Phoenix Rising Football Club Selects Populous, Gould Evans Architectural Firms to Design Proposed Major League Soccer Stadium

In its continuing quest to receive an MLS expansion club, Phoenix Rising FC sought proposals from leading architect and design firms across the country. They received seven exceptional proposals, and in collaboration with Goldman Sachs, the finalists were narrowed down to three top-notch firms followed by further analysis conducted by a variety of respected consultants.

“It was important for us to make sure that the selected firm really understood our needs,” said Brett Johnson, co-chairman for Phoenix Rising FC. “We need to build a stadium that will be comfortable for both the fans and players, so it was crucial that the winning architectural design team understood the challenges and opportunities associated with the Sonoran Desert. We conducted months of analysis with multiple organizations to ensure we were picking the ideal companies for the job and we could not be more excited or confident in this partnership. This announcement represents another milestone in Phoenix Rising’s ‘Rising is Ready for MLS’ campaign.”

Arup, an independent firm of designers, planners, engineers, consultants and technical specialists conducted extensive analysis of the design plans of all three finalist firms. Arup helps clients solve complex challenges such as harsh climates and has conducted a variety of studies on the topic. Additionally, local award-winning construction experts, Mortenson Construction, further assessed the building plans to determine the best possible proposed design and construction, based on their vast knowledge of complex construction projects.

With 15 offices on four continents, Populous is a global architecture and design firm that designs the places where people love to be together, such as Yankee Stadium, the London Olympics and the Super Bowl. Over the last 35 years they have designed more than 70 soccer stadiums and 14 national stadiums around the globe including Wembley National Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, Orlando City SC Downtown Stadium, BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston and Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City.

“Phoenix Rising fans deserve a state-of-the-art MLS stadium, and we couldn’t be more excited to create that environment,” said Scott Capstack, principal at Populous. “We will bring the best of our global soccer design experience to this wonderfully exciting project.”

Gould Evans, based in Phoenix with four additional offices around the country, focuses on regionally appropriate designs with a blend of proven passive and technical solutions to reduce temperatures before and during games. Their approach to the new Phoenix Rising stadium will include providing tactical shade while maximizing ventilation and water as a vehicle to cooling.

“Part of designing the optimal desert soccer experience includes employing heat mitigation tactics through a carefully choreographed strategy,” said Krista Shepherd principal for Gould Evans. “As Phoenicians, we are calibrated to living with the sun, and we know what is needed to make comfortable outdoor places.”

Together, Populous and Gould Evans are ready to create a world-class 365-day venue that serves fans and the broader community as a full-scale entertainment destination.  The two companies are starting their design work immediately on behalf of Phoenix Rising FC.  Plans for the new, privately financed stadium are on track, pending an MLS expansion award to Phoenix, with the facility ready to open as soon as the 2021 MLS season.

About Phoenix Rising FC Phoenix Rising FC is the highest-level professional soccer franchise in Arizona’s history. The club is owned by legendary Chelsea and Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba, Kona Grill CEO Berke Bakay and an impressive collection of business leaders and international celebrities. Established in 2016, Phoenix Rising FC is one of 12 cities applying for Major League Soccer expansion and currently plays in the United Soccer League, the largest Division 2 professional league in the world. The club is hosting the largest MLS Preseason event ever, the 2018 Mobile Mini Sun Cup. For more information about the club or to purchase tickets visit PHXRisingFC.com.

About Populous Since inception in 1983, Populous has grown into the world’s leading design firm dedicated exclusively to creating environments that draw people and communities together for unforgettable experiences, from stadiums to ballparks to arenas. The firm has completed projects around the globe, working with universities, convention centers, professional and civic arenas, Major League Baseball and franchises, global soccerwww.populous.com or follow @Populous on Twitter.and rugby teams and has planned many major worldwide events. For more information visit

About Gould Evans Gould Evans’ award-winning designs are recognized for their specificity to people and place. Our diverse portfolio of architecture stems from a design process that starts with the client’s goals and utilizes our multi-disciplinary design approach to craft a customized experience of space and brand. Their team shares a passion for regionally responsive architecture and design that positively impacts communities and contributes to vibrant culture. To learn more, visit www.gouldevans.com.