Populous to Design Orlando City’s New MLS Stadium

New Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise Orlando City SC and the City of Orlando have announced the selection of Populous as the lead architect and Barton Malow as the construction manager for the new, downtown stadium.

Orlando City concurrently announced the selection of ICON Venue Group to serve as the Club’s owner’s representative overseeing the project.

The stadium is expected to break ground in 2014 and is funded through a 50/50 public-private partnership, with $40 million pledged by the Club and the remainder via public contributions secured to date from Orange County, City of Orlando, Seminole County and Osceola County. Orlando City SC has agreed to cover any cost overruns associated with the project. The stadium will be operated by the City of Orlando.

“We are truly excited to have Populous, Barton Malow & ICON Venue Group on board for the design and construction for the new, downtown stadium in Orlando,” said Orlando City President Phil Rawlins. “They each have proven track records and I look forward to working with them as we continue our progress toward our inaugural MLS season in 2015.”

The stadium will be located on Church Street, in a vibrant and expanding section of Orlando’s sports and entertainment district adjacent to the Parramore neighborhood. The new stadium will be accessible by both car and public transportation. The stadium’s location is adjacent to Amway Center, also designed by Populous, and will allow for synergy between the two facilities and increased activity in the surrounding community. Prior to moving into the new stadium, Orlando City will play matches on a temporary basis at the newly renovated Citrus Bowl stadium.

“This is an incredible opportunity for the City of Orlando to engrain soccer into the fabric of the city with the design of a new, soccer-specific urban stadium,” said Bruce Miller, Principal at Populous and leader of the design team. “Our design team is excited to work to capture the spirit of both the city and the fan base in our design to create a stadium that will be vibrant, intimate and iconic. It’s an opportunity for the team to redefine the soccer experience for an entire region.”

Populous is responsible for the design of the two newest MLS Stadiums – Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kan. and BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, Tex. – as well as the design of iconic sports and entertainment destinations that include Yankee Stadium, Wembley Stadium, O2 Arena, Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Amway Center and main stadiums for the London, Sochi and Sydney Olympic Games.