stadiaworld INSIDE Issue 1/2026
Highlights
Baltimore’s Stadium Evolution
The Maryland Stadium Authority oversees multi-phase renovation projects to both the NFL’s M&T Bank Stadium and MLB’s Oriole Park, worth up to 1.2 bn USD.
Aviva Arena: The Home of Supersonic
YTL is transforming hangars into the Aviva Arena, combining mixed-use development, advanced acoustics and premium design.
Sound: Technologies, Trends & Drivers
Current industry report on the key manufacturers and technological developments in stadium and arena sound systems.
A Quarter Century of Stadium Boom
How did the World Cup 2006 become a turning point in the German stadium Landscape including long-term benefits?
Key Trends in Stadium Construction
An up to date overview of the building industry’s challenges in a dynamic global Stadium market.
“It’s Akin to Bridge Engineering”
Interview with Gensler about the new Stadium for Al Ahly FC in Cairo and how their design responded to the unique challenges.
Retrofit for the FIFA World Cup 2026
How 16 existing stadiums in the USA, Canada and Mexico are being adapted to FIFA Tournament standards through multiple upgrades.
Management
A Quarter Century of Stadium Boom
2026 marks the 20th anniversary of Germany’s ‘Sommermärchen’. How did the World Cup become a turning point in the German stadium landscape and what long-term benefits did the stadium boom bring?
“We are in the Midst of a Boom“
The clubs in the Spanish LALIGA are transforming stadiums into diverse revenue generators. stadiaworld speaks with Milos Nenadovic, Head of Stadium Revenue at LALIGA’s Clubs’ Office, about the infrastructure boom.
Self-Driving Network Enables Transformation
Atlético de Madrid modernises its stadium’s connectivity with HPE Networking technology, incorporating AI, automation, and sustainability to create a next-generation infrastructure.
Stadium Naming Rights 2026
The Sponsor’s study values 75 major European stadium naming rights assets and points to areas where market opportunities remain.
“Knock Down the Barriers and Misconceptions”
Kristen Fulmer, Executive Director of GOAL, in an interview with stadiaworld on the organisation, its membership approach, and how it aids venues in their sustainability efforts.
NBA’s Expansion Plans: All Eyes on Europe?
Regular season games in Europe, possibly creating a dedicated league in cooperation with FIBA – the NBA is investing heavily in the future. What do the four host venues of the NBA games in Europe have to say?
“A Culture of Collaboration, Transparency and Compliance”
Ann Jackson, Chief People and Culture Officer at Oak View Group (OVG), in an interview with stadiaworld on the company’s talent management, recruiting processes and centralisation versus venue-level hires.
Infrastructure
Fair for AV and Media Technology Breaks Records
ISE 2026 set a new benchmark for the audiovisual and systems integration sector, welcoming 92,170 visitors from around the world. The show hosted 1,751 exhibitors and expanded to the largest floor space in ISE history.
Sound Systems Technologies, Trends & Drivers
Current industry report on the key manufacturers and technological developments in stadium and arena sound systems – from directional systems and networked platforms to immersive setups.
Planning / Building
Key Trends in International Stadium Construction
An up to date overview of the building industry’s challenges in a dynamic global stadium market.
“The Trend is Toward More Compact Stadiums”
Lluis Herrero and Bernd Helmstadt (NUSSLI) discuss international trends in stadium construction, growing demands on planning and operation, and why soft factors are decisive for the success of a stadium project.
“It’s Akin to Bridge Engineering”
Gensler’s Tayomara Gama, Sports + Entertainment Leader and Senior Associate, and Russel Gilchrist, Design Director and Principal, talk about the new stadium for Al Ahly FC in Cairo and how their design responded to the unique challenges.
Two Venues, One Vision: Baltimore’s Future-Proofing
The Maryland Stadium Authority oversees multi-phase renovation projects to both the NFL’s M&T Bank Stadium and MLB’s Oriole Park, worth up to 1.2 bn USD.
“The Arena Stands Out for Remarkable Operational Efficiency”
StudioMAAC, the lead architects behind the project, about the design of the New Cairo Multisport Hall and the unique challenges of creating Africa’s largest indoor sports arena.
Aviva Arena Bristol: The Home of Supersonic
From Concorde to concerts: YTL is transforming Bristol’s Brabazon hangars into the 20,000-capacity Aviva Arena, combining large-scale mixed-use development, advanced acoustics and premium back-of-house design.
“We Want to Attract the Biggest Global Touring Shows”
YTL Live CEO Andrew Billingham in an interview with stadiaworld on the arena’s construction progress, capacity strategy, technology focus, and more.
Retrofit for the FIFA World Cup 2026
How 16 existing stadiums in the USA, Canada and Mexico are being adapted to FIFA tournament standards through turf technology, bowl reconfiguration, systems upgrades, and clean-site overlay.
Event
Concert Summer 2026: Superstars In Europe
Plans for the 2026 concert summer in Europe’s largest stadiums are in full swing. Numerous global superstars will be stopping by major cities on their tours.
“This Year’s VIP Hospitality Will Be Bigger Than Ever”
Ben Craddock, Senior Event Experience Manager at London Marathon Events and Finish Director of the TCS London Marathon, provides insight into the infrastructure challenges.
... and much more
