Future Grounds: Stadium design in a changing world

Join us for an intimate panel discussion on the evolution of stadium design in the final week of our exhibition Home Ground: the architecture of football. Hear from leading stadium architects as they unpack major moments of innovation, key challenges, and the different forces—both technological, social, cultural, and economic—that shape contemporary stadium design.

The panel will be led by renowned architectural historian Simon Inglis, whose publications including the Played in Britain series and Engineering Archie have shaped our understanding of stadium design and football cultures. He’ll be joined by architects from top sports architecture practices including KSS, Populous, and GMP Architekten. These experts are behind major projects including the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and the Anfield expansion, as well as earlier groundbreaking projects—all of which will be explored during the discussion.

Together, the speakers will explore the evolution from historic grounds rooted in local communities to billion-pound global arenas, examining the changing ambitions, design processes, and practical needs that have steered this transformation. They will unpack club dilemmas such as moving versus improving, retaining club identity, and how commercial imperatives inform design choices. They will explore the pursuit of adaptability, sustainability, and inclusivity today, while speculating on what tomorrow’s stadiums might look like.

This panel event is limited to just 50 spaces. Don’t miss your chance to hear directly from the architects shaping the stadiums of tomorrow, and join the conversation by asking your questions during the audience Q&A. After the talk, stay for a drinks reception, and see the stadiums in a new light by visiting Home Ground before it closes.

Lead image: Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, GMP Architekten. Credit: Marcus Bredt.

• Doors will open at 6pm for a 6.30pm start. There will be a chance to get a free drink and visit the exhibition before taking your seats for 6.30pm when the talks begin.
• The bar will offer alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink options. Please note, RIBA operate a Challenge 25 policy.
• The event will be on the first floor at RIBA North, accessed via staircase or lift. The lift is approximately 16 metres from the building entrance. The dimensions of the lift are 90cm by 110cm.
• If you would like to discuss your attendance and inclusion and/or access needs to attend the event comfortably, please contact [email protected].

• Cancellations must be made in writing to [email protected]
• A photographer may cover this event and the images may be used to publicise future RIBA events. By accepting an invitation or purchasing a ticket you consent to being photographed, filmed or recorded as a visitor attending the event.
• If the RIBA has to postpone or cancel the event the booker is entitled to a full refund of the ticket price only.
• On entry to the event you agree to accept and abide by any venue rules.
• The RIBA reserves the right to refuse admission to any ticket holder.
• The details you provide will be used in line with the RIBA's GDPR obligations. For information on how we will handle your personal data please see our Privacy Policy.

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