Stadium Design

Benefits of a New Stadium

The San Francisco 49ers recently announced plans for a new state-of-the-art NFL stadium in the City of Santa Clara that will be built in time for the 2012 NFL season. The plan calls for a 68,000 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 upper deck features a scalloped design that maximizes the number of seats on the yard lines, and tapers in the corners. 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.

The team is also designing a special plaza outside the stadium that will connect the facility to the Santa Clara Convention Center and the Great America amusement park, creating a central entertainment corridor for the city. On game days, the plaza will be lined with food stations, games, live music and interactive entertainment to create a street festival that is open to the public. 

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.

Image credit: Robert Becker