Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) used in firefighting, have drawn attention for their persistence in the environment.

While they have enhanced the durability and resistance of stadium materials, their long-term impact continues to be evaluated. For instance, TorHoerman Law states that exposure to PFAS in AFFF can lead to health issues like various forms of cancer. Some of those who are constantly exposed have developed kidney, testicular, breast, liver, pancreatic, bladder, and other forms of cancer.

Many of those who developed these conditions have also taken legal action. They have filed lawsuits against manufacturers for not informing them about the potential health concerns. The recent AFFF lawsuit update states that there are 8,430 cases pending as of March 2024. This is an increase of 338 cases from the previous month.

Denver’s Women’s Soccer Stadium

Denver is making history with the planned Santa Fe Yards stadium, Colorado’s first women’s soccer-specific venue. Set to open in 2028, this 14,500-seat facility is part of a larger recreational district. The design includes room for future expansion, ensuring long-term usability.

One key aspect of the development is that a 3.5-acre recreational park will be built around the stadium. This indicates a plan for using the stadium for other purposes in the future. While the stadium’s seating capacity may not be good enough for big concerts, it can still be ideal for other events.

This can include comedy shows, cultural festivals, open-air movie nights, etc. Thus, regardless of the seating capacity, the designs of these stadiums need to consider the broader context.

Sustainability and Technology in Stadium Design

Modern stadiums are prioritizing sustainability. Many new venues use eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems to reduce their environmental footprint. Technological upgrades also enhance the fan experience with features like interactive apps, improved seating arrangements, and high-tech viewing screens.

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, for example, has a retractable pitch that seamlessly accommodates football and NFL games. It is the world’s first rectangle retractable pitch. The NFL-approved pitch sits at the bottom of the stadium bowl. The turf pitch can be rolled into the stadium easily in three different sections.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do modern stadiums handle different types of events in the same space?

Modern stadiums adapt to different events using features like retractable roofs, movable seating, and modular surfaces. Some, like Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, have a retractable pitch that allows the venue to switch seamlessly between football and NFL games. Others have roofs that can be retracted based on whether it’s raining or not.

Are there any drawbacks to building massive stadiums?

While new stadiums bring economic and entertainment value, they can also present challenges, such as high construction costs, environmental concerns, and potential underuse. Some cities struggle with maintaining large stadiums after major sporting events like the Olympics.

What happens to old stadiums when new ones are built?

Old stadiums may be repurposed for smaller events, transformed into public parks, or even demolished to make way for new developments. Some, like London’s Olympic Stadium, have been redesigned for new uses rather than being abandoned. Whether being repurposed or demolished, the construction team should ensure minimal environmental effect.

Stadiums are evolving into more than just sports venues. They are becoming cultural and community hubs, offering flexible spaces for various events. With design, sustainability, and technology advancements, these modern arenas will continue to shape how people experience live entertainment and sports.