62 | SPORTS VENUES 2023/24 www.stadiaworld.com CONSTRUCTION FIFA World Cup 2026 will begin in about three years. With venues in Mexico, Canada and the USA, the edition will be one of the largest in World Cup history in terms of area, and the tournament also aims to set new standards in terms of stadiums. In the USA, the games will be played in the modern NFL stadiums in particular, which for their part are taking the opportunity to modernize the venues once again. What’s coming up, and where? Already in construction mode are the New England Patriots. Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, near Boston, is scheduled to be ready as early as September 2023. At the same time, work is also underway in preparation for the 2026 World Cup. The project, worth around 210 million euros, involves completely redesigning the south end of the stadium. The previously open end of Gillette Stadium will be closed. A hospitality and functional area will be created, which will be covered on the outside with 50,000 square meters of glass. As a result, all levels of the stadium will then have 360-degree connectivity. The prominent lighthouse on the same side will be replaced by a new 66-meter tower. This is to continue to serve as a characteristic feature of the stadium. In addition, the lighthouse is to have a 360-degree viewing platform that will guarantee a sweeping view of and over the stadium. The platform is to be accessible to fans throughout the year, and private events can also be held there. Opposite, a new 2,044-square-foot HD video board is planned to be installed at the north end of the stadium. Once installed the new video board will be one of the largest in the United States. Also on the horizon is a playing surface change. The existing artificial turf will be replaced with a layer of soil on which a natural grass will grow. This would then also comply with FIFA rules for stadiums wishing to host World Cup matches. Another stadium from the American Football Conference (AFC) that will host games at the 2026 World Cup is the Kansas City Chiefs’ GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. A total of 47 million euros from government funding and private donations is to be invested in upgrades. For what exactly, however, is not yet clear. Separate from the stadium investments – and in addition to the estimated budget – the plan is to improve public transportation and connectivity in and around Arrowhead Stadium. Work is on schedule to begin in the summer of 2025. The San Francisco 49ers’ Levi’s Stadium is also due for modernisation work. At a cost of 110 million euros, the plan is to increase the number of suites from 170 to 179. New video screens are also How NFL Stadiums prepare for the World Cup More than a third of all NFL stadiums will host FIFA World Cup games in 2026. In preparation for the tournament, numerous modernisations are already being planned or implemented. STADIAWORLD provides an overview. GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City: One of the venues of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Picture: imago/USA TODAY Network
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