Features

2019 In Review – September

MANICA Architecture gave us the lowdown on the development of Chase Center, as the Golden State Warriors reached the end of a seven-year journey with the staging of the first major event at the NBA basketball franchise’s new home.

US rock giants Metallica christened Chase Center by reuniting with the San Francisco Symphony to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Grammy Award-winning S&M album.

A series of concerts and other events followed before the Warriors played their first pre-season game at the venue against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 5.

Italian Serie A football clubs AC Milan and Inter Milan shortlisted Populous and MANICA/Sportium to design a new 60,000-seat stadium for the two teams.

MANICA/Sportium’s ‘Rings of Milano’ proposal consisted of two iconic rings that are interlocked to symbolise how the two rival clubs are “united” in their cause to preserve the city’s history with a new shared stadium.

Populous’ concept was dubbed ‘The Cathedral’ and draws inspiration from Milan’s iconic Duomo and Galleria buildings. The design is encircled by a sunlit galleria that is enveloped by a glass façade.

Digital personal finance company SoFi acquired naming rights to the LA Stadium and Entertainment District at Hollywood Park in a 20-year deal that was reportedly worth more than $30m (£24m/€27m) a year.

The state-of-the-art stadium, which is due to open next summer, will serve as the home of the Rams and Chargers NFL American football teams. The venue has been named SoFi Stadium as part of the agreement.

SoFi became an official partner of the two teams, as well as a partner of the on-site, 6,000-seat performance venue and surrounding entertainment district.

August witnessed two other significant naming rights deals as Empower Retirement agreed a 21-year contract with the home stadium of the NFL’s Denver Broncos, while Bridgestone Americas extended its deal with the arena housing the Nashville Predators NHL ice hockey franchise.

The New South Wales government revealed designs for its proposed Aus$810m (£441.4m/€499.1m/$548.7m) redevelopment of ANZ Stadium, stating that the introduction of a “cauldron effect” will lead to the creation of a more intimate venue.

The redevelopment of the venue at Sydney Olympic Park, also known as Stadium Australia, is part of a major infrastructure project that has proved a contentious issue this year. While ANZ Stadium is being redeveloped, Allianz Stadium at Moore Park is being demolished to make way for an entirely new venue.

Spanish LaLiga football club Real Sociedad christened its renovated Reale Arena with a 2-0 win over Atlético Madrid.

The stadium’s capacity has increased from 32,000 to 40,000 and the club was forced to play the first three matches of the LaLiga season away from home as renovation work was completed.

Image: Jason O’Rear/Chase Center