{"id":20937,"date":"2025-12-10T10:00:50","date_gmt":"2025-12-10T15:00:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/?p=20937"},"modified":"2026-03-04T13:22:36","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T18:22:36","slug":"transforming-stadiums-and-arenas-into-next-generation-experiences","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/transforming-stadiums-and-arenas-into-next-generation-experiences\/","title":{"rendered":"Transforming stadiums and arenas into next-generation experiences"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>As expectations for sports and live entertainment accelerate, so too do the demands placed on stadiums. For <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/andrea-patry-29687b84\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Andrea Patry<\/a>, our Principal Senior Design Lead, the next generation of sports architecture will be defined not by scale, but by connectivity, personalization and community impact. In this blog post, Andrea reflects on how fan behavior is shifting, what it means for operators, and how design can future proof these multi-generational destinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Stadiums and venues are more than just structures \u2014 they are cultural landmarks that bring communities together, inspire loyalty and create lasting memories. As we look to the future, the challenge lies in redefining these spaces to meet evolving expectations while embedding sustainability, technology and inclusivity into every aspect of their design and operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Key challenges in reimagining the fan experience<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The fan experience is no longer a one-size-fits-all journey. Fans today demand personalization, seamless engagement and opportunities to co-create their experience. At the same time, venues must address broader societal goals, such as reducing embodied carbon, integrating sustainable technologies and fostering community connections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our approach focuses on crafting spaces that balance economic output with emotional resonance. Whether designing new stadiums or renovating existing ones, the goal is to create venues that reflect the identity of the city, its people and its culture, hence making them irreplaceable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"aecom-custom-block client-quote-block\" style=\"margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 40px\">\n    <p class=\"client-quote-text\" style=\"margin-top: 30px\";>\n        Venues must address broader societal goals, such as reducing embodied carbon, integrating sustainable technologies and fostering community connections.    <\/p>\n    <p class=\"client-quote-author\">\n            <\/p>\n    <p class=\"client-quote-title\">\n            <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"689\" data-id=\"20942\" src=\"https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/MEIS_Everton_Bowl-1-1-1024x689.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20942\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/MEIS_Everton_Bowl-1-1-1024x689.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/MEIS_Everton_Bowl-1-1-300x202.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"577\" data-id=\"20941\" src=\"https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/processed-26F356B6-D316-44AA-8C52-77015D27E51E-1024x577.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20941\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/processed-26F356B6-D316-44AA-8C52-77015D27E51E-1024x577.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/processed-26F356B6-D316-44AA-8C52-77015D27E51E-300x169.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/processed-26F356B6-D316-44AA-8C52-77015D27E51E.jpeg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\"><em>Image: Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool, UK<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:24px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Elevating fan journeys through innovation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To reimagine and elevate the fan experience, we prioritize innovation across the entire lifecycle of venue design and operation, focusing on 3 key areas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1. Personalization and inclusivity:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Every fan should feel seen and valued. By mapping diverse fan journeys, we create opportunities for engagement and re-engagement, ensuring that each touchpoint resonates with the individual.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From immersive screens to strategic hospitality moments, technology amplifies the experience without overshadowing the venue\u2019s unique character.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>2. Seamless integration of technology: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Digital tools act as amplifiers, enhancing the physical experience rather than replacing it. Smart controls, immersive displays and interactive touchpoints are strategically integrated to elevate the fan journey.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Future proofing venues means building for long-term adaptability while planning for rapid change at 5-, 10-, and 15-year intervals \u2014 reflecting how dramatically fan expectations have already shifted in the past five years.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:22px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"704\" data-id=\"20943\" src=\"https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Terrace-Suites-001-1024x704.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20943\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Terrace-Suites-001-1024x704.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Terrace-Suites-001-300x206.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-id=\"20944\" src=\"https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/191028-Tunnel-Club-Lakers-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20944\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/191028-Tunnel-Club-Lakers-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/191028-Tunnel-Club-Lakers-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\"><em>Image: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California, USA<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:23px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>3. Sustainability and circularity: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>By embedding sustainability into every stage\u00a0 \u2014from design to operations \u2014 we ensure venues remain resilient and impactful for generations to come.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Sustainability is also about future proofing. That means creating adaptable spaces and digital systems that evolve with the club and the fans. The most sustainable venues are active 365 days a year \u2014 hosting events, hospitality, community programming and content creation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A sustainable stadium isn\u2019t just energy efficient; it\u2019s revenue efficient. And whether it\u2019s a renovation or new build, the goal is a venue that stays relevant, flexible and connected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Rethinking renovation for cohesion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether designing a new stadium or renovating an existing one, it\u2019s important to create cohesion across the fan experience and tell a connected story. Every visit should offer opportunities for re-engagement, so fans feel like they are experiencing something new each time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Every touchpoint along the fan journey should feel intentional, part of a seamless, holistic experience that increases dwell time, loyalty and ultimately drives revenue. The next generation of stadiums should not be defined by capacity, but by connectivity and by the ability to create moments that excite fans, elevate technology, and let them feel like co-creators in the experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:22px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"657\" src=\"https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/T-Mobile-end-zone.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20945\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/T-Mobile-end-zone.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/T-Mobile-end-zone-300x197.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Image: T-Mobile Endzone and The 1976 Club, Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington, USA<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:22px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Hawks-Nest-1024x640.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20946\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Hawks-Nest-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Hawks-Nest-300x188.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Image: Hawk\u2019s Nest \u2013 Cityside Bar, Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington, USA<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:18px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"20947\" src=\"https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Prudential-Center-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20947\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Prudential-Center-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Prudential-Center-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"638\" height=\"422\" data-id=\"20949\" src=\"https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/prudential-center.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20949\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/prudential-center.png 638w, https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/prudential-center-300x198.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 638px) 100vw, 638px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" data-id=\"20948\" src=\"https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/2024-03-15-Prudential-Center-Port-Pier-View-02.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20948\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/2024-03-15-Prudential-Center-Port-Pier-View-02.jpg 800w, https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/2024-03-15-Prudential-Center-Port-Pier-View-02-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\"><em>Images: Prudential Center \u2013 Pier Club, Newark, New Jersey, USA<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:21px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Renovations can also be smart, sustainable moves, offering lower embodied carbon and potentially higher return on investment (ROI), but in all cases, the goal remains the same: to connect the economic output with the emotional output, building loyalty that sustains both fans and the project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:17px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"aecom-custom-block client-quote-block\" style=\"margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 40px\">\n    <p class=\"client-quote-text\" style=\"margin-top: 30px\";>\n        Every touchpoint along the fan journey should feel intentional, part of a seamless, holistic experience that increases dwell time, loyalty and ultimately drives revenue.    <\/p>\n    <p class=\"client-quote-author\">\n            <\/p>\n    <p class=\"client-quote-title\">\n            <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Connectivity builds community<\/strong> The future of stadium design lies in creating spaces that are both functional and unforgettable. By thoughtfully integrating design, technology and sustainability, venues can evolve alongside changing expectations, offering fans moments that resonate, inspire loyalty and invite repeated engagement. The most successful stadiums will be those that balance economic performance with emotional impact, creating spaces that reflect the culture of their communities while remaining adaptable for decades to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"794\" src=\"https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Intuit-Dome_2024_Public-Plaza-2-1-1024x794.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20950\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Intuit-Dome_2024_Public-Plaza-2-1-1024x794.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Intuit-Dome_2024_Public-Plaza-2-1-300x233.jpg 300w, https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Intuit-Dome_2024_Public-Plaza-2-1.jpg 1393w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Image: Intuit Dome, Los Angeles, California, USA<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:22px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"aecom-custom-block client-quote-block\" style=\"margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 40px\">\n    <p class=\"client-quote-text\" style=\"margin-top: 30px\";>\n        The most successful stadiums will be those that balance economic performance with emotional impact, creating spaces that reflect the culture of their communities while remaining adaptable for decades to come.    <\/p>\n    <p class=\"client-quote-author\">\n            <\/p>\n    <p class=\"client-quote-title\">\n            <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Connect with <a href=\"mailto:Andrea.Patry@aecom.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Andrea<\/a> to learn more about our global Sports team.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In this blog post, Andrea Patry, our Principal Senior Design Lead, reflects on how fan behavior is shifting, what it means for operators, and how design can future proof these multi-generational destinations.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1023,"featured_media":20951,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[274,168,6693],"tags":[6695,1955,6906,237,6694],"yst_prominent_words":[899,2160],"class_list":["post-20937","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-buildings","category-design-planning","category-sports","tag-changing-the-game","tag-design","tag-iwd2026","tag-sports","tag-stadiums-and-arenas"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20937","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1023"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20937"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20937\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21290,"href":"https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20937\/revisions\/21290"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20951"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20937"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20937"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20937"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aecom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=20937"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}