New Aloha Stadium seats-suites scale-up

Article posted by Coliseum, February 16^th, 2026

Image: NASED

The New Aloha Stadium in Hālawa, Hawaii (US), was never meant to be built with the same 50,000 seats as the original but there was concern last year when the developer cut the capacity to less than half that.

‘HAWAII NEWS NOW’ stated that now Stanford Carr (a prominent Hawaii-based developer) of Aloha Hālawa District Partners says there will be 31,000 seats and 28 Suites with the ability to expand.

The New Aloha Stadium, part of the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District (NASED), is a modern, 22,500-seat multipurpose stadium being constructed in Hālawa, Hawaii (US) to replace the former 50,000-seat stadium. Scheduled to open around March 2029 this $650 million project will host soccer, rugby and community events within a larger 98-acre mixed-use development.

The New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District (NASED) is a major public-private redevelopment project in Hālawa, O’ahu (US) replacing the aging Aloha Stadium with a modern, 22,500-35,000 seat multipurpose stadium. It will be a mixed-use, “live-work-play” district featuring residential units, hotels, retail, restaurants, and entertainment spaces. The project is designed to be a vibrant, year-round community hub.

The old Aloha Stadium was a 50,000-seat multipurpose outdoor arena in Hālawa, Hawaii, that served as Hawaii’s largest venue from its opening in 1975 until its closure in December 2020.

The Aloha Hālawa District Partners (AHDP) is the selected developer for the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District (NASED) responsible for demolishing the old stadium and constructing a new 22,500–31,000 seat venue slated for completion by March 2029. The consortium is developing a 98-acre site including 4,100 housing units, retail and entertainment.

‘HAWAII NEWS NOW’ further stated that the updated plans include individual chairs with cup holders and loge seating.

Said State Senator Glenn Wakai, D, Vice-Chair of the Senate Economic Development and Tourism Committee, “We really have something to cheer about because I don’t think any of us were super thrilled about a 22,500-seat stadium but 31,000 I think that’s the sweet spot. I mean, that’s the number we were chasing back in 2018.”

There will also be a 11,500-square-foot club lounge and another 7,000-square-foot lounge at the field level.

Meantime, dismantling is on track with a blessing for the new Stadium Authority district offices scheduled for February 17^th.

The State lawmakers allocated about $350 million for the stadium project and want to make sure it stays on time and on budget.

Added Wakai, “Stanford Carr has assured me that by August of this year that place will be flattened and he will shortly thereafter begin construction. He has to deliver in March of 2029. If it’s April and beyond there are actually penalties assessed on him.”

Carr is tasked with developing the 98-acre stadium community with the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District (NASED) which includes 4,100 housing units, hotels, an office tower, and an entertainment and retail center.

Wakai is pushing a tax increment financing Bill that offers tax benefits for building infrastructure for projects like the stadium, an approach the Stadium Authority Board also supports.

The Stadium Authority Board is the governing body responsible for overseeing the operations of the existing stadium and the planning, development and management of the New Aloha Stadium project including the surrounding New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District (NASED) in Hālawa, O’ah.

Pointed out Andrew Pereira, Vice-Chair of the Stadium Authority Board, “Capturing that increment between a vacant property like the Aloha Stadium right now that’s collecting zero property taxes and then leveraging the future property taxes so that you can issue bonds to put that infrastructure in place is a win-win for everybody, for the State, for the Counties as well as for the future homeowners because the price of those units that are going to go into the new entertainment district will drop by 30 percent or more.”

Another stadium-related Bill revives discussion about a potential casino at the site while another would allow digital kiosks and signage in the area for advertising. But Wakai says those issues are still several years out.

Continue to follow Coliseum for latest updates on venues business news. Coliseum is dedicated towards building the best global community of sports and entertainment venue executives and professionals creating better and more profitable venues.

Become a member of the only Global Sports Venue Alliance and connect with stadiums, arenas and experts from around the world. Apply for membership at coliseum-online.com/alliance and make use of the 365Coliseum Business.

Watch 500+ member-exclusive videos with valuable tips for your venue