Sure, it’s a nice gesture to make — or even 3D print! — your loved ones a customised gift. But can your own pitiful trifles compare to the $30 million backyard stadiums one architecture firm is offering up?
Populous, the Kansas City firm, is known for its work on sports venues ranging from London’s Olympic stadium to Heinz Field. But it’s also doing interesting stuff on the side — like designing stadiums for gamers, and personalised stadiums for the very rich (and sporty?).
As part of Robb Report’s annual guide to the craziest gifts money can buy, Populous designer Ryan Sickman described how his team could design and build a scaled-down stadium for use in the backyard. This miniaturised venue wouldn’t be specific to a particular sport; rather, it would be built with a special LED-embedded variety of astroturf which, at the flick of a switch, would change the lines from baseball, to football, to ultimate frisbee, and so on.
What about the amenities, I hear you whispering in hushed tones. Well, for starters, there’s the 6m tall widescreen display and sound system that can transform the space into whatever venue your heart desires. And a concession stand, and a broadcaster’s booth in which you can practice your best Myron Cope impression. The “luxury box-style” stands will fit an audience of 100, who will undoubtably be in stitches over said impression.
Since you’re paying many millions of dollars for this stadium, the sky is really the limit, as Robb Report explains:
Wind, snow, and rain machines can add even more authenticity to the playing and viewing experience, or Populous can design the stadium with a retractable roof so that weather is not a concern. Locker rooms with showers also can be included.
With only a few weeks left before the holidays, you’re probably wondering how to get the ball rolling on this thing. There’s only one caveat, which appears at the bottom of the guide: “The stadium will require at least 12 months to design and construct.” Next year! [Robb Report]