Latest news with #Populous
Leader Live
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Leader Live
Wrexham AFC: Phil Parkinson on update for Kop end stand
The Reds finished runners-up in League One this term to secure an historic third successive promotion. Back in the Championship following a 43 year absence, Parkinson's side will be playing at a three-sided stadium next season with the temporary Kop stand due to come down so that work can begin on a new, larger stand. The 5,500-capacity stand, designed by leading sports and entertainment architects Populous, has also been future proofed with the current design capable of supporting an increase in capacity, subject to a separate planning application. The rebuild of the Kop is due to be completed in time for the stadium to host the UEFA European Under-19 Championship finals tournament in 2026 and for the start of Wrexham's 2026-27 campaign. That means there will be no supporters at that end of the ground next season but Parkinson prefers to look at the bigger picture. "Unfortunately nothing can be done about that," said Parkinson. "Other grounds have had to do the same and there is no other way around that. "It is going to be different next season but we have had a few different feels at that end of The Racecourse over the last three or four years. "The most important thing is that the ground is going to be getting to where it needs to be for the division we are operating in." The temporary stand, initially designed to accommodate approximately 2,300 fans, was first used in December 2023 when Wrexham beat Newport County 2-0 in a Welsh derby in League Two. MORE WREXHAM AFC NEWS An extension raised capacity to more than 3,000 for Wrexham's successful League One campaign, when the Reds finished second behind champions Birmingham City, and in February the club announced revised plans for a new Kop stand at their iconic north Wales home. Parkinson says making the stadium four-sided has benefitted his side. "It was a great idea when we got the temporary stand put up," he added. "I felt it enhanced the atmosphere a lot. "I am sure it was cost effective in the end with filling out most weeks, unless the weather was particularly bad, and it was great for us."
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Russell Westbrook set to bring creative ideas to new stadium
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — An architect has been named to transform a new entertainment district that will also house the new Oklahoma City soccer team and the MAPS 4 multipurpose stadium. In addition to that, former Thunder star, Russell Westbrook, was named the creative director of the project. After a nationwide search, Populous, a design firm, was chosen to bring the vision to life. They are also the designer of the stadium. LOCAL NEWS: PHOTOS: Community showing support for Oklahoma City Thunder during playoffs Leaders there said the project is about creating a destination where community and culture will mix. 'The intent is to create a place that is livable and walkable more than anything else. It'll be sports anchored, but there will be more than that,' said Phil Kolbo, the Principal at Populous. Populous also said they hope it will help connect the other districts in the downtown area. On the OKC for Soccer side, they're excited for what's to come, especially for the big partnership with Westbrook. 'Russell will tell you that this is home, this is where he grew up, and he is really interested in the future success of Oklahoma City. So, having him be able to apply his very creative talents as well as bring a lot of his global influence to the design space in the district is something we're really excited about,' said Court Jeske, the President of OKC for Soccer. LOCAL NEWS: Thunder playoff run sparks huge demand for gear at Oklahoma City shop In a statement, Westbrook said: I'm personally bringing everything I've seen and experienced around the world — design, culture, energy — to help create something that's never been done before in OKC. Russell Westbrook, Creative Director for the District The team hopes to have design images later this year of what the entertainment district will look like. It adds 50 acres to the area not including the stadium. There are plans to open the stadium in the spring of 2027. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Business Wire
28-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Populous Named as Master Architect for Oklahoma City's New Sports-Anchored Entertainment District
BUSINESS WIRE)--Echo Investment Capital (Echo), Russell Westbrook Enterprises (RWE) and Robinson Park are proud to announce the selection of Populous as the master architect for the forthcoming sports-anchored entertainment district in downtown Oklahoma City. This transformative project, led by Echo with RWE and Robinson Park as key development partners, will create a vibrant, connected destination anchored by the MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium. "This is more than a development — it's a centerpiece for civic life, built to inspire pride, connection, and opportunity for generations to come.' - Christian Kanady, Founding Partner and CEO of Echo Share Populous, a global design firm recognized for its expertise in world-class sports and entertainment venues, brings a portfolio that includes the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London and Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong. Their deep experience in designing integrated urban districts makes them an ideal fit for Oklahoma City's next great civic space. Populous has already been appointed the principal architect of the MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium that will be the centerpiece of the new district. 'Populous brings world-renowned expertise and a deep understanding of how to design spaces that anchor community and catalyze growth,' said Christian Kanady, Founding Partner and CEO of Echo Investment Capital. 'Their leadership in shaping both the stadium and the surrounding sports-anchored entertainment district ensures a cohesive, transformative vision — one that reflects OKC's momentum and connects our most vibrant districts in powerful new ways. This is more than a development — it's a centerpiece for civic life, built to inspire pride, connection, and opportunity for generations to come.' Following a national search, the project received seven bids from renowned architectural design firms. 'Selecting Populous as master architect is a big step toward bringing to life our vision for the district,' said Mark Beffort, CEO of Robinson Park. 'Their experience in designing world-class venues will help make this district a standout destination for Oklahoma City, and we're excited to partner with Echo and RWE to bring this vision forward.' 'This project is about shaping a destination – a place where community, commerce and culture mix in meaningful ways,' said Phil Kolbo, Principal at Populous and Principal in Charge for the project. 'Supported by the vibrancy of a purpose-driven stadium, this project reflects the vision and aspirations of Echo Investment Capital, Robinson Park, RWE, and Oklahoma City's civic leadership. Populous is proud to help bring it to life.' Westbrook named Creative Director In addition, the sports-anchored entertainment district principal investment group is excited to announce NBA superstar and Echo investment partner Russell Westbrook as Creative Director for the project. Westbrook, who starred for the Oklahoma City Thunder for more than a decade, is widely considered one of the most stylish and culturally impactful athletes in the world. From fashion to design to philanthropy, Westbrook has transcended sports to become a leading voice for creative empowerment and innovative approaches to community-building. 'We're not just building a sports-anchored entertainment district - we're reimagining how a city comes together,' said Russell Westbrook, investor, entrepreneur, and founder of RWE. 'I'm personally bringing everything I've seen and experienced around the world — design, culture, energy — to help create something that's never been done before in OKC. I'm proud to be part of a vision that's not just about buildings, but about belonging - a place where people from every neighborhood feel seen, connected, and inspired.' The district is envisioned as a dynamic hub, seamlessly integrating retail, dining, public spaces, and the new stadium. Located on the former Producers Co-Op site just north of the Oklahoma River, it is uniquely positioned to unite Oklahoma City's most vibrant destinations - Bricktown, the OKANA Resort, the Boathouse District, and Scissortail Park — transforming a historically underutilized site into a seamless, walkable neighborhood that stitches the city together through commerce, sports, culture and community. About Echo Founded by Christian Kanady in 2010 and headquartered in the iconic Ziggurat building overlooking Kerr Park in downtown Oklahoma City, Echo is a multi-strategy investment firm committed to revitalizing American industries. Echo strategically blends investments across energy, life sciences, national security, and media & entertainment, with notable investments in local enterprises such as Wheeler Bio and Prairie Surf. The firm's holdings include landmark commercial properties, a significant oil and gas royalty portfolio, and majority ownership in OKC's professional soccer club. Echo is dedicated to fostering innovation and driving exceptional financial and social returns. About Robinson Park Based in Oklahoma City, Robinson Park is a trusted commercial real estate firm, delivering innovative solutions to clients nationwide. With over 120 years of experience, Robinson Park has grown into a full-service enterprise encompassing investments within the office, industrial, hospitality and multi-housing commercial real estate sectors. With $2.8 billion of assets under management, Robinson Park offers specialized services in brokerage services, design & build, development, facility management, financial services, lease administration and research & analytics. For more information, please visit About Russell Westbrook Enterprises Russell Westbrook Enterprises (RWE) is an impact-focused organization that bridges Russell Westbrook's influence in sports, culture, and business with strategic economic development. RWE leverages its multifaceted platforms to align profitability with purpose, focusing on delivering innovative solutions in digital media, consumer goods, and technology. By investing in scalable initiatives that drive growth in underrepresented communities, RWE offers products, services, and resources that create employment opportunities and amplify brand impact. Through a combination of capital infusion, strategic partnerships, and community-centric initiatives, RWE catalyzes social change and business success, helping some of the world's leading brands achieve their goals while fostering deeper connections with multicultural audiences. About Populous Populous is a global design firm that began with a singular focus — to draw people together around the things they love, through experiences that capture all the senses and amplify the pure emotion shared in human moments. Over the last 40 years, the firm has designed more than 3,500 projects worth over $60 billion across emerging and established markets. Populous' comprehensive services include architecture, interior design, event planning and overlay, branded environments, wayfinding, and graphics, planning and urban design, landscape architecture, aviation and transport design, hospitality and sustainable design consulting. Populous has over 1,500 employees in 32 global offices on four continents with regional centers in Kansas City, London and Brisbane. For more information, visit
Barnama
16-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
KSSA Revamp To Feature Local And Global Architectural Expertise
GENERAL SHAH ALAM, May 16 (Bernama) -- The redevelopment of the Shah Alam Sports Complex (KSSA) will bring together local and international architects to deliver a facility on par with the world's best. The project, a collaboration between local firm Hijjas Architects & Planners and US-based stadium specialist Populous, will transform the ageing complex into a modern, multi-purpose hub combining sports, retail and entertainment. Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the project had undergone extensive planning and was designed as a sustainable development to serve both community and commercial needs. 'Hijjas has shaped many of Malaysia's most iconic buildings, bringing local insight and architectural identity to the project,' he said, citing the Movenpick Hotel & Convention Centre KLIA, Menara CelcomDigi, Menara Telekom and the Putrajaya International Convention Centre. Populous, meanwhile, is known for designing major venues including Wembley Stadium, the London Olympic Stadium, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Sydney's Accor Stadium and the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Amirudin said this at the Letter of Acceptance (LOA) handover ceremony between Menteri Besar Selangor Incorporated (MBI) and Lembaran Projek Sdn Bhd (LPSB), a subsidiary of MRCB Land, which will lead the RM2.94 billion redevelopment. The event was graced by the Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah. State Investment, Trade and Mobility Committee chair Ng Sze Han and MBI Group CEO Saipolyazan M Yusop were also present. Amirudin expressed confidence that the blend of local and international expertise would help realise the state's ambition of making KSSA a landmark capable of hosting high-profile events. 'I believe the community is eagerly awaiting what KSSA will offer. This project reflects our broader commitment to sustainability and excellence in public infrastructure,' he said.
Zawya
15-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi to build 180,000 hotel rooms, serviced apartments for FIFA World Cup
Saudi Arabia is planning to build more than 180,000 hotel rooms and serviced apartments by 2034 as part of its ambitious infrastructure drive to host the FIFA World Cup, it was revealed on Wednesday. On the concluding day of MEED's Saudi Giga Projects Summit 2025, the day's agenda focused on the projects transforming the kingdom's urban landscape, with stadiums, transport networks, and hospitality infrastructure all undergoing rapid expansion. Ed James, Head of Content & Research at MEED, opened the day's agenda with a keynote presentation on the kingdom's stadium infrastructure programme, which is scaling rapidly to support the FIFA World Cup 2034, AFC Asian Cup 2027, Riyadh Expo 2030, and the 2029 Asian Winter Games. James captured the significance of these projects: 'Saudi Arabia's giga projects are not just about breaking ground, they are about redefining how cities, infrastructure, and communities are built for the long term. This is a transformative moment, setting new global benchmarks for sustainability, digitalization, and resilience.' A panel on 'Delivering Priority Event-Driven Projects' explored innovations in modular construction, immersive LED integration, and climate-adaptive designs shaping stadium venues like the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium. Fatemeh Hosseini of Populous revealed that research into climate performance has led to design features capable of reducing surface temperatures by up to 8°C, significantly cutting energy consumption from air conditioning. Terry Fetters, Vice President at Parsons and Project Director of the Riyadh Metro, delivered an in-depth look at one of Saudi Arabia's most ambitious urban mobility undertakings. Since its launch, the Riyadh Metro has transported 18 million passengers in just its first 75 days of operation, with 10 million rides on the Blue Line alone. 'It has become the spine of Riyadh,' said Fetters, noting the system's impact on urban accessibility, congestion reduction, and sustainability. Fetters recognised the project's success in navigating logistical challenges, including managing a workforce that peaked at 63,000 people. Built in just over a decade, the Riyadh Metro is now a global benchmark for mega transport projects. The Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC) also presented on its expanding portfolio, highlighting 10.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions saved annually and over $12 billion in private investment attracted since launch. In a significant milestone for the Kingdom's digital transformation, Germany's €14 billion Nemetschek Group officially entered the Saudi Arabian market at the Summit. The expansion was formalised through four MoU signings with Saudi partners NESMA, Building Smart, Wakecap, and Concerted Solutions, bringing Nemetschek's global AEC/O software portfolio closer to one of the world's most ambitious construction markets. This move strengthens Saudi Arabia's push for integrated digital solutions in architecture, engineering, and construction. As MEED's Saudi Giga Project Summit concludes for 2025, the momentum was unmistakable. Saudi Arabia's giga projects are not just breaking ground, they're breaking records. - TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
