50% interest

As reported previously, the proposed stage within the facility has been eliminated, making Red Bull Park a soccer-specific facility. The seating capacity has been bumped up a bit, to a total of 25,189. And media seating, typically found in upper press box facilities, will be positioned at field level directly behind the player benches. And the seating bowl will be compact, with the first row of seats just 21 feet from the touchlines.

The most significant visual changes, however, are some architectural touches devised by the Los Angeles-based Rossetti Architects. They include a curving roof form that will wrap the entire stadium in a metal shell. The roof will extend 130 feet over the seating, with 60 feet of the structure being translucent to let in natural light. And the exterior has been modified to be predominantly composed of metal, clear polycarbonate and glass panels.

"It was redesigned to be more in line with soccer facilities worldwide," says Red Bull New York managing director Marc de Grandpre. "It's vital that we have a home that all of us can be proud of. It will become the benchmark in the North American soccer stadium landscape."

Site work for the facility, which is a centerpiece of this city's redevelopment area, began earlier this year. Actual construction of the stadium is slated to begin in December, and RBNY has hired the Bedminster-based Hunter Roberts Construction Group as construction manager and general contractor. It's expected to be completed in 2009. Until then, the Red Bulls will continue to play their home games in Giants Stadium, East Rutherford.

Instant Insights /

Team Officials Unveil Soccer Stadium Redesign

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