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Industry partner

Populous

Development & Construction
ArchitectureSpeciality

Populous is a global design practice specialising in sports, entertainment and the places where people come together for shared experiences.

With more than 40 years of experience and over 3,500 projects worldwide, Populous has designed some of the world’s most recognised stadiums, arenas and major event destinations.

Its multidisciplinary expertise spans architecture, masterplanning, interior design, urban design, event design, brand activation, wayfinding, audiovisual consultancy, food and beverage strategy and sustainability.

From new stadiums and arenas to major renovations and mixed-use sports districts, Populous combines design innovation with fan experience, operational performance and long-term commercial and community value.

Our expertise

Populous helps clubs, stadium owners, leagues and event organisers create sports and entertainment destinations that bring people together and deliver memorable experiences.

Its expertise covers the complete development journey, from early strategy and masterplanning to architecture, interior design, fan experience, hospitality, wayfinding and the integration of venues within wider mixed-use and urban developments.

Drawing on experience from stadium and arena projects around the world, Populous combines global best practices with the specific sporting, operational, commercial and cultural requirements of each venue.

For ESSMA members, Populous brings extensive international knowledge of how stadiums can evolve to become more flexible, commercially successful and sustainable destinations while strengthening atmosphere, identity and the connection between clubs, fans and their communities.

Products & services

  • Stadium & Arena Architecture: Design of new stadiums, arenas and sports venues combining sporting requirements, architectural identity, operational efficiency and spectator experience.
  • Stadium Renovation & Transformation: Modernisation and redevelopment of existing venues to improve capacity, hospitality, accessibility, operations, commercial performance and fan experience.
  • Masterplanning & Urban Design: Planning of stadium precincts, sports districts and mixed-use developments connecting venues with public space, transport, commercial functions and surrounding communities.
  • Fan Experience & Hospitality Design: Design of seating bowls, premium environments, concourses, hospitality areas and other spectator-facing spaces.
  • Food & Beverage Strategy: Strategic planning of F&B environments, service models and facilities to improve guest experience and commercial performance.
  • Interior Design: Creation of premium, hospitality, player, staff and public environments within stadiums and arenas.
  • Wayfinding & Brand Activation: Integration of signage, wayfinding, club identity and branded environments throughout the visitor journey.
  • Audiovisual Consultancy: Specialist planning and consultancy for audiovisual environments and technology within modern sports and entertainment venues.
  • Event Design & Planning: Planning and temporary infrastructure strategies for major international sporting and entertainment events.
  • Sustainable Design: Design strategies focused on environmental performance, adaptability, resource efficiency and long-term venue resilience.

References

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - Tottenham Hotspur FCWembley Stadium - The FAEmirates Stadium - Arsenal FCGroupama Stadium & Training Centre - Olympique LyonnaisAviva Stadium - DublinEstádio da Luz - SL BenficaStade de la Meinau - RC StrasbourgLondon Olympic Stadium - LondonFNB Stadium - JohannesburgLusail Stadium - Qatar