7 Things to Know: Sports + Recreation + Entertainment

Sports, recreation and entertainment venues can provide unforgettable experiences, unite communities and catalyze economic development. In this issue of the HOK Design Digest, we are showcasing the latest news from our Sports + Recreation + Entertainment group and how their projects and research are pushing the envelope in modern venue design.

1. CITYPARK Scores Big for St. Louis

Have you seen Bloomberg and Forbes' latest coverage of CITYPARK, home to the MLS St. Louis CITY SC? The Bloomberg story shares how CITYPARK, designed by HOK and Snow Kreilich Architects, represents the future of modern stadium design and creates a vibrant mixed-use district. The Forbes article discusses the process of how CITYPARK came to be, sharing how it unites St. Louis—all for the love of soccer.

Dive Deeper: Both articles highlight the economic impact of CITYPARK and CITY SC, which generated $168 million for the St. Louis region, as well as $1.4 billion in building development and renovations around the stadium in the past four years. Learn how CITYPARK is more than a stadium on hok.com.

2. Revolutionizing Venue Design through Scrum

In sports and entertainment venue design, every inch counts. HOK’s Sports + Recreation + Entertainment group created Scrum, a parametric design tool to optimize a venue’s seating bowl for fan comfort and views while maximizing its revenue potential.

With its name inspired by the collaborative spirit of rugby scrums, the tool lets architects and engineers quickly prototype and refine seating bowl configurations in 3D. Learn more on hok.com.

3. NFL Projects in the News

The Charlotte City Council has greenlit an $800 million renovation of Bank of America Stadium, home to the NFL’s Carolina Panthers and the MLS’s Charlotte FC. The HOK-led renovation will modernize the 28-year-old venue, overhaul the stadium’s infrastructure and enhance the fan experience with new premium seating options. Project work will take place from 2025-2029.

Meanwhile, the Jacksonville City Council recently approved HOK’s plans to transform EverBank Stadium into the “stadium of the future.” The 360-degree concourse will be four times wider and feature interactive social bars, expanded food and beverage options and lookout decks with citywide views. Discover more about the radical transformation of Jacksonville Jaguar's EverBank Stadium.

Dive Deeper: In other NFL news, construction began this spring on the new training facility and headquarters for the NFL’s Denver Broncos designed by HOK and Rockwell Group. The facility will enhance player health and performance and co-locate football and team operations in a collaborative environment.

4. Scotland’s Newest Entertainment Venue

The City of Edinburgh Council recently granted planning permission to AEG Europe for the new Edinburgh Park Arena in Scotland. The 8,500-capacity arena will host sporting events and performances of all sizes, attracting 700,000 visitors annually. HOK is serving as the lead design consultant and project architect for the venue. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2025 with a targeted completion in 2027.

5. Celebrating Supporters at the New York City FC Stadium

New York City Football Club has revealed renderings and a video of its supporters’ section at the HOK-designed stadium. The 9,000-sq.-ft. Supporters’ Porch will feature an LED display, tap bar, food offerings and gathering spaces for fans. Inside the seating bowl, the supporters’ section includes three ‘capo’ stands for supporters’ group leaders and a drum platform. A roof canopy will cover 90% of the section and allow fans to display Tifo banners.

View more renderings of the supporters' section and get ready to cheer on New York City FC at the stadium, set to open for the 2027 MLS season.

6. The Impact of Women’s Sports on Facility Design

HOK’s Sports + Recreation + Entertainment group has a diverse team of women leaders who are passionate about integrating sports and architecture. In a new Q+A, Shannon Bartch AIA, LEED AP, NCARB, DBIA , Melissa Clark , Francesca Meola , Kirsty Mitchell and Emily Ostertag share their personal journeys and insights on the growing impact of women’s sports on facility design. They highlight the importance of understanding and addressing the unique needs of female athletes when designing sports facilities, emphasizing the significance of tailored spaces and holistic athlete care. Read the full conversation.

7. Major Updates from Minor League Baseball’s Salt Lake Bees

The Salt Lake Bees Triple-A MiLB team unveiled renderings for a new three-story stadium designed by HOK. The ballpark, Daybreak Field at America First Square, will provide 6,500 fixed seats, open-lawn seating, party decks, field-level suites, specialty boxes and club spaces, locally inspired food options and views of the Wasatch Mountains. Find the latest news on the project, set to open in spring 2025.

By the numbers:

Seven HOK-designed projects were recognized as the most impressive college football facilities in 2024. Check out each of the lists from 24/7 Sports and Sportskeeda.

Follow HOK on LinkedIn for more updates and find all the issues of HOK’s Design Digest newsletter.