St Louis’ new stadium will have 22,500 seats but the number isn’t all that important – it’s the positioning of them! The open design of the arena will offer views into the field from the surrounding neighborhood and sightlines out to the city from inside the seating bowl.
What a wonderful idea.
Unlike many large arena plans, this design hinges on its smaller scale, where the structure’s shape sits neatly within its urban context. For example, the main concourse is level with the west end of the Gateway Mall and offers a pedestrian friendly feel.
So, what are the key features of this stadium that will further give it a green, integrated and connected feel?
-Seats will be 40 feet below street level, reinforcing pedestrian access.
-The shape creates an inviting portico along with tall columns leading to the upper deck.
-Its canopy will provide protection for fans while letting in plenty of daylight.
-No seat will be more than 120 feet from the field.
-It will also be downtown, just a stone’s throw from Union Station, the city’s former train hub turned mixed-use renovation project.
-Outside of actual football, a lot of the fan action is going to be along Market Street. And included in the build will be a training facility, youth academy, club offices, team shop, fan pavilion and cafe.
The Soccer Pitch Is Green 