BBVA Compass Stadium

CHALLENGE
BBVA Compass Stadium is designed to be the core of Houston’s East Downtown Redevelopment Plan. With a 22,000 seat capacity, its primary use is as a soccer stadium. However it can also accommodate lacrosse, rugby or concerts. To create something specifically as an architectural icon is a challenge in itself; Populous additionally had to design the stadium within the constraints of an extremely tight construction budget of $60M.

INNOVATION
Bringing our vast experience of European football stadia to bear on this project, Populous has created a unique form of soccer-specific stadium for the US market. The continuous exterior surface surrounding the stadium creates a dynamic sense of enclosure and intimate soccer atmosphere that marks a new precedent for American soccer stadia.

IMPACT
The stadium’s tessellated exterior defines a bold architectural statement in the Houston skyline, while the simple and common materials used in its construction reference the area’s industrial heritage. More broadly, BBVA Compass Stadium will have a huge impact and influence on the emerging USA Major League Soccer stadia. Sports Authority Kenny Friedman says, “I think the Dynamo are going to have a competitive advantage because the fans will be so close they’ll be in essence an extra player on the field.”

Built
2012

Project Type

Address

Houston, Texas, United States

Related links

Credits

  • Populous
  • Manhattan Construction Company
  • Clark Condon
  • Walter P Moore
  • WGA
  • ICON Venue Group
  • City of Houston, Harris County Sports Authority, Dynamo Soccer Team
  • Geoffrey Lyons