Construction Monthly Magazine | Austin Build Expo Show Edition

Q2 STADIUM & ST. DAVID’S
PERFORMANCE CENTER:
CELEBRATING THE LOVE
OF THE GAME AND
COMMUNITY
By Jonathan Emmett, Gensler
This spring, Austinites will officially welcome its’ first
major league team, Austin FC, and come together to
cheer them on at the new stadium and surrounding
parks. Q2 Stadium, which can host 20,500 fans on game
day, creates a world-class experience for all who visit,
capitalizing on its natural landscape, the City’s cultural
heritage and tech-forward growth. The stadium is a 365-
day destination, encouraging fans and guests to interact
in an environment that supports living, working and
recreation.
The Ultimate Fan Experience
Before and after matches, fans can come together in the
multiple, landscaped outdoor spaces which surround the
stadium, including an outdoor amphitheater and stage
for live music. One of the many clubs inside Q2 Stadium
opens to the exterior, with outdoor terraces overlooking
the amphitheater.
Other amenities include a beer hall that will be open
before, during and after matches, featuring local food
and beverage offerings, as well as large video screens for
watch parties and pre- and post-game entertainment.
The Verde Store, Austin FC’s open year-round retail store,
offers customizable jerseys and unique team apparel for
every fan to personalize and show off their team spirit.
The store will also feature team-branded merchandise
from YETI, the Club’s official jersey partner.
With a steep and intimate seating bowl, the venue
ensures a great view of the action from every seat. Each
side of the venue offers unique viewing experiences,
including the Supporters Section in the south end. This
area holds almost 4,000 of the most ardent fans, who will
lead the crowd in songs and chants from this standingroom
only section. Open concourses and other standing
areas allow fans to move around the venue and socialize,
or visit local food vendors while keeping a close eye on
the action.
On game days, VIP guests enjoy diverse premium
experiences like no other. Air-conditioned clubs and
suites offer some of the best and closest views of the
action, as well as locally-inspired food and beverages.
The character of each space provides authentically Austin
experiences for both gameday and for hosting private
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events year-round. The exclusive Q2 Field Club comes
with VIP seating only feet away from the pitch and a clear
view of the players as they walk onto the field.
Throughout Q2 Stadium, measures have been put in
place to ensure an optimum environment for fans, staff
and players. For example, many of the amenities have
been designed with touchless controls, and, cashless
food and beverage sales will be available throughout Q2
Stadium.
Technology as a Top Amenity
Technology is a prime feature throughout the venue
and site. The large video board, LED ribbon boards
and distributed sound system offer fans a true allencompassing
experience. In addition, they will benefit
from premium connectivity at the stadium via a neutralhost
cellular distributed antenna system (DAS) and
Wi-Fi 6 networks, the latest generation of Wi-Fi. The
DAS system enables multi-carrier coverage and will
accommodate 5G upgrades, when available. Fans can
also access next-generation hotspot technology.
A Place for Community and Connection
The 24-acre site for Q2 Stadium is designed as a hub for
the surrounding neighborhood. Taking inspiration from
Austin’s outdoor culture, the stadium is surrounded by
large open spaces that will be open to the neighborhood
on non-game days. These spaces will be used by the
community to host a range of activities. As such, the
stadium doubles as a 365-day venue for the community
as a place of connection and recreation. The recent
funding of Project Connect will provide an onsite metro