4 of the Best-Designed Sports Venues in the U.S.
A stunning aerial view of Mercedes Benz Stadium roof in Atlanta, Georgia
From soccer to baseball, basketball, football, and more, sports culture in the United States has an extremely strong presence. Each region contains its fair share of enthusiastic supporters that heavily invest in the game and players in which they follow.
One factor of their fandom is undoubtedly attending important matchups and faceoffs in-person during season. However, not all sports venues in the country are created equally, as some outdo others in terms of architectural choices.
Here are five of the most impressively designed spots to watch live sports in the U.S. If you are already a big fan of one of these teams that play at these special venues, you are in for a treat.
Mercedes Benz Stadium
Soccer may not be as big in the U.S. as it is in other places of the world like Europe, for example, but the Mercedes Benz Stadium is out to flip that notion on its head. “The Benz” as it is commonly referred to, was built in 2017 and has since served as the main home field for Atlanta United FC, as well as the Atlanta Falcons of the NFL.
What makes this stadium so unique is its retractable “pinwheel” style roof that opens up to reveal the blue sky above. Consisting of eight different triangular panels, its design aims to mirror that of extending birds wings. With an array of attractive amenities such as its own tailgating center known as the “Home Depot Backyard” and social area called the “100 Yard Club,” this stadium is Atlanta’s premier destination for live soccer and football viewing.
PNC Park
It is that time of year again. Baseball fans are currently flocking to their city’s ballparks to watch matches in real-time and reviewing expert MLB picks to better predict game outcomes. This can only mean one thing: the 2021 season is in full swing. If you happen to be rooting for the Pittsburgh Pirates or have changed your team affiliation to The Buccos, you will most definitely want to cheer them on from the organization’s home field, PNC Park.
Phenomenally designed as a two-deck ballpark back in 2001, the venue’s location is perhaps its best feature. Situated on the edge of the Allegheny River and 6th Street Bridge with spectacular views of Pittsburgh’s skyline, there is no better place to watch America’s greatest pastime. Because the park is known as of the smallest baseball stadiums in the U.S., and the city closes traffic to the bridge on gamedays, fans are given an extremely intimate experience.
For baseball fans in or outside of Pittsburgh, PNC Park is a must-see spot
AT&T Stadium
Speaking of small venues, the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas is anything but. With a grand capacity of 80,000, it is one of NFL’s top five largest venues. After all, everything is bigger in Texas! It is also known as one of the world’s tallest and biggest dome structures as its two famous steel arches secure the stadium to the ground with a length of 1,290 feet each.
The Dallas Cowboys call this impressive venue home in addition to major entertainment events that have been hosted inside its doors like country concerts and even weddings. Interior amenities and activities are endless; visitors can explore them all by scheduling an AT&T Stadium tour.
The Chase Center
Our first basketball venue on the list, The Chase Center is the proud new home of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Warriors. Recently constructed in 2019, the indoor arena is located on 1 Warriors Way and boasts a sleek, modern design by the architectural firm MANICA. Inside, the court features a ginormous scoreboard and video board that boasts a cool 75 million LEDs.
This screen has the ability to capture perfectly timed moments with a crystal-clear picture and since the center has a lower capacity than other venues in the league, fans will never miss a second no matter where they are seated. Additionally, a host of other amenities such as an interior art gallery, luxury lounge suites, and multiple dining options make The Chase Center a step above the rest.
