New York City FC selects Legends Global as official food and beverage operating partner of Etihad Park
New York City FC announced they have selected Legends Global, the premier partner to the world's greatest live events, venues, and brands, as the Official Food and Beverage Operating Partner of Etihad Park. In this role, Legends Global will assist in bringing the Club’s culinary vision to life at Etihad Park managing concessions, premium suites and clubs, and catering.
The food and beverage fan experience will play a defining role in creating the spirit and energy of Etihad Park. The Club is committed to embracing and celebrating the culture of New York City, and Etihad Park will reflect that by showcasing exceptional local restaurants and celebrity chefs across all food and beverage offerings throughout the stadium. From concessions featuring locally sourced food available in the general concourse to live cooking stations in premium hospitality areas, every attendee at Etihad Park will enjoy a world-class New York City-inspired dining experience.
“Food is an essential part of New York City’s identity that reflects its diversity and creativity, and we are committed to bringing that spirit to life within Etihad Park,” said Brad Sims, New York City FC CEO. “With Legends Global’s operational expertise and our commitment to showcasing local chefs and restaurants, we’re ensuring that the taste and spirit of New York City are authentically represented in every corner of Etihad Park. We’re looking forward to making some exciting announcements about the incredible chefs and restaurants we’ll be working with over the next 12 months.”
The design of Etihad Park's north, south, and east stands will each feature three fixed food stands, two portable grills, and two beverage markets. Five fully stocked bars and two tap bars featuring New York brews on draft will also be located throughout the concourse. Additionally, the Supporters Porch will feature unique offerings and New York City staples for Etihad Park attendees.
Food and beverage will also be a key highlight of the premium hospitality spaces located in the west stand at Etihad Park. Each space will feature its own dedicated kitchen, ensuring guests enjoy freshly prepared premium foods throughout their visit. All food and beverages will be included for guests in these areas, who will also have access to the full range of main concourse dining and drink options available across Etihad Park.
Etihad Park will further champion New York City’s iconic gastronomy with the Five Boroughs Food Hall located in City Square. This area will have small business vendors representing cuisines found throughout each borough of New York City. Each vendor will bring a unique offering, solidifying the whole of City Square as a main hospitality attraction of Etihad Park
“Partnering with New York City FC, we’re committed to delivering a best-in-class hospitality experience for local fans and guests traveling from around the world to visit Etihad Park,” said Legends Global President of Hospitality Tom Funk. “Our goal is to create a culinary experience that celebrates the city’s incredible food culture – from favourite local restaurants to hidden gems from across the five boroughs. Every match day and every event will offer fans and guests something new to discover and share together.”
Etihad Park is New York City’s first-ever soccer-specific stadium and the future home of New York City FC. The new stadium is 100% privately financed, will seat 25,000 people, and be the first fully electric outdoor sports stadium in the country.
Saudi Arabia's EIF and Legends Global score big joint venture announcement
Saudi Arabia’s Event Investment Fund (EIF) and Legends Global have announced a joint venture to support the Kingdom’s vision and investment in its fast-growing venue industry.
This partnership will become the venue operator for venue projects within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for exhibition and convention centres, and entertainment venues to host world-class events in the culture, entertainment, tourism, and indoor sports sectors.
This incredible investment supports the goals of Vision 2030, and represents a new era in the design, development, and operation of world-class venues across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Under the joint venture, Legends Global will deliver Management Services exclusively for the EIF-developed venues as they are delivered in Saudi Arabia.
The signing ceremony took place today at the Momentum Development Conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The first venue to be delivered under the agreement will be an Olympic standard shooting range in Riyadh, followed by a business convention and exhibition centre and an arena in Riyadh.
Wahdan Suliman Alkadi, Chief Executive Officer at EIF, said: “This joint venture with Legends Global is a defining moment for Saudi Arabia’s events sector. By combining EIF’s vision with Legends’ world-class operational expertise, we are building the foundation for a sustainable, globally competitive industry. This partnership will not only set new standards for venue quality and guest experience but will also unlock new opportunities for local talent and drive economic growth through innovation and international best practices.”
Dan Levy, Chief Executive Officer at Legends Global, said: “The visionary leadership of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia is being realised, and I want to thank Wahdan Suliman Alkadi and the EIF for their partnership with Legends Global. We are proud to collaborate on this once-in-a-generation opportunity to help shape the future of Saudi Arabia's events industry. Drawing on decades of experience, we will deliver a bold vision that benefits citizens and residents while attracting millions of visitors. Together, we are creating destinations, activating communities, and advancing Vision 2030 through a portfolio of iconic spaces that serve as catalysts for economic diversification, tourism growth, and cultural exchange.”
President and Chief Executive, Asia Pacific and Middle East, for Legends Global, Harvey Lister AM, added: “There is real value in working closely together and blending local heritage with global expertise to help create a network of exceptional venues, innovative management, and inclusive experiences. Our global network will help create a thriving ecosystem that attracts international artists, sports, and event content to feature alongside local event and festival organisers. Together, we are redefining how people gather, connect, and experience entertainment, business, and culture.”
New Populous-Designed Multipurpose Stadium revealed for Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City (OKC) has unveiled the first renderings of its $121 million MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium, marking a major step toward a venue-anchored, mixed-use district, rising just south of the city’s Bricktown District.
The venue, designed by global Sports and entertainment design practice, Populous, will be built on a nine-acre site donated by Echo Investment Capital, which also holds majority ownership of OKC’s professional soccer club. Echo is driving the ‘OKC for Soccer | OKC es Fútbol’ movement and will operate the stadium, which will be the future home to both women’s and men’s teams.
Designed to seat more than 10,000 for soccer, the venue will feature a USSF-approved field, a supporters’ section, suites, club space and full team facilities. Though soccer is its centrepiece, the stadium is designed for flexibility and will accommodate football, youth sports, concerts and community events.
Populous’ design draws from Oklahoma’s landscape while aiming squarely at OKC’s future. The north side opens to the downtown skyline, and a lightweight canopy roof shades most seats. A dynamic fabric façade wraps the venue and will come alive through programmable LED lighting to energize both fans and the broader district.
“Together with Echo, the City and the OKC for Soccer movement, we’re proud to design a multipurpose destination for Oklahoma City,” said Jonathan Mallie, Managing Director of the Americas for Populous. “It will be a community anchor, an economic catalyst and a canvas for unforgettable events for decades.”
The venue is positioned as the heart of a broader Multi-use development and cultural district planned in partnership with Robinson Park. When fully developed, the area will offer restaurants, retail and residential options within walking distance of the stadium and future entertainment events.
“Soccer is the world’s most popular sport, and we knew in 2019 that MAPS 4 had to keep us in the game…This design shows how far we’ve come. As a soccer fan and a cheerleader for our city, I’m thrilled. This will be a foundation we can build on for years,” said David Holt, Mayor of Oklahoma City.
"This will be a transformative anchor as we build a cultural district that stands alongside the best in the nation. Sports fans, creatives and community-minded investment will shape a destination that fuels pride and possibility in downtown OKC." Commented Christian Kanady Founding Partner & CEO, Echo Investment Capital.
The project intends to strengthen downtown’s walkability and continue OKC’s pattern of using strategic sports investments to drive economic growth and community vitality. Construction is expected to start this spring, and the stadium is on track to open in January 2028.
Following Populous’ 2020 opening of the Oklahoma City Convention Center, this project continues the firm’s commitment to civic spaces that strengthens downtown and brings the community together.
TRISON acquires Pioneer Group
TRISON, a global company dedicated to the digital transformation of physical spaces, today announced the acquisition of Pioneer Group, a multi-service provider of Audio-Visual solutions, Network infrastructure and Electrical services with a strong reputation in supporting quick service restaurants and stadia as well as retailers and corporate clients.
The acquisition, completed on 1st December, 2025 represents a significant step in TRISON's strategy to continue its rapid growth and to provide its growing client base with the best service levels in the industry.
This acquisition continues the work TRISON is focused on, expanding its offerings by leveraging the expertise that Pioneer Group has gained over its 14 years in business. Pioneer Group has a strong client base that includes well-known names such as KFC, Joe and The Juice, and numerous Sports clubs.
Alberto Caceres Tejedor, Global CEO of TRISON: “This strategic acquisition underscores our unwavering commitment to global growth and to delivering customer experience solutions that profoundly and measurably influence our clients’ businesses. We aim to provide not only exceptional quality solutions but also unparalleled customer service. By joining forces with the talented team at Pioneer Group, we are poised to unlock even greater value for our customers and accelerate our journey towards sustained growth in the UK and beyond."
Peter Critchley, UK CEO of TRISON: "We have closely observed Pioneer Group's growth over the past few years, and we are genuinely impressed by their solutions focus and strong client retention rates. As a company with ambitious goals for continued expansion, we believe that Pioneer Group is the perfect match for us. Their expertise aligns seamlessly with our strengths, and their impressive portfolio of clients speaks volumes about their capabilities.
"Joining TRISON will allow us to leverage impressive resources, scale our offerings, access new global opportunities and support clients with an even wider range of more comprehensive solutions, while continuing to serve them with the same dedication that our fantastic team has delivered over the past 14 years. As Joint owners of Pioneer Group, we both see this as a tremendous opportunity for the team to develop and grow”. Confirmed Paul Childerhouse, Joint Owner, Pioneer Group
Chris Appleyard, Joint Owner, Pioneer Group continues - The combined talents of the new TRISON UK team will open up new and innovative avenues for continued growth and development. Paul and I are both excited to be actively involved in driving the integrated business forward, and we couldn't be more enthusiastic about the future for us and our team who will undoubtedly benefit from the new opportunities this acquisition holds for them!"
"Pioneer Group will transition to TRISON UK, with full integration underway immediately. Customers will benefit from expanded resources and a wider range of services," Confirms Mark Childerhouse, Pioneer Group's Sales and Marketing Director, who will be taking on the Commercial Director role at the merged company
Leyton Orient appoint Populous for new stadium development
Leyton Orient Football Club has announced the appointment of the global design and architecture practice Populous to lead the planning and design of its new stadium and wider, multi-sport campus.
The club announced in October that it had partnered with the London Borough of Waltham Forest Council to commit to working together to deliver a new home for Leyton Orient. The two parties continue to work closely to identify a suitable site for the project.
The visionary project envisions a dynamic, multi-functional campus that includes a new, world-class stadium as a home for Leyton Orient men’s and women’s team, along with a London American Football team playing in the European Football Alliance.
The stadium will form part of a revitalised public hub, also including retail, hospitality, leisure facilities and an integrated infrastructure to support matchday and non-matchday activities across the calendar year. The additional revenue streams will all feed into supporting Leyton Orient’s sporting ambitions; to become a club that can compete sustainably in the Championship.
Leyton Orient Majority Shareholder David Gandler said: “Appointing Populous is a major milestone and a clear statement of our ambition. We’re building a world-class, multi-sport campus that honours Leyton Orient’s heritage while creating a vibrant, affordable, technology-driven destination for our fans and our community. This will be a home that inspires not just for today, but for generations.”
Declan Sharkey, Senior Principal and Global Director at Populous, said: “We are honoured to partner with Leyton Orient at such a defining moment in their journey. Our vision is to design a unique stadium and mixed-use development that celebrates the club’s heritage while embracing the future, blending world-class sporting architecture and digital innovation with a vibrant, community-driven neighbourhood. Together, we will create a new landmark for East London and beyond.”
Populous has been selected for its deep expertise in sport and entertainment architecture, placemaking and sustainable design. The firm has designed venues including Wembley Stadium, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the Sphere in Las Vegas, and will now embark on the feasibility and master planning phase, helping Leyton Orient engage with fans, local residents, planning authorities and other stakeholders to refine the vision and bring the project to life.
Over the coming months, the club and Populous will hold supporter and community consultation events and will present emerging designs. Leyton Orient remains committed to delivering a venue that enhances the matchday experience, supports its sporting ambitions and the wider regeneration of East London to provide lasting benefits for fans, local people and its community.
Performance-enhancing light for athletes
How exposure to the right light at the right time can give Formula 1 drivers a competitive advantage
Column by Megan Tepo, Marketing and Product Manager, Signify
Even if you’ve never flown on a jet before you’ve probably experienced some of the symptoms of jet lag: trouble falling asleep or waking up at the right time, general fatigue, lack of concentration, unpredictable spikes in hunger, and quite often irritability.
None of these are caused directly by flying. Instead, they’re the result of your body clock falling out of sync with the environment, which very often happens when you change time zones. Fortunately, jet lag usually goes away after a few days, as your internal body clock readjusts to the new time zone.
Unfortunately, professional athletes don’t usually have the luxury of being able to wait a few days for their jet lag to wear off. If not addressed effectively, unsynchronized sleep/wake cycles (caused by jet lag or otherwise) can put athletes at a serious competitive disadvantage. This is as true for Formula 1 drivers as it is for athletes in any sport.
The challenges faced by Formula 1 drivers
Since entering into partnership with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team in 2024, Signify has learned a great deal about the intensity of the Formula 1 racing schedule and the unique challenges that drivers face to achieve and maintain peak performance.
Every year from March to December, drivers compete in 24 races across five different continents. With all the shifting time zones, long international flights, and races taking place at night, as well as during the day, jet lag is bound to occur.
But in a sport where racers can hit speeds of 378 km/h (234.9 mph), milliseconds can mean the difference between winning and losing—so feeling sleepy at the wheel isn’t an option.
Read the full article from ISSUE 44 below:
https://issuu.com/mondiale/docs/mondostadia44/58
ISE 2026 SETS THE STAGE FOR THE FUTURE OF LIVE EVENTS
Step into the spotlight at ISE 2026, the world’s unmissable event for the live events community, to ‘Push Beyond’ the boundaries of technology, production, and creativity. Taking place from 3-6 February in Barcelona, ISE 2026 invites lighting designers, event producers, venue operators, and technology suppliers to immerse themselves in a showcase unlike any other.
Where Professionals, Technology, and Creativity Converge
ISE 2026 stands at the epicentre of global event innovation, setting new standards for audio, video, lighting, staging, and control systems that power unforgettable experiences. Join the movers and shakers of the live events world as they come together to witness and shape the next chapter in event production. Dive into interactive showcases, immersive live demonstrations, and insightful talks by leading figures, all designed to place you at the cutting edge of show-stopping event technology.
Why Live Events Professionals Can’t Miss ISE 2026
The live events landscape is evolving at breakneck speed, driven by intelligent lighting, immersive sound, dynamic video, and seamless staging solutions. At ISE 2026, discover the latest technologies and innovations transforming concerts, festivals, corporate gatherings, and spectacular venue installations. Explore dedicated zones curated specifically for the live events sector, where you’ll find everything from advanced control systems to the newest in rigging and stagecraft.
Read the full article from ISSUE 44 below:
https://issuu.com/mondiale/docs/mondostadia44/62
District Intelligence: From Stand-Alone Stadium to Smart City Node
Column by George Vaughan, The Digital Line
For decades, arenas and stadiums have been viewed as self-contained environments - carefully engineered spaces that come to life when the lights go up and the crowds pour in. They have become ever more connected internally, boasting seamless digital entry, cutting-edge AV systems, cashless operations and AI-driven crowd management. Yet, as cities evolve into smart ecosystems and digital infrastructure becomes as fundamental as roads or power lines, the next frontier for venues lies not just within their walls but also very much beyond them.
We are entering an era where the arena is no longer an island but a node in a living, breathing urban network, a distributed venue ecosystem that extends the event experience across the entire cityscape. It requires operators to think more expansively but also promises opportunities to engage with sponsors and partners in completely new ways.
From Smart Venue to Smart District
The modern stadium has already embraced technology to optimise many of the things that happen within its walls: dynamic lighting, cloud-managed video distribution, advanced acoustics and intelligent building management. But the true potential of these systems is only realised when they’re connected to the world beyond the turnstiles.
In a genuinely connected city, the arena becomes a participant in a wider digital conversation. Its data feeds can inform - and be informed by - transport systems, local businesses and civic infrastructure. Imagine an event day where the venue, public transport, hotels and even restaurants collaborate in real time to enhance and elevate the visitor journey.
Read the full article from ISSUE 44 below:
https://issuu.com/mondiale/docs/mondostadia44/64
RIEDEL COMMUNICATIONS: BOLERO MINI
Riedel Communications has unveiled Bolero Mini, the company’s lightest and flattest wireless intercom beltpack to date. Designed to deliver maximum mobility with minimal footprint, Bolero Mini combines Bolero’s unmatched wireless performance and audio clarity with a discreet form factor that weighs less than a smartphone — making it ideal for stage talent, rigging crews, and anyone who values freedom of movement without compromise.
“With Bolero Mini, we’re answering a growing demand from production professionals who need a beltpack that’s lighter, thinner, and easier to wear — without sacrificing capability,” said Wolfgang Fritz, Senior Product Manager, Riedel Communications. “Leveraging the heritage and innovation of Bolero, it is powered by our exclusive ADR technology ensuring reliability in challenging RF environments and optimal performance in high-pressure, visibility-sensitive settings like theaters, live music venues, and broadcast facilities. In addition, it incorporates advanced 5G filter technology for greater resilience in today’s crowded spectrum, mitigating interference from high output 5G cell towers.”
Read the full article from ISSUE 44 below:
https://issuu.com/mondiale/docs/mondostadia44/56
RENKUS-HEINZ | IC Live X Series
Stadiums are no longer single-purpose venues. A modern arena might host a football match one night, a rock concert the next, and a global conference just days later. With such a large range of events happening under one roof, it’s important that the sound system can be equally as flexible, delivering precise sound and an exceptional experience for every attendee.
Legacy systems built purely for sports often struggle to keep up with the need to transform overnight. The result is overcompensated systems – too many components, high costs, and inconsistent experiences for fans. For integrators and contractors, adaptability is equally as important as sound performance. A stadium sound system must be able to scale and change without costly redesigns.
This is where modular, digitally steerable systems like the Renkus-Heinz IC Live X Series come in. Designed from the ground up to be the most scalable sound system ever created, IC Live X brings a new level of flexibility for integrators and contractors to provide the best solution for any stadium.
Rethinking Stadium Audio with Steerable Sound
The IC Live X Series is a culmination of over two decades’ experience in steerable line arrays: a complete system consisting of three freely combinable, steerable array models—the ICLX, ICLXL, and ICLLX—plus two matching subwoofers, the 18-inch ICLX-118S and the all-new ICLX-48S column subwoofer. With digitally steerable beams, integrators can direct sound exactly where it’s needed, reducing guesswork and eliminating overcompensation with extra hardware. Fewer components mean faster installations, lower costs, and simpler long-term upkeep.
Read the full article from ISSUE 44 below:
https://issuu.com/mondiale/docs/mondostadia44/54