We end 2017 with a countdown of the 10 biggest stories of the year on Football Stadium Digest, as chosen by editors and partially based on page views. Today, #6: High-profile NFL Stadium renovations.
Leading up to the 2017 NFL season, a variety of teams completed stadium renovations. The results were noticeable around the league, and in many cases the renovations completed in 2017 serve as previews for further work that will be finalized in 2018.
When considering the broad spectrum of NFL stadium renovations, it is apparent that there were some distinct trends in 2017. There were examples of teams looking to improve the overall gameday experience and make their stadiums year-round destinations, as evidenced by the Jacksonville Jaguars and Green Bay Packers. At EverBank Field, the Jaguars debuted Daily’s Place–a new amphitheater that has been greeted with strong reviews since opening in May. The Packers, meanwhile, showed off the early results of Titletown–a new mixed-use development outside of Lambeau Field—and announced some other elements that will be coming to the area in the future.
Within the stadiums, there was a push to enhance premium areas. The Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Miami Dolphins continued the ongoing renovations to their facilities by introducing renovated premium spaces. For the Dolphins, it represented the continuing work to modernize Hard Rock Stadium, while the Panthers proceeded with their efforts to spruce up Bank of America Stadium by including improvements to 300 and 400-level clubs in their recent slate of renovations. Raymond James Stadium, meanwhile, continued to be improved by the Bucs, who overhauled the stadium’s West Club, expanded its Hall of Fame Club, and completed other upgrades.
Another venue that benefited from improved premium areas was Gillette Stadium. Prior to the 2017 season, the Patriots overhauled the landings in each of the stadium’s four corners to include garage-style doors that are adjustable to the conditions, along with drink rails and a bar area that features a canopy.
While the Detroit Lions overhauled some of their premium areas and social spaces at Ford Field, the team also made technology a major point of emphasis. In their $100 million overhaul of the stadium, the Lions added two end zone video displays that measured in at 39 1/2 feet tall by 152 1/2 feet wide.
The Baltimore Ravens made a similar improvement at M&T Bank Stadium, upgrading the facility’s videoboards and LED ribbon displays. That marked the beginning of a multi-phase renovation that will include new escalators, improvements to the club level and kitchen area, and new corner video displays. The displays, which according to estimates will measure at 33 feet wide by 44 feet high, will be each be placed above new corner suite areas.
Now as 2017 draws to a close, there are signs that some of these trends will carry over into 2018. The Buffalo Bills recently announced plans to upgrade some of their club areas at New Era Field, continuing the trend that sees teams overhaul the premium areas in their stadiums, and other projects could be announced.
Renderings courtesy Detroit Lions and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Previously in our Top Ten Stories of 2017 List:
#7: Colorado State Stadium Opens
#8: The Los Angeles Chargers
#9: The Opening of Daily’s Place
#10: The Georgia Dome Closes