Architectus appointed for Sunshine Coast Stadium project
Following a comprehensive six‑month selection process, Architectus has been chosen as Principal Architect for the Sunshine Coast Stadium upgrade project, bringing with them a deep connection to the region and a track record of award‑winning design.
Best known locally for the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Architectus has long embraced the Coast’s subtropical lifestyle — open spaces, natural ventilation, and a seamless flow between indoors and outdoors. Their design vision for the stadium builds on this legacy, drawing inspiration from the region’s organic forms. A curved floating roofline echos the ripples of sand and rolling waves, while open concourses and shaded outdoor rooms reflect the relaxed rhythm of coastal living.
Architectus Principal Dr Stephen Long said their design vision is to “cement the Sunshine Coast’s identity on the world stage.”
“We’ve conceived delicate, floating roof forms inspired by the Glass House mountains, the meandering Mooloolah River and the gentle shoreline curves of Bokarina Beach. Breezy undercroft spaces recall the forest experiences of the coast and hinterland,” Dr Long said.
“We’re excited to be designing a stadium that feels like a revelation — expressing a modern, outdoor-loving culture set in a landscape that’s both cinematic and authentic, capturing the future of how people want to live, gather, recreate and celebrate,” added Architectus Group Director Communities, Mark van den Enden.
The upgrades include a tenfold increase in grandstand capacity from 1,046 to more than 10,000 seats with new eastern and western grandstands, new community and event spaces, and improved player amenities and accessibility
Elevated seating bowls will bring fans closer to the action, enhance acoustics and create a more immersive game‑day atmosphere — an experience shaped as much by the Coast’s natural beauty as by architectural precision.
To deliver a venue ready for both community sport and global audiences, Architectus will collaborate with international sports architecture specialists HKS, the team behind some of the world’s most recognisable stadiums including SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and AT&T Stadium in Dallas. Together, they will create a stadium capable of hosting 20,000 spectators during the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games football preliminaries and quarter finals, showcasing the Sunshine Coast to millions around the world.
GIICA CEO Simon Crooks said it was exciting to see the progress one year on from the launch of the 2032 Delivery Plan.
"These initial artist impressions for the Sunshine Coast Stadium upgrade show what we are delivering for all Queenslanders – first class venues and upgrades that reflect the needs, lifestyle, environment, culture and ambition of the communities they serve,” Mr Crooks said.
Design development will continue through 2026, with site preparation scheduled to begin before the end of 2026 and construction commencing in 2027.
As part of the 2032 Delivery Plan, the Sunshine Coast Stadium upgrade is set to become a lasting legacy for the region by celebrating its landscape, supporting its communities and strengthening its role as a premier destination for sport and entertainment.
The Sunshine Coast Stadium project is part of the $7.1 billion Games Venues Infrastructure Program jointly funded by the Australian Government and Queensland Government.
Populous named Principal Architect for Moreton Bay venue
Slated as a venue for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the new Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre will feature 12 multi‑use indoor courts designed to support the growing demand for indoor sports across the Moreton Bay region, including basketball, netball, volleyball, futsal, pickleball and wheelchair rugby.
With a Games‑time capacity of up to 10,000 spectators, the Centre also has the potential to host major sporting events, entertainment and community activations, while continuing to serve local clubs, schools and community groups well beyond 2032.
In addition to the indoor courts, the Centre will include a café, athlete amenities and outdoor green space, positioning it as a central destination within the Moreton Bay Central precinct and a key piece of social infrastructure for the growing region.
Global sports design superstar, Populous’, design highlights the local landscape and lifestyle. The concept focus on capturing breezes and light, as well as complementing the indoor activity with outdoor spaces for the community to gather, play and celebrate.
Populous’ well-established Asia-Pacific head office in Brisbane and its local team of more than 100 architects and designers has delivered landmark Queensland projects including the 2003 Suncorp Stadium redevelopment, both the Cbus Super and People First Stadiums on the Gold Coast, the Queensland Tennis Centre and training HQs for both the Brisbane Broncos and Brisbane Lions. Globally, the firm has designed venues for 14 Olympic and Paralympic Games including Sydney 2000, London 2012 and Paris 2024.
GIICA CEO Simon Crooks said he was thrilled to announce another internationally acclaimed architect team to the Games Infrastructure Program.
“GIICA is bringing the world’s best design talent to Queensland’s Games Venues Infrastructure Program to ensure every one of our 17 new and upgraded venues across the state fill their community, and all Queenslanders, with pride in 2032 and for generations to come.
“Today’s announcement of Populous as the Principal Architect adds to the growing list of the multi-award-winning architecture teams bringing their expertise and imagination to our venues across the state,” Mr Crooks said.
Lead architect on the project Populous Principal Brayden Goodwin said the Centre has been designed to serve the community well beyond the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“Moreton Bay is one of the fastest-growing regions in Queensland. As one of the largest facilities of its kind in South East Queensland, the new Centre will help address the increasing community demand for indoor sports facilities in the region and will be designed by Populous with legacy in mind,” Mr Goodwin said.
The Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre is part of the $7.1 billion Games Venues Infrastructure Program, jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments and delivered by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA).
The venue will be owned and operated by City of Moreton Bay Council, with council already undertaking early works on site. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2027, as planning and design continue to progress toward a Games‑ready venue in 2032 and a lasting legacy for the Moreton Bay community.
Brisbane Stadium: Design work forging ahead
Design work on the new Brisbane Stadium is forging ahead with three big decisions now locked in including field size, field orientation and location for the stadium within Victoria Park.
Development of the early concept design for the Stadium, which will host the opening and closing ceremonies and athletics at the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games before becoming the city’s main stadium after the Games, will continue over coming months but some key aspects have already been agreed upon including:
- The stadium’s location in Victoria Park – a central position near Gilchrist Avenue that maximises access to public transport and nestles the stadium in a naturally occurring amphitheatre.
- The field of play size and shape – to be the equivalent of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), supported by AFL, Cricket Australia, concert promotors and Brisbane 2032.
- Field orientation – east–west configuration after analysis of sun position, winds and legacy operational needs for AFL and cricket.
The proposed siting of the new Stadium will seamlessly connect with existing transport infrastructure and allow it to be embedded into the existing topography. This position will also reduce congestion in the critical northeast zone of the park where spectator entry points converge.
The east-west orientation for the field of play was settled after workshop discussions with AFL and cricket and analysis of sun position, winds, and the overall stadium footprint. This orientation better suits how the stadium will work on event days eliminates the requirement for a second media centre under combined AFL and cricket usage.
The field of play size and shape was determined after comparison of four major oval venues across Australia – the Gabba, Perth’s Optus Stadium, the MCG and Marvel Stadium in Melbourne. Optus and the MCG are significantly longer than Marvel and the Gabba, better accommodating an athletics track.
The Stadium early concept design continues to build upon the winning “Queensland response” that embeds the new Stadium into Victoria Park’s topography with a verandah inspiration, floating roof form, and bridge connectivity. The Design Statement for the latest round of concepts states:
“The concept is simple and deliberate: a Stadium in the Landscape. Rather than placing a 63,000-seat object on top of Victoria Park, the stadium will nestle into the parklands and allow the landform and vegetation to do the work.
"The stadium bowl sits in a valley between two ridges ... Spectators pass through nature and parkland rather than climb toward a monument. The park flows over and around the venue, softening its edge and binding it to the park and forest slopes. It is less a building in a park, but instead a park that flows around and through a stadium.
“The design privileges shade, breeze, movement, and everyday access. It is active on event days, but generous and open on all other days. In legacy mode, the Stadium is not an isolated venue but a catalyst for a healthier, more connected city, embedding biodiversity, cultural continuity, and community life at the centre of Brisbane’s Olympic story.”
GIICA CEO, Simon Crooks, said as the design work progresses over the coming weeks and months on the new Brisbane Stadium we are seeing a truly Queensland-take on the traditional stadium emerge, bringing the outside in and celebrating our lifestyle and natural environment.
“It is an exciting time for the team here at GIICA, and all of Queensland, as we work through the rigorous design process to bring the stadium vision to life, and later this year start early works and in 2027 construction.”
“It is great to see the vision the design team has shared in January is now being tested and developed with stakeholder input," said COX Architecture Director and Chair Richard Coulson.
"It retains the ambition of a venue that responds to place with the inclusion of technology that people will expect in a world class venue.
“The evolving arrangement of the Stadium in the park will be a key part of unlocking the connectivity of the park with the wider precinct and the city.”
“We recognise this as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to lead the design of Brisbane Stadium, a venue that will showcase Queensland to the world while truly serving the local community every day," added Hassell Managing Principal Lucy O’Driscoll.
“Every element of our design responds to Queensland’s unique climate and lifestyle, ensuring the stadium can accommodate not only global events, but also becomes an enduring part of the state’s daily life and legacy for generations to come.”
Over the coming months, the concept design will continue to be refined, with a focus on creating a stadium that feels unmistakably Brisbane ensuring we are comfortable in our climate, connected to public transport, and welcoming even on non‑event days.
With early site preparations due to begin from 1 June 2026 and early works expected later in 2026, Queenslanders will start to see the project shift from plans to progress as this new major events home takes its next steps toward 2032 and beyond.
The new Brisbane Stadium is part of the $7.1 billion Games Venues Infrastructure Program jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments and will be delivered by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA).
HK Audio upgrade Stade Mohammed V to COSMO
Casablanca’s legendary Stade Mohammed V has undergone a full sound system renovation to rely on HK Audio’s COSMO family of loudspeakers. The upgrade project was completed in time for the stadium to play a key role as one of the main venues for the recent TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations 25/26.
Located in the Maârif district of central Casablanca, Stade Mohammed V is Morocco’s oldest stadium and one of the most famous football arenas in Africa. Opened in 1955, the stadium has been rejuvenated, enhanced and renamed on multiple occasions. The 67,000-seat venue is home to the nation’s two most followed clubs, Wydad Athletic Club and Raja Club Athletic, and also hosts international matches and large-scale international events making it an iconic venue in the country. With Morocco winning the rights to host the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations 25/26, the stadium needed an audio upgrade to meet the technical requirements to host six group matches, one round of 16 game and the third place play off.
The upgrade project suddenly became a priority for the stadium when Morocco was chosen as a replacement host for the tournament. The event was originally meant to be hosted by Guinea, but the slow progress of the country’s hosting preparations meant the bidding process was reopened in late 2022. Morocco was named as the new hosts towards the end of 2023 leading to a rapid process of upgrading the six host venues to ensure they met the required standards.
This shortened preparation timeframe meant that there was only six weeks for the entire planning and installation process for the new sound system. To add to this challenge, the stadium itself is a difficult acoustic environment. Only one of the stands has a roof, restricting the positions where loudspeakers could be flown and meaning that it would require precise long-throw coverage over distances of up to 150m while maintaining clarity, intelligibility and consistent SPL throughout the stadium.
The team from HK Audio worked with local partner Algam Maghreb, integrator Maghrebnet and renowned consultant Melanie Ziska from SAVE audio solutions to deliver a system that could meet both the audio and timeframe requirements. To meet these needs, 166 HK Audio COSMO series loudspeakers were deployed, powered by over 250kW of Powersoft UNICA amplification. Advanced digital workflow tools, including EASE 5 with Acousteer for system design and Armonia+ for amplifier configuration, enabled rapid yet precise implementation without compromising performance.
“Delivering a project of this scale within such a compressed timeframe highlights exceptional coordination, engineering expertise and logistical capability,” states Kamal Fandi, BU manager at Maghrebnet. “Together, we were able to implement a future-proof audio solution that meets the high demands of an international tournament.”
“This is an excellent reference project for the capabilities of COSMO,” adds Fabian Reimann, senior application engineer at HK Audio. “The long-throw capabilities combined with COSMO’s adaptable horizontal coverage ensured that we achieved outstanding results for a key venue in a high-profile tournament.”
Following the upgrade, the sound system was put through its paces at various events including the legendary Casablanca derby between Raja Club Athletic and Wydad Athletic Club before the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations 25/26 kicked off. The system received consistently positive feedback on site, both from technicians and organisers. The end result sees it provide a future-proof, tournament-ready audio infrastructure that elevates the match-day experience for players, organisers and tens of thousands of spectators every week.
Manchester United new stadium: Roche provides progress update
Collette Roche, Manchester United’s CEO of New Stadium Development has provided an update on the Old Trafford Regeneration project. Speaking on the club’s official podcast, Roche discussed the state of play with land assembly, investment and fan engagement.
Recent reports on United’s new home have suggested that the project will be significantly delayed due to the land at the rear of Old Trafford reportedly being unavailable to be vacated by the current tenants, Freightliner, until after 2031.
“On the land assembly, we want to make sure we get the best possible position for the stadium, one which has got plenty of land around it to put the right facilities in place, one that is connected and offers a great matchday experience. I have been spending a lot of time talking to all of the local land owners to understand where that needs to be and we are progressing that really, really well. I am hoping to be able to share some positive news on that front in the next few months,” said Roche, when discussing the current situation regarding the land available to the club at this moment in time.
The first renderings of United’s proposed new stadium were released in early 2025, and Roche has confirmed that these plans are still the basis of the favoured route that the club wishes to take in the development phase going forward.
“It's the same ambition, same vision, we want to build a stadium that's befitting of our past but also fit for the future. We want to make that we keep what's important. The special memories that people have had, not just for our fans but for our players, so we need to create a new stadium that retains that essence, the matchday routines, the emotion, the intimidating atmosphere for the away fans and make sure that we build something really, really special. And we think we can do that through a 100,000-seater stadium. Because we're so blessed, we've got a season-ticket waiting list, so we think it's our duty and our desire to give them the opportunity to come and witness what we know will be a fantastic experience in our new stadium.”
Roche also confirmed that United are “on track” in terms of the progress of the project, emphasising the magnitude of the task ahead, saying that “stadium builds as complex as the one we are going to enter into, take one or two years to get ready for construction, to get the land assembled, the gets the funds in place and to get the planning permission.”
An exact timescale for completion of the new stadium has not been confirmed by the club, as it works to sort out the initial processes in the development phase.
Daktronics Build On Game-Day Experience at Petco Park
Daktronics continues working with the San Diego Padres to expand their LED inventory to engage and entertain fans at Petco Park in California. Two tower displays as well as a video wall in the Lexus Club were added to the ballpark ahead of the 2026 season.
“Continuing to improve the in-game experience for our fans is a top priority, and this investment allows us to deliver more dynamic, immersive content throughout Petco Park,” said Padres CEO Erik Greupner. “Partnering with Daktronics ensures we’re using cutting-edge technology to bring the game to life in new ways and elevate every moment at the ballpark.”
“The Padres are an amazing team to work with and we’re proud to continue delivering top-of-the-line LED displays for Petco Park to enhance the game-day experience,” said Robin Hall, Daktronics regional manager. “This new installation provides even more flexibility to the Padres while also ensuring the ability to captivate audiences and create memories for their fans.”
Sacramento Republic reveal 20,000 seater ground at The Railyards
Wilton Rancheria and Sacramento Republic FC have announced that Republic Stadium at The Railyards will be constructed as a 20,000+ seat soccer-first venue, forgoing the original plans to grow through phased expansion. The decision reflects the collective ambition of the club, its tribal ownership, and the Sacramento community — a commitment to build something worthy of the passion this region has long shown for its Indomitable Club.
The announcement builds on the momentum of the stadium’s groundbreaking in August 2025 — the furthest the project had advanced in more than a decade. As construction became a reality, so did the scale of opportunity and Wilton Rancheria’s ability to deliver a stadium that meets the full vision from day one.
“With this stadium, Wilton Rancheria is reclaiming our space and matching the ambition of the region,” said Jesus Tarango, Chairman of Wilton Rancheria. “As a Tribe of firsts, we’re proud to deliver a 20,000+ seat, soccer-first stadium—the largest professional sports and entertainment venue in the region—and a home where community comes together and our collective future takes shape.”
“Building bigger is a catalytic investment in the long-term transformation of downtown Sacramento,” said Chris Franklin, COO for Wilton Rancheria. “Wilton Rancheria is bringing the capital, vision, and execution needed to turn this site into a destination that drives economic impact, community connection, and sustained growth for the entire region.”
“For years, we have known what our fans deserve and what this region is capable of supporting. The response to groundbreaking removed any remaining doubt,” said Republic FC Managing Partner Kevin Nagle. “A 20,000-seat Republic Stadium — with a roof over every seat, safe standing for our supporters, and world-class amenities throughout — is not an overreach. It is exactly the venue Sacramento has earned, and we are proud to deliver it.”
Republic Stadium is designed to set a new standard for the soccer and outdoor entertainment experience in Sacramento. In addition to an expanded capacity, various investments in fan experience and comfort will be elements of a world-class venue. The most prominent feature, as requested by fans, will be the overhead canopy that will provide coverage for every seat. The four massive trusses weighing 3,800 tons – three times the tonnage of the Tower Bridge – across the top of the canopy will become distinct additions to Sacramento’s skyline and be recognizable across sports. The open-air design, featuring perforated cladding and open corner terraces, will allow natural airflow and help fans take advantage of Sacramento’s signature evening cooling, keeping the environment comfortable throughout the summer season.
Fans throughout the venue will benefit from a shaded open-air concourse and a sweeping range of seating products — more than 20 different options — designed to deliver a unique experience for every type of supporter. Safe-standing seating and a dedicated supporters’ plaza will give Sacramento’s most passionate voices a place to gather and charge up the atmosphere of matchday. A new West premium tower and expanded club spaces will offer elevated options for those companies or individuals seeking a luxurious matchday experience.
Preparation work on the site was completed in late 2025. Before the end of April, essential public infrastructure work including streets, utility work, and storm drains, will begin ahead of stadium foundations and then vertical construction. With the addition of the canopy structure and associated investments, construction will continue through 2027, with Republic Stadium on track to open in 2028 as the permanent home of the Indomitable Club and a premier destination for major soccer competitions, concerts, and landmark events in Northern California.
Republic Stadium will serve as the catalyst for a new Sacramento neighbourhood — one that doubles the footprint of downtown, revitalises a site that has sat vacant for half a century, and restores a connection to the ancestral home of Wilton Rancheria.
REPUBLIC STADIUM — KEY DETAILS
- Largest outdoor professional sports and entertainment venue in the Sacramento region: 14 acres, over 500,000 square feet, capacity of 20,000+ for soccer, select sporting events
- Capable of hosting top performing acts and tours with an expanded event capacity of 27,000 for entertainment and special events.
- The stadium will anchor a multi-billion dollar investment into Downtown that will create a new neighborhood – retail, hotel, housing and additional community amenities.
- Over 20 different seating products offering diverse fan experiences, from safe-standing supporters’ sections to a new West premium tower.
- Built with the fans at the center of the design, seats will be as close as league rules allow, the five story seating bowl will create a wall of fans that surrounds the pitch so fans are on top of the action, and twin videoboards that are among the biggest in soccer-first facilities.
Continental Resources secure naming rights for new OKC Arena
The Oklahoma City Thunder and Continental Resources today jointly announced a 15-year naming rights partnership for Continental Coliseum, the new state-of-the-art arena rising in downtown Oklahoma City. Demolition of the site is nearing completion, and the construction team will begin mobilizing soon. Continental Coliseum is targeted to open in late summer 2028, ushering in a new era for sports and entertainment in Oklahoma City. The Thunder will continue to play at Paycom Center until the new venue opens.
“We’re grateful to expand our partnership with Continental Resources and for their belief in our organization and in the future of Oklahoma City,” said Clayton I. Bennett, chairman of the Oklahoma City Thunder. “We really wanted an Oklahoma partner for this transitional moment in the history of our city. We are proud to align with an organization that embodies the resilience, ambition, and spirit that define our state. As a company founded and built in Oklahoma, Continental shares our deep roots and enduring commitment to this state. Continental Coliseum will stand as a lasting symbol of that shared commitment — a place where our fans, our city, and our state unite to create unforgettable moments for generations.”
Headquartered in Oklahoma City, Continental Resources is the largest privately held oil and natural gas producer in the world.
“Continental could not be more proud to partner with the Thunder in this next chapter. The Thunder is a world-class organization that represents the very best of Oklahoma,” said Harold Hamm, founder & chairman emeritus of Continental Resources. “When the Thunder came to Oklahoma City, they changed the way this state saw itself. They proved that even a small market can dream big, compete with anyone, and win with heart and grit. That same spirit has defined Continental from the beginning. We’re proud to call Oklahoma home.”
The new arena name takes effect immediately and will be reflected on current construction fencing, future exterior and interior venue signage throughout the building, and the elevated partnership will include expanded community initiatives focused on advancing literacy and education across Oklahoma. Many of Continental’s existing partnership assets, including the Continental Orb, will continue as well.
“This partnership builds on a strong, long-standing relationship rooted in shared values and a shared vision for Oklahoma City,” said Will Syring, vice president of Corporate Partnerships for the Thunder. "What we’ve accomplished together to date made this a natural next step. This expanded collaboration goes beyond naming rights; it represents a meaningful commitment to community investment, including support for literacy initiatives that will benefit Oklahomans across our state.”
“There are many parallels between the Thunder and Continental Resources - values like fierce competition, innovation, and a relentless commitment to performing at our very best,” said Doug Lawler, president and CEO of Continental Resources. “Both organizations are constantly exploring for the very best talent and creating environments where people can compete, innovate, and win. This elevated partnership with the Thunder is a natural fit, and we look forward to welcoming Oklahomans and visitors from around the world to the Continental Coliseum for many years to come.”
Continental Coliseum will host a variety of events beyond basketball. From top touring artists to family shows to national sporting events, the venue will be a top destination in the region for live experiences.
In December 2023, Oklahoma City voters approved construction of a new, City-owned arena, now named Continental Coliseum. Under the terms of the Thunder’s arena agreement with the City, the team has the ability to negotiate a naming rights agreement. Designed by MANICA Architecture and built by Flintco-Mortenson, Continental Coliseum promises to be one-of-a-kind; unique and transformative for Oklahoma’s capital city and serve as a catalyst for the city’s ongoing economic and cultural renaissance.
“Continental Coliseum is so unique and evokes a sense of pride in the strength and resilience of our community,” Bennett said. “The name represents the spirit of competition and excellence. We're thrilled for the Thunder, Continental Resources, the city, and every citizen who voted yes for the future of Oklahoma City.”
Enhanced Daktronics LED Displays coming to Wrigley Field
Daktronics is bringing bolder, brighter moments to fans at historic Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois, through an LED display refresh. Eight LED displays, totaling more than 8,300 square feet, will bring improved resolution to the ballpark with the Daktronics Renew product line, adding more than 1.4 million LEDs to enhance every moment of a Chicago Cubs game.
“Video boards play a key role in driving fan engagement at the Friendly Confines, and our partnership with Daktronics ensures we continue to raise the bar,” said Cubs Vice President of Content and Production Matt Romito. “With advanced display technology and higher resolution, these upgrades will deliver sharper visuals and real-time content to help amplify the fan experience and energy in the ballpark.”
“The Chicago Cubs trusted us with their initial digital transformation and we’re proud they have continued to put their trust in Daktronics for this next step in their video display presentation at Wrigley Field,” said Daktronics Vice President of Live Events and Spectaculars Jay Parker. “These display upgrades are sure to build on the fantastic game-day experience the Cubs have created in Chicago and will make every moment even more memorable for their fans.”
LED Display Details
While the physical dimensions of the displays remain the same, the resolution improves from a 13HD pixel layout to a 10-millimeter pixel spacing, tripling the amount of pixels per square meter at a lower profile off of the display face for improved viewing angles. This adds 5 million pixels throughout the ballpark for better viewing angles and an overall improved fan experience. Because the size is the same, the existing structure is used, while new video, technology and cabling components are provided to save more than 5 pounds of aluminum per square foot of display.
“Being able to use the existing structure represents a major step forward in overall sustainability practices,” added Parker. “We’re extremely proud to share these sustainability practices with our customers as we continue to improve our products for the future.”
The displays in left and right field, along with two ribbon boards, two upper deck displays and two outfield wall displays, take advantage of this renewable option for LED displays. These will be integrated into the ballpark’s existing display system.
Daktronics has grown with the sports industry from the company’s beginnings in 1968. Today, the company has integrated LED super systems in more than 50% of all professional sports facilities in the United States and Canada. For more information on what Daktronics can provide, visit www.daktronics.com/professionalsports.
Sisk begins £42M Edgbaston redevelopment
Sisk has been appointed as main contractor to deliver the £42M redevelopment of Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham. The announcement coincided with the launch of Build UK – Open Doors 2026 at Edgbaston.
Forming part of Edgbaston’s Masterplan, the project will see Sisk undertake the redevelopment of the Raglan and Priory Stands into a new 3,200-seater stand delivering improved spectator facilities, plus a new four-star Radisson RED hotel complete with hospitality boxes and pitch-facing rooms.
The new hotel development is projected to increase Edgbaston’s local community contribution to £40 million per year, rising to more than £70 million in a Cricket World Cup year. It will also create 134 new permanent jobs for people within the local community, adding to the 1,000 full time equivalent roles currently provided by the stadium.
Coinciding with the formal announcement, Open Doors, an annual week-long initiative driven by Build UK, takes visitors behind the scenes of construction sites across the UK to showcase the range of careers available in the construction industry. Around 240 construction workplaces across the UK, including Edgbaston Stadium, open their doors to the next generation of the construction workforce, as Open Doors 2026 gets underway.
Currently, the construction industry needs to recruit around 48,000 extra workers a year to meet demand meaning initiatives like Open Doors more important than ever, with 88% of visitors in 2025 confirming they were more likely to consider a construction career after their visit.
Completion of the stadium redevelopment is forecast in time for the Men’s Ashes in Summer 2027.
Paul Brown, CEO, Sisk and Chair, Build UK said: “We are proud to be selected as main contractor as part of the Edgbaston masterplan and to continue growing our footprint in the West Midlands. As Chair of Build UK, it is also a fitting venue to launch Open Doors 2026. This annual initiative enables the entire sector to influence younger audiences to consider careers in our industry. Projects of this profile are a great way to demonstrate the career opportunities that exist within the built environment.”
Ger Hayes, MD, Sisk said: “Our construction works will see the Raglan and Priory Stands redeveloped into a new 3,200-seater stand delivering improved spectator facilities, and a new four-star Radisson RED hotel complete with hospitality boxes and pitch-facing rooms in time for the Ashes in 2027.”
Stuart Cain, Chief Executive at Warwickshire County Cricket Club, said: “The next stage of our masterplan project will help cement our city as a world class sporting and tourism hub.
“Sisk has an excellent track record of delivering high-quality sporting developments such as the Etihad Stadium north stand expansion, and West Midlands-based projects like Great Charles Street in the Jewellery Quarter. Major projects like these make it the ideal delivery partner for the next stage of our masterplan project. We’re looking forward to working alongside the SISK team to have the hotel and redeveloped stands ready for the Men’s Ashes in summer 2027.”
Jo Fautley, Deputy Chief Executive, Build UK said: “Construction is at the heart of the Government’s plans for economic growth and projects like Edgbaston offer so much to their local community. I was delighted to join the Sisk team at the historic stadium with my 9-year-old son as part of Open Doors 2026, which will see events taking place at sites across the country this week to showcase careers in construction. By giving young people the opportunity to see first-hand what our industry has to offer, we can inspire the next generation on their journey from education to employment.”