West End Stadium Unveils Unrivaled Premium Interiors

West End Stadium, the new, progressive purpose-built home to Major League Soccer team FC Cincinnati (FCC), will debut in early 2021 with a first-of-its-kind illuminating façade and an unrivaled matchday experience for Cincinnati. Designed by Populous, West End Stadium captures the energy of fans to create a world-class soccer atmosphere.

“We’ve drawn upon the dynamics of the exterior design and seating bowl to influence our interior experiences, each designed to connect with the City of Cincinnati in an exclusive way,” said Jonathan Mallie, lead designer and Senior Principal at Populous.

The new stadium will offer something for every fan as FCC recently unveiled the design of its four premium clubs and private suites where fans and community members will have an unmatched hospitality experience.

“The premium spaces feature a modern slate of amenities and are each uniquely designed to represent a different theme authentic to Cincinnati,” said Isabelle Rijnties, Senior Interior Designer and Associate at Populous. “With thoughtful use of material, we’ve created a new, modern home for FCC and the Cincinnati community with flexibility to be activated year-round.”

Read on to learn more about each new premium space at West End Stadium.

Tunnel Club

Located at field level on the west sideline is the Tunnel Club, West End Stadium’s most premium and exclusive club. This upscale, all-inclusive space features a chef-driven menu, top-shelf spirits and unrivaled sightlines with field level seats alongside the team’s benches. The Tunnel Club’s uniquely designed bar, lounge and dining area highlights the club’s luxury using exclusively rich materials and warm tones, reminiscent of Cincinnati’s grand historic architecture, like the interior of The Public Library of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Music Hall. The sparkling ceiling lights provide an intimate, inviting atmosphere with inspiration from Cincinnati’s local bar scene.

Club members will have a behind the scenes look at players, coaches and referees as they assemble in the Tunnel Club before each match to start the official procession to the field. Fans can also watch FCC post-match press conferences from the direct viewing area within the club.

Cincinnatus Club

Up one level from the Tunnel Club along the west side of the stadium is the second largest, nearly 11,000-square-foot Cincinnatus Club. Named after the Roman emperor for which the City of Cincinnati was given its name and inspired by the city’s deep history of industrial design, the Cincinnatus Club features a subtle blue and orange color scheme, a nod to FCC’s team colors. With space for 1,134 members, the communal experience is highlighted by upscale cuisine across two bars and three dining concepts for fans to gather before, during and after each match.

The Cincinnatus Club’s thematic overlays pay homage to the city’s history and heritage with copper and brass materials, complementing Cincinnati’s historical roots and the great works of the city. The main bar’s atrium opens the space, flooding it with natural light, while celebrating the building’s structure and unique façade.

Pitch View Club

Remaining on the west side but moving up to the concourse level, the next premium stop is the Pitch View Club, a more intimate setting with elevated all-inclusive amenities for 790 patrons. The Pitch View Club is the only club West End Stadium with sightlines to the pitch from inside through floor to ceiling glazing along the entire length of the club.

An attached outdoor veranda features lounge seating along the length of the bar with rich, darker tones. This space creates an intimate environment and promotes further gathering for club members while capturing and integrating the energy of the seating bowl.

All seats tied to this club are located centrally along the west sideline with every seat covered by the 360-degree canopy. Pitch View Club members are also afforded entry into the Cincinnatus Club, located directly below and accessed via its grand copper and dark navy staircase.

Premium Suites

Located above the Pitch View Club on the west side of the stadium are 53 traditional suites featuring FCC’s spirit in a subtle way through the use of material. With a classic dark navy used as the main color for the cabinetry and copper as the main material for hardware and lighting, the suites represent FCC’s navy and orange in an elegantly understated way.

These modern indoor/outdoor spaces offer the closest and most intimate suite experience in Cincinnati and feature large stand-alone kitchen islands to naturally create ample gathering spaces for entertaining.

First Financial Club

Across the pitch on the east side of the stadium, the nearly 17,000-square-foot First Financial Club is the most accessible, entry level premium experience and the largest club at West End Stadium with more than 2,100 covered field level seats. With one of the most unique design concepts in North American sports facilities, this next-generation club pay homage to Cincinnati’s Over-The-Rhine neighborhood and is a fresh take on a beer hall with nods to Cincinnati’s rich brewing history and tradition.

This hidden gem has an urban vibe with monochrome industrial materials and is highlighted by colorful local street art and a playful lighting installation. The club supported by three large bars and two separate dining concepts, featuring made-to-order pizzas and a wide selection of draught beers.

The First Financial Club is the place to be for a break away from the game and is a popular option for fans looking for their entry into a premium season membership experience, or fans who prefer an upgraded match day experience.

“With these premium club options, we’ve prioritized sightlines, proximity to the field, as well as comfortable seating that will also be hallmarks in all seats throughout the stadium. Add in four unique social settings to accompany each product, and there are a lot of options to consider for anyone. The stadium’s intimacy will be unmatched in the region, and fans will love what’s ahead at West End Stadium,” said Jeff Smith, FC Cincinnati Sr. Vice President of Ticket Sales & Service.

The new home for FC Cincinnati at West End Stadium is the latest MLS stadium designed by Populous, combining tradition, community and innovation to create an unrivaled matchday experience. Other recent projects include Allianz Field and Tottenham Stadium each having debuted in 2019. For more information, visit our website or contact media@populous.com.