We are inching closer to making this a reality for St Louis
– Carolyn Kindle Betz

HOK and Snow Kreilich Architects have unveiled their design for MLS4TheLou – the Major League Soccer (MLS) stadium proposed for St Louis, Missouri.

The stadium will serve as the home of the as-yet-unnamed St Louis MLS soccer club.

The new facility will feature a translucent ETFE canopy which will provide cover for fans and allow for well-lit spaces below.

Light will pass through directly onto the field, helping game-day visibility and grass growth.

The overall fan experience has been an important factor guiding the initial design and HOK has revealed it will include a number of innovative spectator features.

Fans will be able to enter the stadium from all sides, with a major entry plaza serving as a pre-game gathering space for fan processions and post-game celebrations.

When it comes to sightlines, every seat will be within 36.3m (120ft) of the pitch to give some of the best views in soccer, with the closest seats 6m (20ft) from the touchline.

The pitch will be countersunk, sitting 12m (40ft) below street level, creating an urban footprint with a below-ground-level playing field.

Included within the immediate construction of the stadium will be a mixed-use development called the Downtown West District, with retail, restaurants and gathering spaces that will be open and accessible to city residents and visitors year-round. Pop-up retail space will also be available to local businesses.

The stadium design will open to the north and east, creating a visual connection to Downtown West.

The architects say the roof form will serve as an iconic landmark as visitors approach downtown St Louis from the west.

The stadium, which will host up to 23 games a year, is tentatively scheduled for completion in 2022.