New "Green" Soccer Stadium Built with Sustainable Design and Construction in Mind [1]
Guadalajara’s new soccer stadium [2] is the true definition of "green," both literally and figuratively. The Mexican city recently unveiled its volcano-like, green soccer stadium featuring a full exterior of green vegetation. In the environmental sense of the term, the stadium also meets the requirements: the exterior serves to capture rainwater and distribute it through the wetlands.
Designed by French architects Jean-Marie Massaud and Daniel Pouzet, the stadium was built to resemble a volcano and blend into its surroundings. To this effect, the stadium features a cloud-like cover in addition to its green exterior walls. The architects kept sustainable design and construction in mind while creating the blueprint for the stadium and besides capturing rainwater, the parking garage also features energy-efficient lighting. Entrances and exits were also designed to avoid congestion.
The new stadium is an encouraging sign of Mexico’s commitment to green development. The stadium parking lot will be open as a public parkland when games are not in session.
Estadio Omnilife will be the site of Opening Ceremonies for the Pan American Games, which will be held in Guadalajara, Mexico [3] beginning on October 14, 2011. Click here for photos of Estadio OmniLife and other venues for the Pan American Games [4].