chinese language authorities take over debt-laden evergrande soccer stadium in guangzhou, china
chinese government takes control of guangzhou stadium
according to recent reports, chinese authorities have taken over the evergrande guangzhou football stadium, whose construction was halted due to financial issues. commissioned by —currently indebted— property developer evergrande and designed by international firm gensler, the project was expected to become the world’s largest football venue by capacity, and to complete by the end of 2022.
all images courtesy of gensler
evergrande football stadium sees an uncertain future
the construction of the guangzhou evergrande football stadium began in april 2020, with an estimated cost of $1.86 billion. however, all works on the 100,000-capacity project stopped in august 2021, with evergrande struggling to meet repayments on over $300 billion of debt. the real estate developer gave up control to authorities which plan on selling the stadium, or —in the absence of buyers— acquiring it via state-owned guangzhou city construction investment group.
about the evergrande guangzhou football stadium
the evergrande guangzhou football stadium is designed by gensler as an iconic landmark for guangzhou’s sports industry and a central gateway to the greater bay area. this 100,000-seat fifa-grade stadium will be home to guangzhou evergrande taobao fc and serve as the major sports center for the pearl river delta capable of hosting world-class games.
extensive premium retail and leisure facilities within the envelope of the stadium make this a regional entertainment destination as well. the stadium is adjacent to the guangzhou south railway station to optimize accessibility, attracting football fans from all over the nation. a symbolic geometric roof structure alludes to intertwined lotus flowers representing honor, tenacity and unity. gensler’s winning design was selected from an international list of invited architects and represents a critical collaboration between gensler sports and gensler shanghai.
myrto katsikopoulou I designboom
dec 07, 2021
