# Four NFL stadiums shaping football's architectural future Glass roofs and civic spaces define the next generation of American football venues - **Source:** [Architecture news and projects | Dezeen](https://brifing.si/source/50c21201-9cc6-48e0-8a7c-6ea605af10c3) - **Published:** 2026-09-09 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/23bda7df-d687-4ef7-bf1c-e0b5f818fe8f ## The new NFL stadium wave Following the 2020s stadium boom in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, the late 2020s will see four transformative projects. Two involve complete rebuilds (Commanders, Chiefs), while Jaguars and Panthers opt for major renovations. All prioritize climate control through glass roofs (except Carolina) and auxiliary civic spaces. Notably absent are Chicago's Bears and Denver's Broncos, both stalled by relocation debates or planning delays. ## Jacksonville's subtropical vision HOK's 2028 Everbank Stadium redesign replaces the 1996 open bowl with a mirrored/LED facade and temperature-modulating openings. The 62,000-seat venue features a signature overhang and perimeter landscaping dubbed a 'subtropical park' - critical for Florida's humid climate. This marks a radical departure from traditional steel-frame designs, with the architects branding it the 'Stadium of the Future'. ## DC's political playground The 2030 Commanders Stadium at RFK Campus has become a political football, with federal mandates influencing HKS's classical-modern hybrid design. The 70,000-seat venue near the Anacostia River combines columns and cable-net glass framing Capitol views. Its outbuildings aim to create a stadium district, while hardscaped areas support pregame rituals - reflecting its unique status as a de facto national stadium. ## Charlotte's regal restraint HOK's 2030 Bank of America Stadium renovation takes a lighter touch, preserving the open-air structure favored by the Panthers. The update adds a crown-like feature nodding to Charlotte's 'Queen City' nickname, with glass-clad bases and new plaza spaces. Notably, it's the only project without a glass roof, highlighting regional climate preferences in stadium design. ## Kansas' tailgate temple Manica and HTNB's 2021 Chiefs Stadium breaks from urban trends, situating its 70,000-seat venue in Kansas (not Missouri) surrounded by parking lots optimized for tailgating. While the red-sloped facade honors Arrowhead Stadium, the anti-clastic glass roof mirrors DC's design. This suburban approach contrasts with league-wide downtown district models. ## Climate as design driver The projects reveal how regional weather dictates stadium architecture: Jacksonville's ventilation system counters humidity, while Charlotte retains open-air comfort. Glass roofs in DC and Kansas balance climate control with landmark visibility. These solutions address the NFL's push for year-round venue usability amid changing weather patterns. ## Beyond game day economics All designs incorporate mixed-use elements - from Jacksonville's park perimeter to DC's civic plazas - reflecting the NFL's stadium-as-destination model. This auxiliary development helps justify public funding, with venues increasingly serving as convention spaces, retail hubs, and tourism drivers during non-game days. ## Architectural legacy in motion These projects showcase how stadium design reconciles team identity with urban planning and technological progress. From HOK revisiting its own 1990s structures to Populous setting new benchmarks, they'll influence sports architecture globally. The emphasis on flexible, multi-purpose venues signals the NFL's preparation for an era beyond traditional football. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.dezeen.com/2026/09/09/upcoming-nfl-stadiums-american-football/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._