Stadium Central

My last post suggested that the University of Phoenix Stadium was groundbreaking in stadium architecture in that it was one of the first to cover up the back of the seating area, hiding the concrete and other structural support with a metal facade. A recent trip to Chicago, however, made me wonder whether the new Soldier Field pioneered this approach. As can be seen from the image below obtained at (http://academics.triton.edu/faculty/fheitzman/soldier%20field%202.jpg), the back side of the seating bowl is covered by architectural "sheathing" that forms a continuous metal facade around the stadium. In part, this feature lends a spaceship-type feel to the stadium that contrasts with the classic stone work of the original Soldier Field. Love it or hate it, one must certainly admit that the new Soldier Field certainly brought a new look to stadium design.