USL Partners with HOK to Launch Stadium Development Initiative
Multi-year Agreement Makes HOK ‘Official Stadium Design Partner of the USL’
The USL is pleased to announce a groundbreaking multi-year partnership designating global design, architecture, engineering and planning firm HOK as the Official Stadium Design Partner of the league. HOK will lead a stadium development, design and standards initiative supporting the league’s strategic initiative to house all USL clubs in soccer-specific stadiums across North America by the end of the decade.
“The groundbreaking partnership with HOK provides the league and its clubs a tremendous partner with extensive stadium design and development experience at the highest level,” USL President Jake Edwards said. “A critical part of our strategic growth plan is to have all USL clubs as owners or primary tenants of soccer-specific stadiums by 2020. Not only will these new and upgraded stadiums add value to the league and each club ownership group, they will establish a permanent base for the clubs within their local communities. These venues will serve as cultural hubs and bring fans together in support of the clubs while offering state-of-the-art amenities and an unparalleled game-day experience.”
As the league’s official stadium design partner, HOK will apply its venue design expertise to guide soccer-specific stadium development for expansion clubs and the renovation of current USL stadiums to increase capacities and amenities. HOK will also consult to the league and its clubs on maximizing venue revenue, developing ancillary programming and creating operational efficiencies.
HOK’s December 2014 acquisition of 360 Architecture, a leading designer of sports venues and facilities, enabled the firm to integrate design leadership and expertise that complements its international, multi-disciplinary practice. HOK’s new Sports + Recreation + Entertainment practice is a global leader in the design of stadiums, ballparks, arenas, training facilities, recreation centers, and mixed-used entertainment districts.
“This partnership reflects the USL’s commitment to expanding the soccer community across the country and providing fans a high-quality event experience that captures the energy and excitement of the game,” said Brad Schrock, director of Sports + Recreation + Entertainment for HOK. “We are passionate about soccer and excited to be a partner to the USL as the league continues to grow. This initiative will provide the framework to ensure that venues are successful for the team, the players, the fans and their communities.”
HOK’s current and recent projects include the recently opened Avaya Stadium for Major League Soccer’s San Jose Earthquakes; a newly designed multipurpose stadium in Atlanta, which will be home to a MLS expansion franchise and the National Football League’s Atlanta Falcons; the renovation of Sun Life Stadium for the NFL’s Miami Dolphins; the proposed St. Louis NFL Stadium on the North Riverfront area of downtown St. Louis, which is designed to accommodate FIFA and MLS matches; and the renovation of the AT&T Center for the National Basketball Association’s San Antonio Spurs.