POPULOUS ANNOUNCES NEW GLOBAL OPERATIONS ROLES

Leading Design and Architecture practice Populous has announced the appointment of two new global roles that expand its operational capacity around the world.

Gavin Houldin has joined the practice as Global Chief Operating Officer, focusing on strengthening global operations by standardising systems and processes, leading integration efforts for acquisitions, and optimising business and project performance. He will report to Bruce Miller, Populous CEO and Chair.

Gavin has joined Populous from Arcadis, where he served as Senior Vice President and Operations Director for their global Places business in North America, leading a team of over 600 in the Americas and an additional 250 in global excellence centres across India, the Philippines, and Romania. Prior to that he held senior leadership positions at AECOM in both Africa and the United States. He brings deep expertise in global operations, M&A integration, and driving performance across large, multidisciplinary teams.

Bruce Miller, CEO and Chair of Populous, comments: “With his extensive experience in architecture, engineering, and project-based professional services, Gavin brings a collaborative, people-centric leadership style and a focus on design excellence and client service. His proven track record in scaling businesses through organic growth and M&A integration, coupled with strong commercial acumen and strategic thinking, make him ideally suited to help drive Populous into our next phase of growth and innovation.”

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, Teryn Hightower has also joined Populous as Head of Global M&A Integration, responsible for creating and leading a disciplined global integration strategy for Populous acquisitions.

Teryn joins Populous from Accenture, where she spent more than seven years leading post-merger integration within Corporate Development, focused on aligning strategy, operations, systems and teams, to deliver against long-term business objectives.

Populous announced the acquisition of aviation design firm Fentress Architects in June 2025 to create Fentress Studios, significantly broadening the scope and scale of services that Populous offers clients across the globe.

Both roles are based in the United States, but will be fully global in scope, working across the firm’s regional headquarters in Kansas City, London and Brisbane and the 34 Populous studios around the world.

by Matt Johnson

ISLE 2026—Your One-Stop Solution for Venue & Event Innovation

For sports professionals seeking to elevate event experiences, modernise venues, or integrate cutting-edge technology into every aspect of sports operations, ISLE 2026 stands as the ultimate one-stop exhibition—where global leaders converge to redefine the future of sports events.

Registration is now open for ISLE 2026—Asia's largest exhibition for smart displays and integrated systems, set to take place from March 5–7 2026 at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Centre in China.

Display Industry Center

As a recognised hub for the display industry—particularly LED technology—Shenzhen offers unmatched proximity to China’s leading LED manufacturers, with most major factories located within a 30-minute drive of ISLE venue. The exhibition brings together the full supply chain, offering global buyers a one-stop platform to discover new products, tour local factories, and connect with industry leaders.

Larger Scale, Greater Impact

Building on the success of ISLE 2025, which gathered over 1,000 leading exhibitors (including industry giants like Leyard, Absen, Unilumin, BOE, and Hikvision), welcomed 220,000 visits from 100+ countries, and debuted 150+ new products across 80,000㎡of exhibition space – ISLE 2026 is poised to scale new heights. The 90,000㎡ showcase will bring together the world’s most innovative brands, showcasing transformative smart sports solutions.

Why ISLE 2026 is a Must-Attend for the Sports Industry?

ISLE 2026 showcases cutting-edge display tech that captivates every spectator. Outdoor ultra-HD large screens deliver clear live views from any angle, while Fine-Pitch LED panels create vibrant indoor visuals—together offering an immersive experience that brings fans closer to the action.

ISLE 2026 will offer integrated solutions for smart venues. Satellite positioning for crowd control, AI-driven systems for automated management, and high-speed data transmission for real-time analysis. These technologies work together to optimise energy use, enhance safety, and improve the event-day experience.

ISLE 2026 offers 24-hour uninterrupted event support. Multi-system command platforms enable unified control over operations and security, while integrated live broadcast solutions ensure seamless production and distribution. Whether for local matches or global tournaments, these tools provide full-process support—ensuring every event runs smoothly.

Who Should Join Us?

Sports event organisers, venue management companies and facility operators、sports media and broadcast networks, technology buyers from sports leagues, clubs, and governing bodies.

Four Trends Defining the Future of Display

In ISLE 2026, there are some features in the products & solutions on site:

• Deeper fusion of “AV + Industry”: Leading AV integrators will present information release systems, distributed control platforms, and AI consoles, enabling immersive scenarios such as emergency command centres, smart city operations, and data visualisation.
• Mini/Micro LED taking central mainstream stage: Exhibitors featuring Mini/Micro LED backlight displays and COB/MIP products, will showcase materials and chips to end-use applications.
• AI transforming the display industry: Exhibitors will showcase Al-powered products for smart meetings, home theatres, commercial displays and education/healthcare applications. These innovations will enhance both functionality and user experience with the development of market demands.
• Green technology under continuous progress: Aligned with China's "Dual Carbon" goals, companies will introduce energy-efficient solutions including low-carbon displays, energy-saving cold screens, with photovoltaic-storage power systems. These products will reduce energy costs, improve performance, and extend product lifespan.

Actionable Insights on Trending Technologies

ISLE 2026 offers unmatched industry insights through 20+ forums, co-hosted with top industry associations. Dive into trending topics like Mini/Micro LED technology, digital intelligence, smart cities, and new energy vehicles cabins– gaining actionable forecasts, policy analysis, and opportunities for industry-academia-research collaboration.

The 24/7 Digital Service of ISLE

As the industry's largest digital platform, ISLE’ s official portal drives continuous innovation through a suite of interactive features—including virtual exhibition halls, real‑time inquiry systems, media release centers, live streaming, and cloud-based exhibition tours. Hosting over 1,000 global exhibitors and thousands of products, the platform empowers buyers worldwide to discover and connect effortlessly, generating tens of thousands of inquiries every week and delivering a truly seamless exhibition experience.

Exclusive Service for International Buyers

We will offer exclusive services for international buyers, including three nights of hotel accommodation, airport shuttle for same flight to & from Shenzhen Airport, factory tour near the exhibition venue.

Watch the ISLE 2026 Video
Get a first look at what awaits: https://youtu.be/GsZ1a3_N8ys

Save the Date & Register Today

Dates: March 5–7, 2026

Venue: Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Centre, China

Register Online: https://www.isle.org.cn/audience/register?lang=en&locale=en   (URL)

For more ISLE details, please check this ISLE video: https://youtu.be/GsZ1a3_N8ys

by Matt Johnson

Live Nation Entertainment, DF Entertainment, and Dale Play Live partner for deal at Mas Monumental

Live Nation Entertainment has announced a long-term partnership with Club Atlético River Plate, alongside DF Entertainment, Argentina’s leading international live entertainment company; and Dale Play Live, Argentina’s leading Latin live entertainment company, to further elevate Mâs Monumental Stadium as one of the world’s premier destinations for global touring artists and major live events.

Beginning January 1, 2027, the agreement grants Live Nation the exclusive presentation of live shows at Mâs Monumental Stadium, as well as the granting of the stadium’s naming rights, reinforcing Buenos Aires’ growing role on the global touring circuit.

Under the partnership, DF Entertainment will promote international shows, building on its successful run at the stadium since 2022 and its track record of presenting many of the biggest live shows in the world, while Dale Play Live will lead promotion for Latin artists, ensuring a strong, locally rooted approach that reflects Argentina’s vibrant music culture.

As part of the agreement, River Plate members will receive access to dedicated pre-sale ticket allocations for select shows held at Mâs Monumental Stadium, creating new benefits for the club’s community while expanding access to world-class live entertainment.

This long-term partnership reinforces Mâs Monumental Stadium’s position as a premier destination for global touring artists and major live events, while expanding opportunities for fans to experience world-class live music in Buenos Aires.

by Matt Johnson

Ribbon Cut on Charlie Monfort Field at America First Ballpark

The University of Utah opened its new baseball stadium this week as 150 supporters gathered to celebrate the grand opening of Charlie Monfort Field at America First Ballpark.

Several dignitaries spoke from the podium to illustrate the facility's impact—not only as the home for the Utah baseball program but as a shared community asset. In keeping with that theme, the event recognized the outcome of a shared vision between the U, Salt Lake City and community.

Once podium remarks concluded, project supporters and partners gathered to cut the ribbon and officially kick off a new era.

The ballpark is located on Guardsman Way and was built on the site of the baseball team's former practice facility. It brings the Utes back to campus for games after playing the majority of contests downtown at Smith's Ballpark from 1996 to 2025.

America First Credit Union played a leading role in bringing the program's new home to life, partnering with the U on a 10-year naming rights agreement. The project also received meaningful support from Charlie Monfort, owner and general partner of the Colorado Rockies and a proud Utah alumnus.

Ground was broken in summer 2024 and Utah will host game competition in the facility beginning this season. The Utes began practicing here in August 2025 once the FieldTurf playing surface was installed and while work continued in other areas of the ballpark. The team was able to see the completed interior spaces—including the locker room—for the first time this past Sunday, and day-to-day baseball operations will transition here in the coming days.

Nearly everything that a Utah baseball student-athlete could need is located here. In addition to the field itself, the team locker room, film room, lounge, weight room, equipment room, sports medicine suite, coaches' offices and more are all under one roof. Directly adjacent to the field surface is an indoor training facility with hitting tunnels and pitching lab. Many of these spaces were previously spread across campus and the city—and were not as extensive.

The project came together rather quickly; less than two years ago, this same location was a grass field with a chain-link backstop. A key moment came in 2023 when the U's Board of Trustees gave contingency approval for the project. In the months that followed, Populous was selected as design architect, VCBO was designated as the architect of record and Layton Construction was tabbed general contractor. The majority of funding for the $38 million project was privately raised.

by Matt Johnson

UNM announces initial findings of University Stadium and South Campus Improvement Plan

The University of New Mexico has released initial findings of its ongoing feasibility and development planning effort to modernize University Stadium and advance long-term development of the South Campus Sports and Entertainment District.

The findings outline a phased approach to addressing critical infrastructure, accessibility, and safety needs at University Stadium, beginning with a proposed $58 million improvement package focused on high-impact, foundational upgrades designed to address the most urgent infrastructure, accessibility, fan experience and safety needs.

“University Stadium is an important part of UNM’s campus and a shared public asset for our state,” said UNM President Garnett S. Stokes. “This phased approach allows us to address critical infrastructure, accessibility, and safety needs in a thoughtful, responsible way while laying the groundwork for long-term improvements that benefit students, fans, and the broader community.”

Phase 1 prioritizes essential upgrades that improve the overall game-day experience while addressing safety and accessibility constraints. Priority improvements focus on ingress and egress, expanding concourse space, modernizing restrooms and adding fixtures, expanding concessions, and resolving accessibility and congestion challenges throughout the facility.

The total phase 1 cost is estimated at $58 million, including a new $50 million funding request to the New Mexico Legislature made during the 2026-2027 legislative session, along with $8 million remaining from a prior state appropriation authorized by Governor Michelle Lujan-Grisham

“The first phase of this plan will be an immediate improvement on how the stadium functions on gameday,” said Interim Vice President and Director of Athletics Ryan Berryman. “These improvements will dramatically improve the quality and safety of the experience for every single fan that comes through our gates.”

Critical improvements in Phase 1 of the improvement plan include:

• North Entry Plaza and Concourse Expansion
  Renovation and construction of a North Entry Plaza and expansion of the existing north concourse - the stadium’s most heavily trafficked arrival point on game days. The expanded concourse will extend into adjacent parking areas, significantly improving circulation, security screening, and fan flow before and after events. The expanded entry will add 32 new gate lines and is designed to allow 71% of fans to enter in the first hour of arrival, an increase from 33% today, caused by structural limitations.
• Concessions and Restroom Modernization
  Adding new concessions infrastructure, including the first full-service kitchen in University Stadium history. Restroom renovations will increase fixture counts to better align with modern building code and game-day demand, directly improving comfort, efficiency, and service quality. This phase increases University Stadium’s fixture count by 377 while creating 142 new point of sale options for concessions and merchandise.
• East and West Concourse Widening and Accessibility Improvements
  Widening of the east and west concourses from 9 feet to 20 feet, resolving configurations that currently falls 11 feet short of code and creates persistent congestion and accessibility challenges. These improvements will significantly enhance safety conditions and ADA accessibility, while also improving overall fan circulation throughout the stadium.
• South End Facilities Renovation
  Modernizing gates, restrooms, and concessions areas at the south end of the stadium – much of which dates back to the facility’s original 1960 construction – will bring key facilities up to modern standards for safety, accessibility, and operations.

Phase 1 is intentionally designed as a foundational step that supports future modernization opportunities.

Future phases of the University Stadium Improvement Plan will address premium seating, including chairbacks in the lower bowl, hospitality spaces, South Stadium connectivity and videoboards, and renovation of the existing press tower.

The feasibility study and development plan were completed by renowned architectural firms Dekker and Gensler. Dekker is a local New Mexico multidisciplinary architecture firm with over 65 years of experience in New Mexico and the southwest. Gensler is a global leader in architecture at the forefront of athletics master planning and the development of sports venues and training facilities.

by Matt Johnson

Chiefs Announce Two World-Renowned Kansas City-Area Firms as Finalists for Lead Designer of New Stadium

by Matt Johnson

AE Live Partners with Leading Fan Engagement Platform CUE to Power Second-Screen Interactivity for Live Sports

AE Live has announced a partnership with CUE, the leading fan engagement platform for live sports and entertainment, to deliver real-time, second-screen interactivity designed specifically for broadcast-scale audiences. The collaboration builds on AE Live’s long-standing leadership in broadcast graphics and live sports production, extending those capabilities to connect the broadcast feed directly to the viewer’s mobile device.

At the centre of the partnership is a custom integration pipeline engineered by AE Live, enabling engagement tools in the CUE Platform to be triggered directly from AE Live’s existing broadcast graphics systems. Graphics operators can launch polls, trivia, prizing games, and sponsor activations from the same control environments they already use, with interactive moments rendered seamlessly across 2D graphics, augmented reality elements, and second-screen experiences.

This broadcast-first approach allows viewer participation to remain tightly synchronized with live game action, without introducing additional operational complexity for production teams. Viewers join via simple on-screen QR codes, with no app download required, and their input feeds back instantly into AE Live’s graphics pipeline for real-time visualization and reporting.

This workflow has already been proven at scale in live broadcast, including during the recent CAF Tournament on SuperSport, delivered by AE Live South Africa. The deployment focused entirely on second-screen viewer engagement, with interactive moments tied directly to the broadcast rather than in-venue activations. The result was significantly higher levels of viewer engagement than are typically seen in stadium-based experiences, demonstrating the scale and effectiveness of broadcast-driven interactive design.

"What excites me most is where this leads,” said Dan Pack, Executive Creative Director of Innovation at AE Live. “Right now, AE Live and CUE are already delivering spectacular real-time interaction across broadcast and second screen. The future is about pushing beyond that and using viewer engagement as a live data source to drive next-generation mixed reality experiences. When you combine the CUE platform along with our other tools like Unreal Engine and live player tracking, engagement stops being an overlay and starts becoming part of the visual language of the game itself.”

From a product and operations perspective, the partnership was designed to meet broadcast-grade requirements for reliability, control, and scalability.

“Broadcasters need tools that behave like broadcast tools,” said Gem Collister, AE Live Product Manager. “Deterministic, fast, and fully controllable, our solution was built to integrate cleanly into existing graphics workflows, while still opening the door to entirely new forms of viewer interaction and sponsor activation.”

Beyond engagement, the CUE platform creates new value for rights-holders and commercial partners. Each interactive moment can be branded, tracked, and measured in real time, turning traditional impressions into participatory experiences with clear attribution. Viewer participation data can be captured for post-event analysis, sponsor reporting, and longer-term audience strategy.

“CUE was built to turn live moments into real-time fan participation,” said Dan McInerney, Broadcast Partnerships at CUE. “AE Live has taken that capability and embedded it directly into broadcast workflows. Together, we are enabling engagement at the same scale and reliability as live television.”

The AE Live and CUE solution is modular by design, allowing deployments to be tailored for different sports, broadcasters, and regions. While optimized for broadcast-first second-screen experiences, the platform can also extend into in-venue environments where appropriate, using the same underlying control and data infrastructure.

by Matt Johnson

NEXO P+ sound pumps up the thrills while preserving a unique atmosphere at the historic Stade Mayol

Rugby is akin to a religion in Toulon, exemplified by the fact that the Stade Mayol, home to RC Toulonnais, is embedded in the heart of the southern French port city.

The tender for a recent upgrade of sound, screens and lights at the stadium included a requirement to improve the fan experience pregame and during half time shows which, in terms of sound, obviously called for plenty of SPL and full bandwidth.

But the stadium operators were also keen to preserve the unique atmosphere of the historic 17,500-capacity stadium, surrounded by high rise buildings and  which includes a number of seating areas without roof cover and open to the elements.

System installers would obviously need a sound system capable of exceptional power, long throw and controllable directivity, yet compact and light enough to install unobtrusively within the stadium’s existing architecture. The local office of AV and event technology specialists Dushow was granted the contract and chose to design a NEXO P+ point series system.

With amplification and processing from a total of 9 x NEXO NXAMP4X2Mk2 Powered TD Controllers, a total of 26 x P+ Series cabinets cover the stadium: 15 x P15s under the roofs for the covered  Bonnus and Lafontan stands, 7 x P18s in custom made metal cases on specially constructed masts to cover the open sections of the Finale, Quarter Corner, Delangre and Lafontan stands, and a further 4 x P18s under the roof covering the pitch.

“Only certain roof beams could be used, and a number of weight restrictions were applied, so the design was not an easy one” reports Nicolas Poitrenaud from NEXO Engineering Support who assisted the team at Dushow through the design and commissioning stages of the project, with system tuning by his colleague Melvin Frerot.

“A conventional configuration of evenly spaced speakers was not possible and required precision horizontal aiming of speakers mounted at a number of different elevations.

“Ultimately the results are very good and further testament to the power and versatility of the P+ Series in stadium sound installations.”

Commenting further, NEXO’s French Sales Manager Stéphane Brocard adds “Like the project consultant and stadium operators, I was particularly impressed by the P18's coverage area and its performance in the lower frequencies on the uncovered stands.”

by Matt Johnson

River Plate announces stadium expansion and new roof for the Monumental

Club Atlético River Plate has announced that the club is formally proceeding with the construction of a new 360° tier and the installation of a full roof over the Mâs Monumental stands. This project will increase the stadium's capacity to 101,000, making it the second-largest club football stadium in the world.

Over the past year, River Plate has collaborated with Schlaich Bergermann Partner (SBP), the world-leading German engineering firm specialising in stadium roofing. SBP is responsible for iconic projects such as the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Allianz Arena, the Maracanã, and the Santiago Bernabéu. Under their technical guidance, the executive tender documents have been completed—a detailed blueprint addressing every aspect of the project’s feasibility, allowing the club to move forward with the formal bidding process.

Following SBP’s recommendations, River has invited ten leading firms with the specific technical expertise required for this type of structure. The opening of the tender bids is scheduled for February, with the contract expected to be signed within 30 days thereafter. Construction is projected to begin during the first week of April.

Capacity and Member Access

The new design will add approximately 16,000 additional seats in the new tier at no extra cost to members, increasing the total number of free-of-charge seats in the stadium from 24,000 to 40,000. These new seats will not be subject to pre-sales or advance marketing schemes; instead, the goal is to enhance stadium access for members, who will soon find that 40% of the stadium's seating requires no payment beyond their standard membership fee. Furthermore, 100% of the newly acquired seats will be red and white, forming a 360° flag motif across the current upper stands.

Timeline and Financing

The project is expected to take approximately 36 months, with an estimated cost exceeding $100 million. The exact figure will be determined by the results of the tender process.

The project will be funded via two sources:

1. Long-term international credit: Secured at preferential rates, with a repayment schedule funded by the ongoing revenue generated by the Monumental itself.
2. Commercial contracts: This includes various assets, most notably the sale of the stadium’s naming rights for the next 10 years.

As with previous works, the club’s operational cash flow will remain unaffected. Regarding home matches, a maximum of three fixtures will be impacted over the three-year duration of the project. A combination of financial tools will ensure that both capital and interest are covered without compromising the football budget.

Community and Governance

The construction will be planned to ensure it does not interfere with the daily life of the Barrio River neighbourhood, prioritising the interests of local residents. River Plate and the Government of the City of Buenos Aires have been working in coordination since December 2023 to ensure a harmonious coexistence between the stadium and its surroundings.

Due to the scale and complexity of the project, the club will hold a joint press conference with SBP to explain the technical details. A separate briefing will detail the financing arrangements. Subsequently, the President will submit the proposal to the club’s governing bodies—the Board of Directors and the Assembly of Representatives—for formal analysis and approval.

River Plate continues its journey of modernisation and historical growth, consolidating Antonio V. Liberti’s dream as the largest and most significant stadium in the Americas and a global benchmark in sporting infrastructure.

by Matt Johnson

Record-Breaking Magic WKND Set for Hill Dickinson Stadium

Magic WKND 2026, taking place at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, has become the fastest-selling edition in the event’s 20-year history, with strong demand ahead of its first visit to the Club’s new home.

Nearly 50,000 tickets have already been sold since going on sale last month, marking the most rapid uptake ever for the flagship Super League event, which first took place in Cardiff in 2007.

All 12 UK-based Super League clubs will compete at Everton’s new waterfront home across the weekend of Saturday 4 July and Sunday 5 July, bringing rugby league’s biggest rivalries and derby fixtures to Liverpool’s waterfront.

RL Commercial has confirmed that the stadium’s Lower tiers are sold out for Sunday and for Full Weekend Passes, while Trinity Bar and Village Street are also sold out across Saturday, Sunday and Full Weekend Passes. Hospitality sales have exceeded 60% capacity within the first month, underlining the scale of demand for the event.

With very limited Lower tier availability remaining for Saturday passes, interest is very high and fans are advised to purchase their tickets as early as possible.

The stadium previously hosted a sold-out Rugby League Ashes fixture between England and Australia in the autumn, marking the first major non-football event at Everton’s new home.

Since opening, Hill Dickinson Stadium has quickly proven its credentials as a premier venue for elite sport and large-scale events. With Premier League football, Magic WKND, Cote d’Ivoire v Scotland World Cup warm-up fixture, UEFA EURO 2028 and further major events due to be announced in the coming weeks, the stadium is establishing itself at the forefront of the UK’s next generation of multi-purpose sporting and entertainment venues.

Magic WKND now builds on that momentum, as thousands of supporters prepare to return for one of rugby league’s showpiece weekends.

RL Commercial’s Director of Marketing and Communications Joe Steel said: “There’s a clear excitement about taking one of the biggest dates in the rugby league calendar to Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium - and it’s brilliant to see supporters responding in this way.

“We’re hoping it will be the biggest and best Magic WKND yet with all the ingredients there to make for an absorbing and enthralling two days of action.

“There’s a full festival experience waiting for fans to enjoy - on and off the pitch.

“Plenty of supporters who witnessed the Ashes Test match at Everton in November were amazed by the world-class venue. And Super League is looking forward to being the next to take the stage.”

Magic WKND offers a full festival atmosphere, including unreserved seating, a pass-out system to enjoy the Budweiser Plaza fan zone, live entertainment, in-bowl fan games and competitions.

Supporters from all 37 professional rugby league clubs are already represented among the tens of thousands of tickets sold.

Fixtures

Saturday 4 July
Huddersfield Giants v York Knights
Hull KR v Hull FC
Leigh Leopards v Warrington Wolves

Sunday 5 July
Wakefield Trinity v Castleford Tigers
Leeds Rhinos v Bradford Bulls
Wigan Warriors v St Helens

by Matt Johnson