Big League Dreams | Features | Architectural Record

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Big League Dreams

Professional sports and urban identity are inextricably linked. The buildings hosting the teams that local fans cheer leave an indelible mark on their hometowns—and often red ink on municipal ledgers. In this special section, we explore the relationship between sports facilities and their urban surroundings, and take a close look at three noteworthy examples: the BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, the Olympic Stadium in Kiev, Ukraine, and Brooklyn's Barclays Center. We also report on the innovative project-delivery method helping speed construction on the future home of the NFL's 49ers in Santa Clara, California–a glimpse of what's to come for an enduring building type. —Joann Gonchar, AIA

	Economic Engines? Cities forge ahead with plans for new professional sports venues, despite their high cost and the tepid pace of development. Image courtesy Sasaki
	Beauty and the Behemoth SHoP deploys digital technology and imaginative design to give Brooklyn's Barclays Center unexpected civic presence. Photography by David Sundberg/Esto
	A Landmark Reinvented GMP transforms Kiev's storied Olympic Stadium by sheltering it under an elegant cable-supported roof. Photography by Marcus Bredt
	Muscular Mesh Populous¹s new BBVA Compass Stadium for Houston¹s soccer team vividly conveys energy and dash. Photography by Geoffrey Lyons
	Giving 'Team Building' New Meaning Designers and contractors rely on collaboration to complete a stadium a year earlier than originally planned. Rendering courtesy HNTB
	World Record Sports Facilities Sports facilities range from Olympic and World Cup venues, professional team stadiums, to high school and college facilities.

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