MLS4TheLou to be sports venue unto itself

Article posted by Coliseum, November 11^th, 2019

Image: MLS4TheLou

MLS4TheLou’s proposed 22,500 seat soccer-specific stadium to be built in St Louis, Missouri in the US will be much more than just a sports venue. It will be a destination in a new Downtown West district that will showcase the city’s rich history and look forward into the club’s future.

MLS4TheLou’s objective is to create exquisite architecture, verdant spaces and gathering places which will inspire the city and sweep fans off their feet.

#MLS4THELOU is working closely with a number of public officials to expand the area of the proposed stadium site to approximately 30 acres – which is almost all currently undeveloped.

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If the site gets expanded, it will help in the development of a one-of-a-kind venue and will help position Downtown West into an urban activity hub the whole year through and easily accessible via pedestrian pathways, bicycle and public transit.

MLS4TheLou’s open-air stadium will be centrally located in Downtown West within a resurgent corridor that will ultimately connect the Gateway Arch and Forest Park, two of the city’s most iconic civic spaces.

A representative for MLS4TheLou stated, “An updated plan that’s built to work better. For our city, our fans and our team. After many conversations with public officials, ownership has agreed to purchase and own the stadium and land. We made this change with support of Board of Aldermen President Lewis Reed in order to address concerns resulting from the city’s previous experience with sports venues. We believe this change is in the best interest of both the city and ownership and allows for a broader vision of the development of the stadium and surrounding district.”

Snow Kreilich Architects, led by founding principal Julie Snow and design principal Matthew Kreilich, will work in concert with HOK on the design of the stadium through various stages of the project and into the surrounding district. Together they are set to give fans an exalted experience through the design of the venue which promises to be a vision for the eyes.

Eli Hoisington and Chris DeVolder are lead designers for HOK, a global design, architecture, engineering and planning firm founded in St. Louis. With 24 offices across three continents, HOK’s current and recent projects include the Mercedes-Benz Stadium for Atlanta United FC, Avaya Stadium for the San Jose Earthquakes and recently announced design work for Inter Miami CF’s Stadium.

The overall fan experience has been one of many important factors guiding the initial design efforts. It will include:

Fans will be able to enter the stadium from all sides. A major entry plaza will serve as an optimal pre-game gathering space for fan processions and post-game celebrations.
The stadium will feature a translucent ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) canopy, which provides covering for fans and allows for well-lit spaces. Light will be able to pass through the canopy and directly onto the field, helping game day visibility and grass growth. The roof form will serve as an iconic landmark as visitors approach downtown St Louis from the west.
The pitch will sit 40 feet below street level, creating a unique urban footprint with a below-ground-level playing field for a proudly loud and one-of-a-kind MLS fan experience.
Every seat will be within 120 feet of the pitch for some of the best views in soccer. The closest seats sit just 20 feet from the touch line.
The stadium design will open to the north and east, creating a strong visual connection to the surrounding Downtown West District and neighborhood.
Included within the immediate build of the stadium will be a Downtown West District of mixed-use retail, restaurants and gathering spaces that will be open and accessible to city residents and visitors year-round. An alley for pop-up retail spaces will be available to local businesses.

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