Red Bull Park -- Could It Really Happen?

For a number of years there has been talk of a soccer-specific stadium (SSS) being built in Harrison, New Jersey. Red Bull New York, the local Major League Soccer franchise, would move from Giants Stadium in The Swamp called The Meadowlands, to this new SSS, leaving behind the slime buckets who run and secure that NFL facility, and snuggling into warm confines and a soccer-friendly environment.

I have told my friends for five years that it was going to be open in two years.

They have been very kind to me and not one of them has laughed in my face. Maybe behind my back, but not to my face!

Well, there is a new announcement and new drawings.

SECAUCUS, NJ -- Red Bull New York on Thursday unveiled the updated design of Red Bull Park, a state-of-the-art soccer-specific facility, to be constructed in Harrison, New Jersey. The stadium's updated design was completed by Rossetti Architects of Los Angeles, CA. Rossetti was the original architect on the project. Red Bull New York also announced the selection of New Jersey-based Hunter Roberts Construction Group, LLC, as the project's construction manager and general contractor. Construction is set to begin in early December 2007 with a yet to be determined completion date in 2009. Red Bull New York took over complete control of the project on November 16, 2007, after purchasing the 50% interests of AEG.

Key to the updated design is a new dynamic form roof - a curving structure that wraps the entire stadium in an elegant metal shell. The unique stadium roof design, which will create a distinguished identity and unique atmosphere for Red Bulls fans, will extend from its leading edge over the entire seating bowl and then curve down to the concourse, creating the dominate architectural statement of power and elegance. The roof will extend 130 feet from the last seat to just over the field's touchlines, with 60 feet of the roof being translucent, letting in natural light. More (including more drawings).

You read it correctly! 2009, which probably means it will be ready for the 2010 season. Hooray!

The New York Times also covered the story, so it must be true!



Dick Mac Recommends:

Playing For Uncle Sam
David Tossell