Header: MANICA and Oklahoma City Thunder
The year 2026 is packed with high-profile sports events. With the Winter Olympic Games behind us and the eagerly anticipated FIFA World Cup ahead, sports fans and casual enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to. Yet the thrill of competition would not be nearly as powerful without the magnificent venues that bring these events to life. More than just places to watch the games, these modern Gladiator arenas are specifically designed to boost the emotions, momentum, and energy of the games.
Oklahoma City New Arena
Oklahoma City New Arena is scheduled to open in 2028. Designed by MANICA Architecture and TVS, the arena aims to elevate the spirit of competition while honouring the local community. The main entrance of the arena is aligned with neighbouring Myriad Botanical Gardens and reflects the sunset as it faces west. The façade is enveloped with a 360-degree glass curtain wall, which provides a panoramic view from the inside concourses toward the city, creating a connection with the surroundings.
Thunder Alley, a vibrant fan zone, is located at the street level, while an elevated main entrance opens to the main concourse, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. Moving on to the interior, the seating design and optimised sight lines were made with basketball games in mind, enabling an energetic and engaging experience.
The New Nissan Stadium
Located roughly 100 feet from the current Nissan Stadium alongside the East Bank of the Cumberland River, the Titans’ new stadium will be completed by February 2027. The design will be executed by the TVS company, which will collaborate with the Design Architect company MANICA. The new stadium will have a capacity of around 60,000 viewers who can enjoy improved sightlines and a variety of seating experiences.
Unlike the current stadium, the new venue will be enclosed and covered by a new circular ETFE translucent roof. Apart from the sports facilities, the space will also feature a 12,000 square feet community space. Once completed, the new Nissan Stadium will welcome TSU football games, Titans games, and community activities, while also hoping to bring Super Bowl and other major events to Nashville.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Another TVS project is the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Its revolutionary design features a retractable roof composed of several large panels that split at the centre and open like flower petals. When closed, the roof shelters a 71,000-seat arena beneath. Spanning a total of 1.8 million square feet, the venue includes 250,000 square feet of hospitality spaces also designed by TVS.
A variety of hospitality-driven environments enhances the fan experience and encourages visitors to return. The stadium features 16 end-zone suites, 152 luxury suites, 29 VIP owner’s suites, five super suites, and seven premium clubs, equipped with comfortable seating and ambient lighting that create an inviting atmosphere.
The LaGrange Cricket Stadium
The construction of the LaGrange Cricket Stadium began in 2025. TVS was selected to design a new 10,500-seat venue that will host cricket and other important sports events. Rooted in Georgia’s landscape and culture, the stadium combines architectural innovation with ICC (International Cricket Council) standards. The intimate stadium configuration positions fans close to the turf pitch, thus enhancing the atmosphere.
The cantilevered roof canopy protects viewers from the sun and rain. Modular east and west stands allow the stadium to easily transform into a venue for concerts, festivals, and major events. The venue also nurtures local connections through open-air concourses, club lounges, and other amenities.
More than mere sports venues, contemporary stadiums and arenas are being reimagined to maximise the fan experience. By bringing spectators closer to the action and offering improved sightlines, these venues ensure ultimate enjoyment for their visitors. Yet the role of the stadium now extends beyond the game itself, incorporating a variety of shared fan areas and places where visitors can relax before and after events. By adding communal spaces and connecting the venues to the surrounding city through sweeping views, these architectural landmarks transform game day into a broader social and urban attraction, bringing additional people and funding to their respective cities.
