In-Depth
Grand openings
The year saw the debut of Major League Soccer facilities on both coasts and a gleaming NBA arena in Milwaukee, along with the unveiling of renovated venues that cater to a modern fan base.
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Audi Field
Washington, D.C.
One of Major League Soccer’s charter members in 1996, D.C. United moved into its first soccer-specific home in July. With a capacity of 20,000 and 35-degree angles for some seats — among the steepest in the league — the $400 million venue provides a loud and raucous home-field advantage.
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Banc of California Stadium
Los Angeles
The $350 million home of Major League Soccer’s LAFC debuted to great acclaim in April, becoming Los Angeles’ first open-air venue to open since Dodger Stadium in 1962. The 22,000-seat, privately financed stadium features a roof canopy covering five concourse levels, 33 suites and a terrace balcony.
dylan buell
Fiserv Forum
Milwaukee
The Milwaukee Bucks unveiled their new $524 million arena, with wide concourses, plush club areas and posh suites, in October. The 17,341-seat venue anchors a 30-acre Bucks-run entertainment district that will feature bars, restaurants and residential areas.
There are more flip phones in the Midwest than you can ever imagine.
Bucks President Peter Feigin
on the challenges around the team’s new Fiserv Forum being a digital-only ticketing facility
darryl webb
ISM Raceway
Avondale, Ariz.
The ISC-owned racetrack near Phoenix premiered its $178 million makeover last month. It includes a new 42,000-seat grandstand, new suites, activation areas for sponsors and an infield experience that brings NASCAR fans closer to
the cars and drivers.
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Louis Armstrong Stadium
Queens, New York
The opening of the new stadium at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in August marked the conclusion of the U.S. Tennis Association’s $550 million transformation that began in 2011. The new stadium seats more than 14,000 and has a retractable roof.
michael zarrilli
State Farm Arena
Atlanta
The Atlanta Hawks’ $192.5 million arena renovation delivered an expansive 360-degree main concourse, new premium clubs and branded areas including a Topgolf Swing Suite, a food area named for the Zac Brown Band and a barbershop in partnership with Atlanta rapper Killer Mike.
