Populous to Design New Home for Nashville Soccer Club
August 28, 2019
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Nashville Soccer Club (SC), the Major League Soccer (MLS) expansion team, will soon have a home to call to their own in the city’s Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood, about two miles south of downtown Nashville. The stadium, designed by Populous, will welcome the team at the beginning of the 2022 season and serve as a spark for the revitalization of the area. The new stadium will be located at the historic Fairgrounds, a well-loved entertainment district known for its flea market and other attractions. The surrounding area is exploding with places to live, shop and dine, and Nashville SC Stadium will serve as the anchor for future development.
“The most exciting thing is that it fits into the neighborhood. Utilizing all the things that are not only typically Nashville, but really fit within that neighborhood of Wedgewood-Houston – a lot of steel and brick and wood – making it uniquely Nashville. We are going to be the newest and biggest neighbor, and we want to make it feel like we have always been there, to a degree. I think seeing the design, seeing the renderings and seeing its proximity to the city, all of those things make it look like this should be here in Nashville for this soccer club.” said Ian Ayre, Nashville SC CEO in a recent release.
Designed to integrate with the community, the new stadium will offer an authentically Nashville vibe that invites its neighbors to use the space for more than just matchday. With a capacity of 30,000, the facility has year-round event capabilities that activate the building beyond gamedays, making Nashville SC Stadium the perfect venue for a range of sports, concerts and other live events. The community will have the choice to enjoy these events in a variety of seating options.
“The design of Nashville SC Stadium is meant to help fans feel like they’re home, serving as the bridge between Nashville and the surrounding neighborhood. This venue is an invitation to connect with the community and its historic blend of art and industry,” Populous designer Phil Kolbo said.
This invitation for Nashville SC fans to join in on the festivities carries into the stadium’s open and transparent exterior which allows spectators to see into the venue from the street. The design’s focus on functionality pays homage to the industrial heritage of the area. Featuring local brick, wood and steel, the architecture will help Nashville SC fans feel right at home. The stadium will also use durable materials that increase energy efficiency and sustainability.
Nashville SC will officially join the MLS during the 2020 season and play at Nissan Stadium until Nashville SC Stadium is completed in 2022. Construction is scheduled to begin in first quarter 2020. Nashville SC Stadium is the latest MLS stadium designed by Populous, combining tradition and innovation to create a premium fan experience. Other recent MLS projects include Allianz Field, Exploria Stadium and Audi Field. For more information, visit our website or contact media@populous.com.