chinese authorities take over debt-laden evergrande football stadium in guangzhou

chinese government takes control of guangzhou stadium

according to recent reports, chinese authorities have taken over the evergrande guangzhou football stadium, whose construction was halted due to financial issues. commissioned by —currently indebted— property developer evergrande and designed by global firm gensler, the project was expected to become the world’s largest football venue by capacity, and to complete by the end of 2022. 

all images courtesy of gensler

evergrande football stadium sees an uncertain future

the construction of the guangzhou evergrande football stadium began in april 2020, with an estimated cost of $1.86 billion. however, all works on the 100,000-capacity project stopped in august 2021, with evergrande struggling to meet repayments on over $300 billion of debt. the real estate developer gave up control to authorities which plan on selling the stadium, or —in the absence of buyers— acquiring it via state-owned guangzhou city construction investment group. 

about the stadium design

designed by gensler, the stadium is expected to serve as an iconic landmark for the local sports industry and a central gateway to the greater bay area. the massive venue will be home to guangzhou evergrande taobao FC and will function as the major sports center for the pearl river delta.

the stadium is adjacent to the guangzhou south railway station, optimizing accessibility, and attracting football fans from all over the nation. the design by the world-renowned firm presents a symbolic geometric roof that alludes to intertwined lotus flowers and symbolizes honor, tenacity, and unity.