The Detroit Lions have unveiled a US$44m design renovation plan for Ford Field’s hospitality areas. Rossetti, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, is the design architect for the renovation, and also the original designer of the stadium, which opened in 2002.
“We used many innovative concepts for Ford Field when we originally designed the stadium and that’s why it has stood the test of time,” said Jim Renne, sports principal at Rossetti and lead designer of the original stadium.
“We’re thrilled to bring our knowledge about entertainment venues garnered from designing facilities around the world back to our hometown. Our goal has been to bring the fan experience up to standards and beyond while customizing the design for Detroit.”
The Ford Field Renovation Project is a comprehensive re-envisioning of the fan experience throughout the stadium. The Detroit Lions identified the need to upgrade specific areas in order to align with the changing local marketplace and demographics, as well as better utilize space within the stadium. A total of 210,000ft² of premium space, ranging from large social clubs to suites and loges, will be renovated in place or completely reconfigured.
The design concept also strengthens the Lion’s brand, football legacy and history in Detroit. Design inspiration is taken from the ‘Nothing Stops Detroit’ slogan to highlight the grit, determination and history of both the Lions and the city. The design themes are expressed through layering the team’s colors and graphics, as well as textures, furniture, finishes, and curated displays that will be constructed by local craftsman and artisans.
According to Kirk Phillips, Rossetti design lead for the project, the team was inspired by the urban environment in the surrounding neighborhood and used the lighting, materiality, and details to create a new experience that will feel familiar yet will be completely different for fans.
February 22, 2017
