TQL stage
Cincinnati
BEST WORK
OWNER: FC Cincinnati
MAIN DESIGN COMPANY: Populous
MANUFACTURER: Turner Construction and Justin Construction
The 26,000-seat home of FC Cincinnati is not only one of the largest soccer-specific stadiums in Major League Soccer, it is also one of the most architecturally complex. A major challenge came a few months after excavation and the start of foundations on the project, when the original designer MEIS Architects was replaced by Populous. A revised design resulted in changes to the structure, facade, interior and space design. Despite the changes, the Turner Construction and Jostin Construction team was able to adjust and keep the project on target for an April 2021 completion date.
The stadium features a 360-degree canopied roof that covers every seat in the stadium, enclosed by more than 500 vertical fins that form a wave-like effect. Each fin is lined with custom LED lighting that can be programmed with motion-replicating sequences. TQL Stadium was the first stadium in the world to use SACO V-STICK S video lighting technology — the same system used at the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
Photos courtesy of Turner Construction Co.
The main video screen is approximately 23 feet tall and 151 feet wide, which the team says is the longest such display at a specific football stadium in the US. most for a particular space on the MLS.
It also has 4,500 premium club seats and 3,100 secure standing seats in a fan section at the north end of the stadium.
Photos courtesy of Turner Construction Co.
The project had a comprehensive community benefits agreement, which set financial inclusion targets. The project exceeded its targets of 25% MBE, 7% WBE and 30% SBE. The project team also developed and implemented a workforce training program to provide opportunities for community members interested in construction.
