In a country fueled by a love for sports, it seems strange that only 23 years ago there were no soccer-specific stadiums in the U.S. As United States Soccer Federation spokesperson Neil Buethe puts it, “It's the most popular sport in the world everywhere but the U.S.,” and adds, “But now soccer is rapidly catching up to football, basketball, and baseball.” Buethe credits globalization and the support of investors with the growing adulation of the sport, noting that Major League Soccer stadiums in America currently total 12, with more on the boards or in the planning stages.
Joining the list of new venues is BBVA Compass Stadium, designed by Populous (formerly HOK Sport) as home for the Major League Soccer team the Houston Dynamo. With its unique metal-mesh facade and prominent location in downtown Houston's gentrifying East End district, the stadium stands out: The fans literally have a glowing (when lit at night) 22,000-seat destination from which to cheer on their team. “These guys have a huge fan base, and after years of sharing the University of Houston's stadium they finally had the chance to have a home of their own,” says Populous lead designer Jeff Spear.
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