American football side the Atlanta Falcons has released a fly-through video of its new US$1.4bn (€1.2bn, £922m) stadium, set to open in downtown Atlanta in 2017.
The unique multi-use stadium, which includes an eight-petal retractable roof – a first for any stadium – and the world’s largest 360 degree HD video screen viewable from everywhere inside the stadium, has a capacity of up to 83,000 people. Also included in the development is an exterior 61,000sq ft (5,600sq m) fan plaza for pre- and post-game entertainment, as well as a new 100-yard bar and technology lounge offering access to game day media content.
Atlanta is seeking LEED certification and using recycled building materials in the development of the stadium. The stadium is also planning to operate as a zero waste facility and will be installing Solar PV panels to reduce energy usage.
Bill Johnson of 360 Architecture – recently acquired by HOK Architecture – is lead architect for the project. Johnson says the circular opening in the roof was inspired by the Roman Pantheon and was designed to be made of a clear, lightweight polymer material that can adjust its opacity to control light.
