Three design finalists for the $1-billion football stadium and events center adjacent to the Los Angeles Convention Center were announced recently by the project developer, AEG, and project manager, ICON Venue Group.
The finalists include Gensler, HKS Sports and Entertainment Group and HNTB. The winning architect will be announced in January.
The proposed project begins with construction of a new West Hall, which would be completed before demolition of current West Hall at the convention center so convention bookings would not be interrupted. South Hall would also increase by 90,000 sq ft.
The upgraded convention center with increased continuous flat, unobstructed exhibition space would propel Los Angeles, in size, to #5 in U.S. convention centers compared to #15 now.
The total new Event Center would be 1,400,000 sq ft. and would enable Los Angeles to attract a multitude of high profile events including the Super Bowl, Pro Bowl, NCAA Championships, Olympic events and National Conventions, says AEG. Seating capacity would range from 72,000 to 76,250 with 32,000 parking spaces currently within a 15-minute walk with additional upgrades to current parking structures.
AEG adds that the project would create 18,000 temporary and permanent living wage and union jobs and the �multiplier effect� anticipated will lead to five new hotel developments near the convention center.
Completion is scheduled for fall 2015.
According to ESPN.com, AEG is hoping to reach an agreement with the city and the National Football League as well as an NFL team that could move to Los Angeles.
