STADIUM BUSINESS NEWS
PWHL expansion brings new arena revenue opportunities to Hamilton and Las Vegas
The Professional Women’s Hockey League is expanding to Hamilton and Las Vegas for the 2026-27 season, with the new franchises set to play at TD Coliseum and T-Mobile Arena, respectively. The additions expand the league’s arena footprint and create new revenue opportunities tied to ticket sales, sponsorships, premium hospitality, concessions and merchandise as the PWHL continues its rapid North American growth. Read more here.
PWHL expansion to Detroit adds another major tenant at Little Caesars Arena
The Professional Women’s Hockey League is expanding to Detroit for the 2026-27 season, with the new franchise set to play home games at Little Caesars Arena under a partnership with Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. The move adds another year-round tenant and revenue stream for the downtown venue through ticket sales, sponsorships, concessions, premium hospitality, and merchandise following strong attendance during multiple PWHL neutral-site games in Detroit. Read more here.
PWHL expansion to San Jose adds new tenant at SAP Center
The Professional Women’s Hockey League is growing yet again, this time to San Jose for the 2026-27 season, with the new franchise set to play at SAP Center, home of the San Jose Sharks. The addition creates another year-round revenue stream for the arena through ticket sales, sponsorships, concessions, premium hospitality, and merchandise while further strengthening the Bay Area’s position as a major women’s sports market. Read more here.
McDonald’s secures naming rights for new Chicago Fire stadium
McDonald’s has signed a landmark naming rights agreement for the Chicago Fire’s new $750 million soccer-specific stadium at The 78 development in Chicago, with the venue set to open as McDonald’s Park in 2028. The partnership marks the fast-food giant’s first naming rights deal for a major U.S. professional sports venue and includes expanded youth soccer and community programming tied to the club’s P.L.A.Y.S. initiative. Read more here.
Houston Comets to return to Toyota Center in 2027
The WNBA’s Houston Comets are set to return in 2027 after league owners approved the relocation of the Connecticut Sun to Houston under new ownership led by Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta. The revived franchise will play at Toyota Center, which is also undergoing training facility upgrades and arena renovations tied to the team’s return. Read more here.
STADIUM TECHNOLOGY NEWS
World Cup grass conversion transforms NFL stadiums ahead of 2026 tournament
NFL venues hosting matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup are undergoing major field transformations to meet FIFA’s natural grass standards, including Houston’s NRG Stadium, where cold-climate turf from Colorado and specialized grow lights from the Netherlands are being used to create a temporary pitch. Read more here.
BC Place upgrades target long-term World Cup venue legacy
BC Place is advancing a series of infrastructure and technology upgrades tied to Vancouver’s role as a host venue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including new premium hospitality spaces, expanded back-of-house operations and broadcast improvements. Read more here.
Sunderland adds LED perimeter system in latest Stadium of Light upgrades
Sunderland AFC is installing a new LED perimeter advertising system at the Stadium of Light as part of a multi-million-pound summer upgrade program spanning the stadium and Academy of Light training complex. The project also includes technology investments tied to player performance, recovery, and facility modernization as the Premier League club continues its long-term infrastructure overhaul. Read more here.
STADIUM PROJECT NEWS
Rays move closer to new Tampa ballpark with $2.3B proposal
The Tampa Bay Rays, Hillsborough County, and the City of Tampa have reached a nonbinding memorandum of understanding on a proposed $2.3 billion ballpark and mixed-use development near the Hillsborough College Dale Mabry campus. The plan includes roughly $967 million in public funding and would position the stadium near Raymond James Stadium and George M. Steinbrenner Field, with a target opening date of 2029 pending government approvals.Read more here.
Spurs assemble development team for proposed downtown arena district
Spurs Sports & Entertainment has named a group of architecture, engineering, financial, and development firms to lead planning for a proposed downtown San Antonio arena and entertainment district anchored by a new Spurs venue. Read more here.
Populous unveils redevelopment plans for Palermo’s Stadio Renzo Barbera
Architecture firm Populous and Palermo FC have revealed designs for a major redevelopment of the historic Stadio Renzo Barbera aimed at modernizing the venue while preserving its architectural identity. The proposed upgrades include expanded hospitality areas, improved circulation and accessibility, enhanced fan amenities, and infrastructure enhancements designed to support the club’s long-term growth and future major-event ambitions. Read more here.
AFC Bournemouth stadium expansion moves toward approval
Plans to redevelop AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium are expected to receive approval next week, paving the way for a phased expansion that would increase capacity from 11,286 to more than 20,000 seats. The project includes rebuilding the south stand, expanding other sections of the stadium, and adding upgraded hospitality, accessibility, and fan facilities, along with surrounding infrastructure improvements tied to transport and pedestrian access. Read more here.
