Houston has been one of the last MLS clubs to build a soccer-specific stadium, however it also seems to become one of the finest ones.
Houston started construction of the stadium in February 2011, and has the stadium planned to be completed in May of this year. Houston Dynamo will play their first league match at the new stadium on the 12th of May against DC United, which means they will kickoff the season with a series of seven away games.
Naming rights of the stadium were sold to Spanish bank BBVA, which has resulted in the name BBVA Compass Stadium. It is the first MLS stadium to be built in a downtown area, being located on the eastern side of downtown, not far from baseball ground Minute Maid Park.
The stadium will have a capacity of 22,000, with seats divided over an upper and lower section. Most of the upper sections will have roof cover.
Construction is progressing according to plan, with the main frame, stands, floodlights, and roofs all in place. In recent weeks a start has been made with installing the orange seats, as well as laying the pitches’ sod.
Excitement among fans is said to be increasing, and the club expects to sell a record number of season tickets, topping the 10,000 mark for the first time.
All photos: © houstondynamo.com