Located in the center of the city, the 50,000-seat stadium features a unique roof that slopes down dramatically at the north end, offering views across the city. The roof was designed to avoid blocking sun on the surrounding houses. The design also provides a horseshoe-shaped effect, which is a common stadium design in America.
Polycarbonate louvers are used to clad the continuous curvilinear façade of the stadium. Reflecting the color of the sky and light conditions, the façade is ever changing and gives a shimmering transparent shingles effect to the stadium. The form, mass, materials and aspects of the stadium are defined by the site and its surroundings. The undulating transparent form offers a soft appearance to the overall structure.
The stadium was built at a cost of EUR365 million ($459.6 million approx) on the site of the New Stadium in Lansdowne Road, which was demolished in 2007.
