FC Cincinnati's TQL Stadium bests World Cup venue for UNESCO Prix Versailles World Title
FC Cincinnati's TQL Stadium has received another honor, and joined elite company in the world of sports stadiums in the process.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) awarded TQL Stadium the Prix Versailles, the world prize for architecture and design, in the sports category.
The honor is awarded annually for architecture in four categories (airports, campuses, passenger stations and sports) based on innovation, creativity, reflection of local heritage, ecological efficiency, and the values of social interaction and participation, according to a news release.
“We’re honored to receive this prestigious award from UNESCO,” said Carl H. Lindner III, FC Cincinnati co-chief executive officer and controlling owner. “This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and the entire Cincinnati community, who have helped make TQL Stadium a premier destination for soccer and entertainment in the United States. We are grateful to all of our staff, partners, and fans who have made TQL Stadium such a special place."
In winning the prize, TQL Stadium beat out arenas including 2022 FIFA World Cup venue Al Thumama Stadium (Doha, Qatar), Tochigi Sports Park-East Area (Utsunomiya, Japan), Etihad Arena (Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates), Nakia Arena (Tampere, Finland), and Stade de Luxembourg (Luxembourg).
"We are honored to receive this prestigious award and to be recognized by UNESCO with the Prix Versailles World Title," said FC Cincinnati co-chief executive officer Jeff Berding. "TQL Stadium was designed to be a world-class venue that would bring soccer to the forefront of Cincinnati's sports culture, and we could not have done that without the help of all the people at Populous, Turner Construction, and more who helped make it a reality. We are thrilled that it has exceeded expectations and become a renowned destination in the sports world."
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: FC Cincinnati's TQL Stadium wins UNESCO Prix Versailles World Title
