Another major NFL stadium project swung into action as the Tennessee Titans agreed terms with Nashville and Davidson County Mayor John Cooper for a new enclosed stadium that will cost up to $2.1bn (£1.73bn/€1.97bn).
The Titans said that the deal would relieve a nearly $2bn burden on taxpayers by voiding the team’s current lease agreement to play at Nissan Stadium. That lease deal, signed in 1996, legally obligates Nashville to provide a “first-class” stadium for the Titans until 2039.
However, the month began on a sombre note as more than 130 people died following a stampede at Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang, Indonesia. The stadium disaster occurred during a match between Arema FC and Persebaya Surabaya on October 1 as fans invaded the pitch and were met with teargas from police. The ensuing panic led to fans rushing towards the stadium’s exits, which caused a crush. Indonesian President Joko Widodo said that the stadium will be demolished and rebuilt.
Staying in Asia, Zaha Hadid Architects secured the contract to design Hangzhou International Sports Centre – a project which will include a 60,000-seat football stadium, 19,000-seat arena and an aquatics centre – while the Bangladesh Cricket Board agreed a deal for Populous to serve as the international consultant for Sheikh Hasina Cricket Stadium, a planned new 50,000-capacity venue in Dhaka.
The Asian Football Confederation announced that Qatar will replace China as the host of the 2023 Asian Cup, while a little piece of history was set as Karachi’s National Stadium became the first venue in Pakistan to take on a naming rights partner under a deal agreed between the Pakistan Cricket Board and National Bank of Pakistan.
New venue openings included the OPAP Arena and Swiss Life Arena, while there was also some positive news out of Ukraine in the shape of new stadium for Livyi Bereh Kyiv. The Arizona Coyotes debuted at their intimate new home of the Mullett Arena, which is serving as the NHL franchise’s temporary home as it awaits a new venue.
October was also a dark month for English rugby with the financial collapses of Premiership teams Wasps and Worcester Warriors.
On a brighter note, Crystal Palace’s updated planning application for a new Main Stand at Selhurst Park was approved by local councillors, paving the way for the long-awaited transformation of the home of the Premier League football club.
