Discover what gives a stadium its atmosphere and how it can be designed. Architect Christopher Lee shares his experiences designing iconic grounds like Yankee Stadium and Wembley Stadium. Listeners share what makes their favorite sports grounds special. Learn how stadiums bring investment and regeneration to cities and the potential of reaching a global audience through technology.
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Quick takeaways
Stadiums have the potential to bring about regeneration and economic growth in their local communities.
Creating a vibrant atmosphere in stadiums involves both science and art.
Deep dives
The competition among sports clubs to build the best stadiums
In recent decades, there has been a surge in investment in professional sports clubs, resulting in a fierce competition among the richest clubs to construct the biggest and most impressive stadiums. This trend has led to the creation of iconic buildings like London's Wembley Stadium and architectural masterpieces like Johannesburg's Soccer City Stadium. Some clubs focus on building new stadiums, while others improve existing ones by blending historical elements with modern features.
The importance of stadiums as community hubs
Stadiums are not just places for sporting events, but also dynamic businesses that contribute to their local communities. They have the potential to bring about regeneration and economic growth. For example, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London has brought in millions of pounds to the local economy, revitalizing the surrounding area with new bars and restaurants. Additionally, stadiums like the National Stadium Lagos in Nigeria serve as multi-purpose facilities and community gathering spaces, hosting various sports and recreational activities.
Designing stadiums for atmosphere and fan experience
Creating a vibrant atmosphere in stadiums involves both science and art. Architects consider factors like sight lines, acoustics, and peripheral vision to enhance fan experience. Real Madrid's Bernabeu Stadium, despite being watched from afar by fans like Ibrahim in Nigeria, is admired for its history, atmosphere, and the miracles that unfold within its walls. As technology evolves, future stadiums may explore virtual and augmented reality to connect remote audiences with the live event experience.
The development of new sports stadiums and facilities can bring regeneration to deprived areas. They hold a special place in the hearts of sports and live music fans. But have some of the new ones lost their spark?
In this edition of Business Daily, Sam Fenwick asks, what gives a stadium its atmosphere and can it be designed in?
Sam speaks to Christopher Lee, whose architecture practice, Populous, has designed 3000 arenas all over the world. He shares his experience of designing iconic grounds like the Yankee Stadium, Wembley Stadium, and Olympic stadiums in Sydney, London and Sochi.
And we hear from BBC World Service listeners, who tell us what makes their favourite sports grounds so special.
(Picture: Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Brayan Bello (66) throws a pitch against the Kansas City Royals in the third inning at Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts. Credit: David Butler II/USA TODAY Sports)
Presented and produced by Sam Fenwick
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