Detroit architecture firm develops 'Inverted Bowl' sports arena concept

A new sports arena concept developed by Michigan architects aims to turn years of design standards "inside-out," making for a closer-to-the-action game experience for fans in the upper bowl.

ROSSETTI, a Detroit architecture firm that's worked on several arenas and stadiums, created the "Inverted Bowl" concept.

In a traditional arena's upper bowl, seating leans away from the main floor or stage. ROSSETTI instead proposes compressing the upper tiers inward, similar to balcony seating, to bring fans closer to the event.

"Traditionally, upper bowl seats provide a subpar experience because they are so far removed from the action," said Matt Rossetti, president of ROSSETTI, in a news release "With The Inverted Bowl by ROSSETTI, we transform live entertainment by providing unsurpassed views and experiences to every fan in attendance in every seat of the arena."

The design also includes creating a concourse for social spaces directly behind the balcony seating. Each balcony would feature a full wall for digital media screening and food and beverage options.

"The upper bowl of any entertainment venue has been associated with negative [return on investment] because each row away from the event surface results in a less engaged viewing experience while progressively costing more to build," Rossetti said. "The few premium amenities in the upper concourse generate less revenue. It doesn't add up for spectators or for owners."

"This design gives sports and entertainment venues a long-overdue transformation and creates something that not only brings fans closer to the action and offers a more continuous, immersive experience, but also reduces the overall footprint of the arena, makes it less costly to build and increases revenue projections. The Inverted Bowl will change how arenas are designed for decades to come."

The arena design accounts for between 16,500 and 19,000 seats.

The firm says the concept is "specifically designed to integrate into urban environments."

All four major Detroit sports teams already have modern stadiums. But the addition of a professional soccer team could be on the horizon.

Quicken Loans founder Dan Gilbert and Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores are aiming to bring a Major League Soccer team to the city, and to build a stadium on the stalled Wayne County jail project site on Gratiot Avenue.

"The Inverted Bowl would be ideal for a soccer configuration with a capacity of between 20,000-30,000 seats and a smaller physical footprint in an urban environment," Rossetti said. "More importantly, we're confident that the social engagement opportunities and immersive viewing experience would be a huge hit with passionate soccer fans who thrive on being close to the action on the field."

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