Image courtesy of Populous
Estadio BBVA Bancomer, home of C.F. Monterrey, opens on August 2, 2015 – and designers Populous are heralding the US$200m venue as a new model for Mexican stadia, with the new facility touted as the most hospitality-driven stadium in the region.
“Without a doubt, Estadio BBVA Bancomer will usher in the next generation of stadia in Latin America,” says David Lizarraga, lead architect on the project and senior associate at Populous. “The level of detail in the design – from the stadium’s façade, which speaks to Monterrey’s heritage, to the hospitality experience – is unmatched. The stadium is a modern marvel; it’s been truly special to see the new home for Rayados (‘The Striped Ones’) come to life in Monterrey.”
Inspired by the region’s history of brewing and steel manufacturing, the stadium’s self-supported, tripod-like structure creates a sculptural design. The structure is clad in metallic armature and aluminum, paying tribute to the steels mills that once thrived in the city. The silhouette of brewing stills influenced the asymmetrical shape of the stadium that lowers to the south, framing the famous Cerro de la Silla Mountain.
The stadium’s design incorporates neighborhood seating spaces designed for the hospitality-driven fan. The inclusion of 4,500 club seats and 324 suites creates a well-rounded experience and is coupled with a seating bowl that allows for intimate views, bringing fans closer to the field than any other stadium in the region.
Populous has designed a number of projects in Latin America, including: Arena das Dunas, in Natal, Brazil, which hosted a number of matches during the 2014 World Cup; Estadio Omnilife, home of Mexican soccer club Chivas, in Zapopan, Mexico; and its current work on the new ballpark for baseball team Los Diablos Rojos del Mexico, in Mexico City.
July 31, 2015
