New MLS franchise FC Cincinnati has revealed the latest concept design plans for its proposed West End Stadium, which is scheduled to begin construction in 2019.
Created by Meis Architects, the renderings show the first four stages of design as well as the exterior, seating bowl and canopy.
The West End Stadium has an estimated capacity of between 25,000 and 26,000, which will change depending on final design elements.
The concept images show the stadium façade, which is made from Ethylene Tetrafluoro-ethylene (ETFE), enabling the club to illuminate with varying colors and patterns on the translucent material like other soccer stadia such as the Allianz Arena in Germany.
The playing field and seating bowl were also shown in the images with a two-tier seating setup and an ETFE canopy roof covering all rows of seating, that not only allows natural light to pass through but also enhances atmosphere within the stadium and suppresses external noise.
The West End Stadium will double the capacity of its designated supporters section, which is currently 1,700 at Nippert Stadium, and also double its offering of premium seating and suites at the new venue.
“We’re thrilled with the concept design for our West End Stadium and all of the work done by Meis and Elevar,” said Jeff Berding, FC Cincinnati president and general manager.
“We’ve received tremendous support from the West End and the Design Committee and we believe we’re bringing a transformational stadium to Cincinnati.
“We know that the design process will continue and our final product will likely continue to evolve, but we are proud to share our updated plans.
“We believe our West End stadium will be a catalyst for the neighborhood, but also help position Cincinnati as a ‘City on the Rise’ on both a national and international scale.”
Before any work can begin on the stadium the plans will undergo modifications and adjustments following a technical review by the City of Cincinnati, and then a formal submission of the final stadium plans will be made on December 3.
The West End Stadium is scheduled to open in March 2021.
