Nestled in the heart of Chengdu’s Jinniu District, the Phoenix Hill Football Stadium rises as a striking landmark of the city’s urban skyline. With its eye-catching tensile membrane structure, the stadium not only distinguishes itself in function but also in form—setting a new benchmark for stadium design in China.
The Largest Membrane Structure of Its Kind in China
In terms of scale, Phoenix Hill’s cable-membrane roof is one of the largest tensile structures ever built for a stadium in China. The roof features a massive cantilever span of 64 meters, with north-south dimensions reaching 279 meters and east-west dimensions at 234 meters. At its highest point, the structure soars to 63 meters, covering a projected area of 25,000 square meters. Its irregular curves were purposefully designed to harmonize with the site’s natural topography, which rises in the north and slopes down toward the south.
This expansive design offers a clear advantage over traditional stadiums, ensuring the venue is well-equipped to host large-scale events and accommodate vast audiences.
Pioneering Structure with Complex Engineering
The stadium adopts a large-span open-ring cable dome—an architectural first in China. It includes two circular tension rings, 80 radial cable lines, and 40 struts per ring, arranged in a sunflower-like layout. Due to its symmetrical design along the east-west axis but asymmetrical north-south structure, the tension distribution is uneven—posing serious construction challenges.
To address this, engineers devised an innovative “non-pulling, low-altitude accumulation, segmented synchronous tensioning” technique. Using twelve 70-meter-high portal towers, they precisely hoisted more than 1,650 tons of internal trusses and the cable net with computer-controlled hydraulic systems. This high-precision method stands in stark contrast to conventional rectangular or circular membrane roofs, which typically experience balanced forces and require far less complexity in both design and execution.
ETFE Membrane: Light, Durable, and Grass-Friendly
The stadium’s roof features ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene) membrane material, which offers about 40% light transmittance—allowing sunlight to nurture the turf while minimizing glare and UV damage. This ensures not only healthy grass growth but also enhances the viewing experience for spectators. The ETFE surface is also self-cleaning, smooth enough to be washed clean by rainwater, and boasts a lifespan of up to 25 years.
By comparison, some stadiums that use PVC membranes suffer from poor light transmission, which negatively impacts turf health, and require frequent maintenance due to aging. Others that opt for glass roofing achieve high transparency but carry excess weight, increase structural demands, and introduce glare issues—challenges that ETFE smartly avoids.
A Sustainable and Artistic Alternative to Steel Roofs
Unlike the heavy steel-roof systems commonly used in stadiums worldwide, the cable-membrane design of Phoenix Hill is significantly lighter and more sustainable, saving up to 75% of steel usage. Aesthetically, its flowing, irregular curves resemble the wings of a bird in flight—reflecting the cultural identity of Chengdu while giving the stadium a dynamic and modern silhouette.
From an acoustic standpoint, the membrane structure works in tandem with the overall architecture to reduce echo and deliver crisp sound during games and performances—something often overlooked in conventional stadium designs.
More Than a Stadium—A Symbol of Innovation
Phoenix Hill Football Stadium is more than just a venue for sports—it’s a fusion of technology, artistry, and environmental responsibility. It represents Chengdu’s rising stature in modern architecture and athletic infrastructure, while offering valuable insights for stadium design around the world. With its innovative approach and cultural sensitivity, this stadium is destined to be remembered as a milestone in the history of sports architecture.
