Stadium Design

Designing a World Class Stadium in Santa Clara

The City Council of Santa Clara recently approved a term sheet for a new stadium in the heart of the city's central entertainent district. The plan calls for a 68,500 seat open-air venue that will represent the first in a new generation in stadium design.

When the 49ers first began planning the design of the new stadium, the team and its architecture firm traveled extensively to football, baseball, basketball and NASCAR venues throughout the country, as well as soccer stadiums throughout the world, to study the fan experience and bring the best features and amenities to the design.

The stadium was then designed from the inside out to concentrate on the fan experience and create a truly spectacular venue. The team’s goal is to bring the fans as close as possible to the action on the field by creating a unique design with optimal views from every seat. This has been accomplished by creating a venue featuring seating for two-thirds of fans in a large lower bowl. The stadium also features a vertical suite complex stacked entirely on one side of the stadium, which brings the seats in the upper deck lower and closer to the field. The design will also better accommodate 49ers fans with special needs and disabilities.

The new stadium will also feature elevated promenades and wide concourses with views of the action on the field from every level, and large open corridors with views to the northwest and southwest. Inside, the stadium will feature diverse dining options, team stores and club lounges with access to special amenities.

In addition to its use as a stadium for 49ers games, the facility can also be used for a wide variety of concerts and events. Seating in the new stadium can also be expanded to host a premiere event like the Super Bowl or World Cup.