DENVER, CO (04-14-04)- The Colorado Rapids and Kroenke Sports Enterprises (KSE) introduced today HOK Sport + Venue + Event as the architects for the new Rapids Soccer Stadium project to be tentatively finished in 2006. Location and groundbreaking date for the stadium will be announced at a later date.
"Our relationship with HOK S+V+E has been an extensive one through the years," said KSE Vice President of Arena Development Bill Pruter. "Their world-recognized design quality and experience is tangible right here at the Pepsi Center and at Coors Field. Their extensive experience designing soccer specific stadiums as well as all kinds of sports and entertainment venues made them the obvious choice for the Rapids' new home."
Established in 1983 by five architects that found a specific need to create a design firm that specializes exclusively in sports facilities, HOK Sports Facilities Group grew to 50 members by 1988 and exceeded 160 by 1996. By January 1999, HOK Sports merged with international firm LOBB Sports, creating the first truly global architectural firm. After 1996 the firm officially expanded its focus to include the development of convention centers. The company merged with ACT, the world leader in special events in 2002, creating "HOK Sport + Venue + Event".
Since its inception HOK S+V+E has designed more than 40 worldwide soccer projects that include: Alfred McAlpine Stadium, Arsenal FC Stadium at Ashburton Grove, and Reebok Stadium, all in England; Faro Stadium and Benefica Stadium in Portugal; Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts; Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida; Telstra Stadium in Australia and the New Wembley National Stadium in London.
Locally, the firm has been in charge of the Pepsi Center, Coors Field and the Colorado Springs World Arena projects, which are among the more than 800 sports venues in their portfolio, including soccer stadiums in nine countries on four continents.
