After 21 years of playing in St. Louis, the Rams are moving back to Los Angeles — and a new stadium will greet them. Slated to open in 2019, HKS's new LA Stadium will be the largest in the NFL (covering three acres) in addition to the home of the Los Angeles Rams. Beyond sports usage, the structure will also host a performing arts center and sweeping public gardens.
The regional climate and cultural DNA of Southern California and Los Angeles are the foundation of our design, said HKS Principal Mark A. Williams, AIA, LEED AP. We have crafted a design that is responsive to its site, the community and the global stage of sports and entertainment. We believe this project represents a very important piece of architecture for Southern California and will broaden the fan experience in sports and entertainment venues.
After thorough research on the site's climate, the architects created a design that adapts to its surrounding environment and provides a pleasant interior venue. The perforated metal skin that wraps around the stadium includes outdoor rooms and plaza spaces — blurring the line between inside and outside. Additionally, an ETFE (transparent roof skin that protects guests from the outside elements) canopy allows for year-round events.
From day one, Mr. Kroenke talked to us about his vision to elevate the fan experience, continued Williams. He challenged us to create a venue unlike any other in sports that celebrated the NFL’s return to Los Angeles.
Furthermore, the venue will provide 70,000 fixed seats, with the option to entertain more than 100,000 fans. It will also host the Super Bowl in 2021.
HKS, a global presence with a large repertoire, will be working with Kroenke Sports and Entertainment on this groundbreaking project. Stan Kroenke, owner and property developer of the Rams, is attributed with bringing the Rams back to Los Angeles.
As for the project's estimated price tag? $2.6 billion.
News Via: HKS Architects
