The groundbreaking of the South End Zone Field Club is now underway at the Rose Bowl
The $30 million investment highlights the stadium’s focus on modernizing fan amenities and premium seating while maintaining the historic character that has defined the venue for more than a century. The project adds new field-level premium areas and updated guest experiences while preserving the architectural elements that have long made it one of college football’s most iconic settings. Read more here.
University of Illinois unveils plans for college sports’ largest scoreboard
The University of Illinois is moving forward with a comprehensive technology modernization at Gies Memorial Stadium that will be anchored by a massive 69-by-250-foot LED video board — set to be the largest in college sports and featuring nearly double the resolution of the current display — along with 16 additional LED screens and upgraded audio and broadcast systems. Read more here.
STADIUM PROJECT NEWS
Commanders unveil first tech-forward renderings of new RFK-Site Stadium set for 2030
The Washington Commanders and HKS have released the first conceptual renderings of their future $3.65 billion, 70,000-seat stadium at the former RFK site, highlighting a sculpted translucent roof and integrated mixed-use spaces designed to enhance year-round fan engagement and urban connectivity. Read more here.
Barclays Center Phase 3 renovation kicks off with tech-rich Event-Level Club upgrade
As part of the ongoing $140 million multi-year transformation, Barclays Center is redeveloping its 9,000-square-foot event-level club with a modern design inspired by Brooklyn’s Dumbo district and immersive fan features like a 94-foot LED board that keeps guests connected to live action throughout events. Slated to debut ahead of the 2026–27 NBA season, the refreshed premium space will pair enhanced hospitality and social areas with direct sightlines to players and courtside activity. Read more here.
OKC’s MAPS 4 Soccer Stadium design puts supporters on the pitch
Renderings of the new 10,000-seat MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium in Oklahoma City show an unprecedented supporters’ section where the front row places fans’ feet on the playing surface behind the goal — the closest in the world — with a safe-standing design and unobstructed sightlines. Slated to open in early 2028 as home to a new USL Championship club, the Populous-designed venue aims to redefine matchday atmosphere by immersing supporters directly in the action. Read more here.
Rays zero in on Hillsborough College Campus as preferred site for new ballpark and mixed-use district
The Tampa Bay Rays appear set to advance plans for a new Major League Baseball stadium by targeting the 110-acre Dale Mabry Campus of Hillsborough College, with a special board meeting scheduled to consider a non-binding memorandum that would allow formal negotiations to begin. Read more here.
STADIUM BUSINESS NEWS
Indiana lawmakers push stadium authority bill to lure Chicago Bears across State Line
In the latest chapter of the Chicago Bears stadium story, Indiana legislators have amended Senate Bill 27 to create a Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority empowered to acquire land, finance improvements and lease to an NFL franchise — a strategic move aimed at enticing the Chicago Bears as their search for a new stadium continues amid stalled progress in Illinois. The Bears have described the legislation as a “significant milestone” in talks, highlighting growing momentum behind a potential cross-state site development that could reshape the franchise’s long-term home plans. Read more here.
