North Carolina Wesleyan Men's Soccer

FC Cincinnati Set For A Pitch Upgrade With Planned West End Stadium

FC Cincinnati Set For A Pitch Upgrade With Planned West End Stadium

FC Cincinnati has already proven to have rabid fans; now the club is planning a world-class stadium to match.

Jul 19, 2019 by Eric Hickey
FC Cincinnati Set For A Pitch Upgrade With Planned West End Stadium

Promising a world-class fan experience, FC Cincinnati unveiled the final designs for its $250 million West End Stadium.

Dubbed the “Jewel of the Queen City’s Crown,” the stadium will open in 2021 and has a plethora of extras designed to thrill spectators.

World-renowned architecture firm Populous designed the project, led by senior principal and director of the New York office, Jonathan Mallie. 

“We are so proud of this incredible design that Populous has delivered to FC Cincinnati,” FCC CEO and managing owner Carl Lindner III said. “It has been so well thought and concepted, so carefully crafted. We believe it will stand as a true icon and unifying force in our city. West End Stadium provides us a remarkable platform to continue pushing those goals even further enhance our impact not only locally, but across the globe.”



Designed to hold up to 26,500 fans, some external features include a 360-degree canopy roof which will cover every seat while the stadium will be enclosed by 513 vertical fins which will form a wave-like external structure and also glow during events. 

One feature seen from outside will be a grand staircase that rises 30 feet from Central Parkway in Cincinnati, a staircase which will showcase the fan’s “March to the Stadium.”

Lindner said the stadium will be a place local youth dream about playing in.

“Locally, our region’s youth will dream of stepping out on the West End Stadium pitch, playing for FC Cincinnati, and representing the Queen City in a game that is broadcast around the world,” Lindner said. 

It will be a stadium like no other, Mallie added. 

“There’s a dedication and authenticity to soccer in Cincinnati that rivals any city in the U.S.,” Mallie said. “Our design for FC Cincinnati harnesses the energy of the fans to create a world-class soccer atmosphere.”

While fans will like the cozy confines, the stadium will also feature 59 suites, the most in Major League Soccer that doesn’t also share space with an NFL team. 

“As a Cincinnati native and life-long resident, I have nothing but pride knowing our West End Stadium will be a strong symbol of this city on the world stage,” FCC president Jeff Berding said. “We firmly believe we’ve not only matched the leagues best, but pushed the bar further and will deliver a superior fan experience for our incredible fan base.”