Five Defining Features of FC Cincinnati's New Home

01/Location

The story of TQL Stadium, FC Cincinnati’s new home and Major League Soccer’s latest soccer-specific stadium, begins with the site. Ownership intentionally chose a centrally located urban environment with connections to all corners of the city. West End and the nearby Over-The-Rhine (OTR) district are two of Cincinnati’s most historic neighborhoods, each with their own distinct flavor and energy.

TQL Stadium features an expansive East Plaza that faces the OTR district and serves as a front porch.

02/Exterior Façade

The dedication and authenticity to soccer in Cincinnati rivals any city in the United States. Our design for FCC harnesses this energy to create a world-class soccer atmosphere. TQL Stadium defies stasis by wrapping itself in over 500 mass-customized aluminum fins.

At night, the stadium’s exterior comes alive thanks to a dynamic integrated LED lighting system. Photo courtesy of FC Cincinnati

When viewed from down Central Parkway, these articulated aluminum façade elements create the stadium’s signature form: a singular twisting motion that signifies the tension between two teams about to take the pitch. When viewed straight on, they provide a glimpse into the stadium, fostering a heightened sense of anticipation for the match within.

03/Seating Bowl + Canopy

Inside, a 360-degree continuous seating bowl puts all the focus on the pitch, similar to the sport’s most iconic European venues. More than a thousand orange seats in the East stands form the imposing lion from the club’s crest.

TQL Stadium’s 26,000 seats place it among the biggest in Major League Soccer.

Up above, 300,000-square-feet of canopy shields every seat from the elements. Combined with the continuous seating bowl, the sound and visual atmosphere is captured and maintained within the stadium – thus elevating the match day experience.

Club supporters helped guide the design of The Bailey 2.0.

05/Cincy Architectural Inspiration

The stadium’s premium spaces reflect the city’s rich architectural heritage, each in their own unique way. The Tunnel Club, for example, uses rich materials such as Teak wood and warm tones reminiscent of institutions like Cincinnati Music Hall.

Over-The-Rhine and the city’s brewing traditions inspired the feel of the First Financial Club, a fresh take on a beer hall. A massive two-story, 1,000-square-foot brick feature wall anchors the space, inspired by the labyrinth of 19th-century beer vaults that lies beneath the city.