Populous

Can Asia set the stage for sustainable mega-events? Dr Kavita Gonsalves, Associate Principal and Sustainability Design Lead – APAC will chair a panel of industry experts who aim to answer this question at TheStadiumBusiness Asia 2025 conference at Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong. While stadium concerts and mega-sport and entertainment events bring people together in shared excitement and anticipation, it can result in significant environmental footprints, from energy consumption to waste generation. The success of these events goes beyond just their attendance and revenue; artists, sports teams, performers and the attendees want to ensure that their presence is not having a detrimental effect on the environment and so stadium owners and operators are seeing an opportunity to cater for more environmentally conscious clients and customers. Find out more as Kavita looks at some of the most pressing sustainability issues venue owners and operators need to address and how they are overcoming these: https://bit.ly/3JcTZQe The "How Asia can set the stage for sustainable mega-events" panel will be held on Tuesday 21 October 2025 and will include panelists Stephen Tyldsley from Kai Tak Sports Park, Professor Lisa C. Wan from CUHK Business School, Jamie Farndale from Hong Kong China Rugby and Melanie Kwok from Sino Group.

As cities like Brisbane step on the global stage, it’s vital to understand how anchor-based designs can activate precincts and drive a thriving nighttime economy.   Populous designers Chris Paterson and Sophie Hogben will be speaking at The Committee for Brisbane's “The Nighttime Economy” panel on Tuesday, October 21, diving into how anchor-based design can transform precincts and energize the nighttime economy.   With global experience across some of the most activated precincts around the world: → Suncorp Stadium → ICC Sydney → Oriole Park at Camden Yards → Truist Park → Kai Tak Sports Park → Tottenham Hotspur Stadium → Co-op Live → CommBank Stadium → London Stadium Populous brings deep insight into how “The Bowl” can serve as a powerful precinct anchor. Learn more about how stadiums can drive 24/7 vibrancy and boost the nighttime economy: https://lnkd.in/g4TspR7D.

"We went from having almost no modern premium products to now having several different options that are among the best in sports,” —Mark Shapiro, president and CEO, Toronto Blue Jays Take a deeper dive into recent strategic renovations at Rogers Centre and how the best premium experiences appeal to diverse fan bases. Read more: https://bit.ly/4oog4Ky

Sustainability has become fundamental to the design and staging of the world’s largest live events — shaping the experience not only for spectators but also for the artists and organizations behind them. In this article from the latest issue of Populous Magazine, we explore how architects and designers are working with the sports and entertainment industries across the full event lifecycle to cut embodied carbon, reduce energy use and shrink the overall carbon footprint of live events. Read the full story: https://lnkd.in/ekHk9Np4

Drawing Brisbane Together. International Cricket has a unique power to unite nations—and the stadiums that host these matches play a crucial role in nurturing the passion and connection shared by fans and players alike. This week, Australia and India kick off their ODI series—but the connection between these nations runs deeper than the game itself. Populous venues have set the stage for some of these teams' most iconic clashes. Take the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Final at Narendra Modi Stadium - Designed by our team in the Brisbane Studio, Narendra Modi Stadium stands as a testament to how architecture can elevate and etch unforgettable moments into the hearts and minds of cricket fans. As anticipation builds for the summer of cricket across the Asia-pacific and the forthcoming Ashes series, Populous remains focused on delivering world-class venues that elevate every delivery. Swipe through to explore our global cricket venues—and discover the legacy of Populous in designing iconic stadiums around the world.

Big things are happening in Launceston with the UTAS Stadium Redevopment: https://bit.ly/4pQqR1t The AU$130 million redevelopment of UTAS Stadium is set to elevate Northern Tasmania’s premier sports and events precinct into a world-class destination for fans and Stadiums Tasmania. Our design features: → A brand-new Centre-West Stand → Upgraded Eastern Stand → Expanded western seating with 3,200 new seats and 100+ accessible options → Enhanced hospitality, food & beverage outlets, and corporate facilities → A vibrant new south-east entry plaza All while proudly supporting the Tasmania Football Club - AFL - Australian Football League team, set to debut in 2028 🏉 This isn’t just about sport — it’s about building a thriving hub for the entire Launceston community and attracting national-level events in sport, entertainment, and business.

The first sections of the distinctive new facade of Stade de la Meinau – home to Ligue 1’s Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace – have been completed, incorporating sections of upcycled aircraft fuselages . The stadium’s new 11,712-seat South Stand – designed by Populous in collaboration with local firm rey - de crécy – incorporates sections from 30 decommissioned Airbus A340 aircraft. The repurposed fuselages have been transformed into 196 panels forming a distinctive sun-shading system, or ‘brise-soleil’, that spans 4,050 square meters across the stadium’s south-facing facade. The white sections of upcycled fuselages create an elegant, shimmering facade that emerges from the adjacent park to become the embodiment of the green environment which surrounds the La Meinau Stadium. Installation of the fuselage sections continues on the stand, which was inaugurated in September and is in use for RC Strasbourg matches, as renovation work also takes place on the rest of the stadium. Check the video to see how aircraft fuselage sections become a stadium façade. Read more:  https://lnkd.in/eT_A63t4

The result of intentionally designing places where people love to be together? Benefits range from purposeful interpersonal connection and community-building to meaningful economic impact and sustainable growth. We’re grateful to WRLDCTY 2025 for inviting Jonathan Mallie, Global Director and Managing Director of our Americas practice, and Chris Fair, President and CEO of Resonance, to Vancouver to deliver the keynote address and share more about how experiential districts are particularly effective drivers of these benefits. Amid three days of lively, insightful discussion with urban development leaders from around the world, the focus centered on the urban revitalization and socioeconomic innovation shaping the cities of tomorrow.

Drawing Brisbane Together Over 20 years ago, Populous' designers imagined what Suncorp Stadium could mean for Brisbane — creating a major stadium right in the heart of the city. At the time, it sparked discussion: could a stadium truly belong in the city centre? Two decades on, the answer is clear. Suncorp has become more than just a venue — it’s a vibrant hub for community, culture, and connection. Now, as Brisbane prepares to host the 2032 Olympic & Paralympic Games, that same conversation is happening again. But this time, it’s bigger. At Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong, Populous did not just design a stadium — we shaped an entire sports precinct that integrates with and enhances the city around it. Hear from Populous' designers and the team on Kai Tak Sport Park as they explore how our thoughtful design can elevate urban connectivity. Because great stadiums don’t just host events — they help cities thrive.

Known for its timeless traditions and unmistakable charm, Wrigley Field stands as a cornerstone of America’s pastime — a place where history and future meet. As part of the Cubs’ 1060 Project to restore and modernize this iconic ballpark, Populous helped reimagine fan experiences that honor Wrigley’s legacy while elevating comfort and luxury. One standout: the Maker’s Mark Barrel Room — an intimate club tucked just beyond the first-base dugout. Designed by Populous in partnership with the Cubs, the space blends old-school Chicago character with modern sophistication. From custom Maker’s Mark bourbon and chef-driven menus to reclaimed Kentucky wood and a chandelier from the Louisville distillery, every detail celebrates the spirit of craftsmanship and connection. Every element — from the black-and-white photography to the hidden views into the visitor’s batting tunnel — reflects a perfect balance of history, craft, and connection. Cheers to raising a glass in the Maker’s Mark Barrel Room as the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers continue the #NLDS in Game 3!