Stadium Industry Updates – 13 May 2025

Accredit Solutions wins prestigious safety and security award

ESSMA partner Accredit Solutions has been awarded the 2025 Golden Eagle Award by the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS⁴). The accolade recognises their leadership in enhancing access management across live sports operations. Their collaboration with the NFL was particularly noted, with their platform ensuring clarity, control, and consistency in managing game-day access. This recognition underlines the growing strategic importance of sophisticated access control systems in modern sports venues.

Momentus explores emerging trends in venue management

ESSMA partner Momentus Technologies has published The Future of Venues report, offering a comprehensive analysis of emerging trends in venue and event management. Drawing insights from venues hosting over 1.4 million events annually across more than 50 countries, the report identifies key areas of transformation within the industry.

Notably, 67% of surveyed professionals acknowledge the significant impact of artificial intelligence on venue management, while 52% highlight the importance of data and analytics. Furthermore, 50% anticipate an increased focus on technology and automation, with 44% identifying advanced technology adoption as a pivotal initiative for the future.

These findings underscore the necessity for venues to embrace data-driven operations and technological advancements to enhance attendee experiences and maintain competitiveness in a rapidly evolving landscape.

For a detailed exploration of these trends, the full report is available at: The Future of Venues.

Demolition of Iconic Tribune 2 at Bosuilstadion Underway FIFA World Cup

Royal Antwerp FC has commenced the demolition of the iconic Tribune 2 at the Bosuilstadion, marking a significant step in the club’s ongoing stadium redevelopment. The stand, which had stood unused for several years, is being replaced by a temporary structure designed to accommodate approximately 8,700 additional spectators, thereby increasing the stadium’s capacity from 16,000 to 21,000 seats.

The demolition, initially scheduled for late March, faced delays but officially began on 12 May 2025. The new temporary stand, with an estimated cost of €12.5 million, is slated for completion by November 2025, aligning with the international break.

This project is being undertaken directly by the club, reflecting Royal Antwerp FC’s commitment to self-sufficiency and long-term growth. The redevelopment of Tribune 2 follows the successful renovation of the main stand in 2017, further modernising the historic Bosuilstadion.

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PSG Nears Decision on New Stadium Location

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is expected to announce the location of its new stadium within the next two weeks, according to reports from L’Équipe. The club is evaluating several options as it plans to move away from its historic home, the Parc des Princes, due to ownership disputes with the City of Paris.

One leading candidate is Poissy, where PSG already operates its training centre. This site offers logistical advantages but would require negotiations with Stellantis, the landowner, to repurpose industrial property.

Another option is Massy in the Essonne department, known for its excellent transport links. However, building restrictions due to nearby Orly Airport and the site’s current classification as agricultural land could pose challenges.

A third possibility involves waiting until 2026, when a new mayor takes office in Paris, potentially reopening discussions to purchase the Parc des Princes. Nonetheless, PSG has publicly dismissed this scenario, indicating a strong intent to relocate.

The club’s final decision is anticipated soon, marking a significant step in its pursuit of a modern, larger-capacity stadium to enhance revenue and competitiveness.

Eight Brazilian Stadiums Selected for 2027 Women’s World Cup

FIFA has officially announced the eight stadiums that will host matches during the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil. All selected venues were previously used during the 2014 Men’s World Cup and include iconic sites such as the Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro, Arena Corinthians in São Paulo, and Estádio Mineirão in Belo Horizonte. The other host cities are Brasília, Porto Alegre, Salvador, Fortaleza, and Recife.

Following an evaluation of infrastructure in 12 candidate cities, Belém, Cuiabá, Manaus and Natal were not included in the final selection. The tournament will take place from 24 June to 25 July 2027 and will be the first Women’s World Cup ever held in South America, featuring 32 teams.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino thanked all candidate cities for their engagement and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to working closely with the selected hosts. CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues highlighted the readiness of the chosen venues and the tournament’s role in promoting equality, inclusion, and unity across the country.

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New Stadium Planned for Kahramanmaraş

The Turkish city of Kahramanmaraş is set to receive a new multi-purpose stadium with a capacity of 17,500 seats. Local authorities have approved the construction contract for the venue, provisionally named Kahramanmaraş Stadium. The facility will include four dressing rooms, two warm-up areas, three training halls, prayer rooms, technical spaces, and other amenities. Described as a ‘living stadium,’ it aims to serve as a hub for sports and community activities. This development is particularly significant as Kahramanmaraş continues to recover from the major earthquakes that struck the region in 2023.

Arena Garibaldi Upgrades Readied for Pisa’s Serie A Return

The Municipality of Pisa has unveiled a comprehensive upgrade and expansion plan for Arena Garibaldi – Stadio Romeo Anconetani, in anticipation of Pisa SC’s return to Serie A after more than three decades.

Following confirmation of promotion, the Municipality’s Provincial Commission for Public Entertainment Venues discussed the Arena Garibaldi, announcing a four-stage redevelopment project. The stadium, originally opened in 1919, currently accommodates 11,293 spectators.

Post the 2024–25 season, renovation efforts will commence, initially focusing on the Curva Sud and the away section. Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Sports Buildings, Raffaele Latrofa, indicated that the planned work aims to “redesign the stands of the Arena Garibaldi,” increasing capacity to approximately 12,500. Additional enhancements to hospitality and media areas are also planned to meet Lega Serie A standards.

Latrofa emphasised that these interventions, supplementing those undertaken during the season which allowed the stadium to surpass the 10,000-spectator threshold after many years, reflect the municipal administration’s commitment to improving the facility. The goal is to ensure that all fans can attend matches safely, in line with the club’s well-deserved promotion to Serie A.

Estadio Azteca to Reopen in March 2026 Ahead of FIFA World Cup

Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca is set to reopen on 28 March 2026 following extensive renovations in preparation for the FIFA World Cup. The stadium will host the tournament’s opening match on 11 June, making it the first venue to do so for a third time, having previously opened the 1970 and 1986 editions.

The refurbishment includes upgraded hospitality and VIP areas, new seating, and modernised changing rooms. While the current capacity stands at 87,500, it remains unclear whether this will change post-renovation.

In a historic move, the stadium has secured its first naming rights deal, rebranding as Estadio Banorte. Financial services firm Banorte has committed MXN$2.1 billion to finance the renovations, to be repaid over 12 years.

The project is part of a broader urban development initiative in the Tlalpan neighbourhood, encompassing infrastructure improvements such as enhanced roads, bike lanes, and public transport.

Estadio Azteca will also host additional group-stage and knockout matches during the tournament, reaffirming its status as a central venue in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.