Women’s sport is thriving – so why aren’t stadiums keeping up?

Kirsty Mitchell - Senior Associate - Sport and Entertainment, HOK

Source: HOK

As the world prepares to mark International Women’s Day, the rapid rise of women’s sport is cause for celebration – but many stadiums remain stuck in the past. Outdated designs fail to meet the needs of female athletes and fans, highlighting the urgent need for more inclusive, future-focused venues

Sport has long been a powerful catalyst for social change, breaking down barriers and redefining cultural norms. Women’s sport, in particular, has seen a seismic shift in recent years – from record-breaking attendance figures to soaring investment and media coverage. Yet, despite this momentum, the venues designed to host these events often lag behind, failing to reflect the changing demographics of the fans and athletes they serve.

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