Inter Miami prepare for NU Stadium as pitch laid down
NU Stadium's playing surface has been laid down ahead of the inaugural match at the Stadium, which will see Inter Miami face Austin FC on April 4.
The ground has been equipped with locally sourced top-level Bermudagrass. Below are the details of the top features of the newly installed pitch.
Pitch Details:
- Top-notch Bermudagrass dresses Nu Stadium, grown in a farm that grows high-quality sod locally in Loxahatchee, Florida.
- “Lay and Play” sod: a unique process of growing sod that allows it to be laid on the field and have great footing immediately, without moving like traditional thin-cut sod.
- World-class tools such as grow lights, compact sensor devices, and a sophisticated drainage system will ensure the right air, soil, light, humidity, soil moisture, and soil salinity are provided to grow the grass healthy and recover from usage.
The surface has already begun its rapid adaptation, ensuring it will be fully prepared ahead of hosting the action and energy that the reigning MLS Cup champions will bring to Miami starting on April 4.
Ślęza Wrocław arena fitted with AEQ based intercom
The new Ślęza Wrocław multi-purpose sports arena, located in Wrocław (Poland), has recently been equipped with a comprehensive technical system designed to support sports competitions, events, and broadcasts. The facility, with a total area of approximately 11,000 m², is primarily intended for track and field and basketball activities and is part of an ambitious sports infrastructure project in the city.
The venue also features an intercom system based on AEQ technology, which enables clear and reliable communication among the venue’s technical teams. This solution facilitates operational coordination during competitions and broadcasts, ensuring efficient communication between the various workstations.
The intercom system incorporates AEQ Xplorer wireless beltpacks, devices that function as true portable user panels for coordinating the technical team. Based on Wi-Fi connectivity in the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands, these terminals enable clear and stable voice communications even in dynamic environments such as sports facilities or large venues. Each beltpack features a user interface with programmable keys organized into pages, a multifunction display for viewing destinations, audio levels, battery status, and wireless signal strength, as well as independent volume controls that facilitate communication management during the event. Their compact and rugged design, built for intensive production use and protected against shocks and splashes, allows operators to move freely around the venue while maintaining a constant connection with the rest of the team. The wireless technology used also facilitates integration with managed Wi-Fi networks, enabling mobility within the coverage area and rapid system deployment in professional settings.
The arena’s sound system is based on RCF technology, APEX amplification, and Yamaha digital processing, all integrated into a Dante-based audio network. This infrastructure ensures clear coverage throughout the venue during competitions, events, and public announcements.
For sports commentary and audio production, equipment such as the Midas M32R Live console, Klark Teknik interfaces, and Sennheiser wireless systems is used, configured to facilitate broadcasts and interviews during sporting events.
The design, supply, and integration of the technical systems were carried out by TOMMEX, a company specializing in professional audio and communication solutions
Monumental reveal The Blueprint Studios at Capital One Arena
As part of the ongoing Capital One Arena transformation, Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) have announced The Blueprint Studios, a new concept that creates a flexible pathway into arena hospitality for guests looking to gather, host and connect around live sports and entertainment. The new spaces will debut ahead of the 2027-28 season and offer opportunities for multi-year membership.
The Blueprint Studios are inspired by both the vision behind the Capital One Arena transformation and the city of Washington itself, rooted in L’Enfant’s original blueprint for the District that designated the plot of land where the arena sits as a gathering place at a global intersection.
The concept reflects this time-honored communal spirit, providing an entry point for exclusive ownership and guests looking to build their own shared experiences at Capital One Arena. With spaces offering seating designed for groups of eight or more, The Blueprint Studios create a right-sized option for groups and businesses who want to enjoy live sports and entertainment together, without the scale or commitment of a traditional private suite. The Blueprint Studios will be located on the arena’s second level and offer elevated amenities including all-inclusive food and beverage, in-seat service and access to a private lounge that creates natural socializing among like-minded members.
“Capital One Arena is a community convening space in the heart of the nation’s capital that brings guests from all over the world together,” said Jim Van Stone, President of Business Operations and Chief Commercial Officer at MSE. “The Blueprint Studios reflect that spirit, making it easier than ever to gather your circle and build life-long memories over live events. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, networking with colleagues, or hosting small business meetings, the spaces are designed to meet your group’s distinct needs – allowing you to focus on the moments that matter.”
Building on Washington, D.C.’s architectural legacy, The Blueprint Studios will reflect the city’s tradition of intentional, enduring spaces built to bring people together. From Union Station’s sweeping arches to the Capitol’s neoclassical construction, guests will instantly recognize design details inspired by the city’s most iconic landmarks in a refined, welcoming, and intentionally designed social environment.
In addition to small group private spaces and a distinctly D.C. design, The Blueprint Studios will include:
– All-inclusive food and beverage with a rotating menu of elevated arena fan favorites and featured items for every event
– A Blueprint Studios social club with dedicated bar, dining, and restrooms for additional gathering space close to the action
– Access to The Halo, a multi-level hospitality space offering curated dining, service, and retail for select ticketholders
– In-seat service and dedicated concierge team
– One arena parking pass per 8 guests.
Where Washington Comes Together
The Blueprint Studios are the latest debut in MSE’s $800+ million transformation of Capital One Arena in partnership with The District. The redesigned arena will create a new entertainment and social hub in the heart of the city as the cornerstone of broader efforts to revitalize the downtown area.
Throughout the transformation, fans across every level will see meaningful upgrades in every part of the arena experience including:
Entry: More access points, highlighted by a new arrival hall – The Grand Pavilion – with upgraded ticketing and security technology to ease entry.
Travel: Wider concourses and double the number of elevators/escalators, including express options designated for each floor.
Gathering: Multiple new social spaces on every floor for convenient places to connect close to the action.
Concessions: Increased concessions locations, several more kitchens, and a new food hall on the 4thfloor concourse
Amenities: Six team stores, a new flagship team store, and increased concourse restrooms
Action: A brand-new scoreboard and large Visibowl™ concourse displays showing the event in real-time
Culture: Works by local artists will turn every level into a living civic landmark with the District Arts Collection.
For further information on the arena transformation, visit DistrictMomentum.com for the latest updates, renderings, behind-the-scenes previews, and more.
Champ Rugby side to build 5000 seater stadium
Champ Rugby side Chinnor RFC have announced plans to build a 5000 seater stadium on the site of its existing ground.
The team's current stadium mostly consists of pitch side standing areas for spectators, with this move laying down a marker of significant ambition for the club.
"We remain committed to being a whole community club at all levels at the Club that we have developed over the last 20 years. We are particularly proud that we are enhancing our community side to make further outreaches and overwhelmed that the Community have embraced our ambitions. The Stadium will be available for community use and entertainment for community local community benefit," said Nick Stainton, Chairman, Chinnor RFC.
“This will continue to further our ambitions to always operate at the top level of the league that we are in. Our sustainability will dramatically improve albeit so will our costs but we will always at least balance the two whilst investing further into community benefits . This may possibly be the most significant infrastructure improvement the Champ has seen for many decades , particularly from a debutant side. Nick Easter’s contract has been extended further which will greatly enhance our ability to perform both on and off field. Nick Easter is very keen to assist our ambitions and will be appointed to the Main Board to help us achieve them," added Chinnor CEO Simon Vickers.
Nick Easter, Director of Rugby at Chinnor said: "“I’m delighted to be signing on at Chinnor and continuing to be part of a great club and its journey. There were other exciting opportunities on offer which I am hugely grateful for but in the end I put a lot of thought into the people in an establishment and at Chinnor they are some of the best I have worked with in rugby They also make me feel valued and trusted in what I do. Alongside this the club have ambition which is also important, something which has shone through on and off the field as we continue to grow sustainably in a hot bed of rugby.”
The work is subject to planning approval and is slated to begin at the end of next season.
Daktronics transform digital displays at T-Mobile Park
Continuing to evolve the digital display experience at T-Mobile Park, the Seattle Mariners have turned to Daktronics of Brookings, South Dakota, to manufacture and install an upgraded outfield video display, now named Mariners Fire TV, totalling more than 11,300 square feet. The size remains squarely in the top 10 in baseball’s major league and is installed and ready for the first pitch of the 2026 season in Seattle, Washington.
“We pride ourselves in consistently finding ways to elevate the fan experience at T-Mobile Park, and the new Mariners Fire TV in center field represents another great opportunity to make a meaningful impact,” said Mariners Vice President of Content and Creative Services Ben Mertens. “Daktronics has been a trusted partner for years, and this next-generation videoboard reflects our shared commitment to innovation. The size, clarity and capabilities of the new display will bring fans even closer to the game we love, enhancing our ability to showcase both the action on the field and the incredible atmosphere in the stands in a more visually dynamic and engaging way.”
“We’re honoured that the Seattle Mariners have trusted Daktronics with this next-generation video display at T-Mobile Park,” said Daktronics Vice President of Live Events and Spectaculars Jay Parker. “This project reflects our shared commitment to creating an unforgettable experience for fans, where every moment on the field is amplified by our technology. Providing displays that enhance the entertainment for audiences is what we do, and we’re looking forward to helping the Mariners bring their vision to life.”
Video Display Details
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.