TQL Stadium

Cincinnati , Ohio, United States

  • Typologies

    Stadiums

  • Building Activities

    Soccer

  • Services

    Architecture, Interior Design, Wayfinding

  • Completion

    2021

Two seasons into its Major League Soccer existence, FC Cincinnati has taken another leap into the elite levels of the sport with the debut of TQL Stadium. With a capacity of 26,000, it registers among the largest soccer-specific stadiums in the league. Its impact, however, reaches far beyond that. The stadium honors and enriches the legacy of soccer in the Queen City through a progressive design and ambitious interpretation of a Cincinnati on the rise.

  • The stadium expresses its architectural form through a singular twisting motion.
  • Inside, the stadium's hospitality spaces were inspired by Cincinnati neighborhoods.

It all starts with a façade inspired by the kinetic energy of the club’s fan base. More than 500 vertical fins wrap the exterior, each one connected to a one-of-a-kind LED lighting system that produces dazzling motion sequences. The fins themselves defy stasis, shaped in such a way that creates a singular twisting motion. The overall form signifies the tension between two teams about to take the pitch. A grand plaza staircase welcomes fans to it all, an entry sequence unlike any other in the MLS.

We are so proud of this incredible design that Populous has delivered to FC Cincinnati. It has been so well-thought and concepted, so carefully crafted.

Carl H. Lindner III / FC Cincinnati CEO and Managing Owner

Inside, those fans are treated to a canopy that encloses the entire seating bowl and covers every seat in the house. Not only does the canopy bottle up their energy, it shields them from the elements. To the north, there’s The Bailey, an intimidating safe-standing section housing the club’s supporters — and to the southeast, a perfectly-framed view of the Cincy skyline. Continuing inward, a mix of premium spaces offer a modern slate of amenities, with each club inspired by a different theme authentic to Cincinnati.

Facts and Figures
Stadium Footprint Acreage
12.4
Integrated Facade Lighting
2.65 miles
Canopy
360°
Capacity
26,000
Safe-standing Seats
3,170
Suites
53
Awards
2022
World Title in Sports, Prix Versailles
2022
Best Venue of the Year, World Football Summit Awards
2022
Gold Award in Sports & Recreation, International Interior Design Association, Mid-America
2022
Environmental Design & Signage Award, American Institute of Graphic Artists
2021
First Place in Sports & Recreation (Concept), Rethinking The Future Awards
2021
Best Midwest Sports Project, Engineering News-Record
Project Team
Connect with the designers

Jonathan Mallie

Ayesha Husain

Phil Kolbo

Isabelle Ivanov-Rijnties

Clark Mleynek

Steven Rohlfing

Nina Riva

Amy Stortz Miller

Insu Kim

Ben Connolly

Nicholas Malyon