Populous design for Las Vegas arena is unveiled with glass facade and LED overlay

A $350 million arena in Las Vegas being designed by Kansas City-based Populous will sport an expansive glass facade with an LED overlay, according to a plan released by its developers.

The 20,000-seat arena is being developed privately by AEG, the operator of the Sprint Center, and MGM Resorts International. It’s scheduled to break ground in April and open in spring 2016. Populous was chosen to design the project in June.

“The design of the arena ensures we will create a truly striking entertainment venue for Las Vegas, representing the color, drama and excitement the city exudes,” Brad Clark, senior principal at Populous and lead designer, said in a statement.

“The arena will be an extension of the Strip’s high energy; our job with the design was to stay authentic to that spirit.”

The arena design includes sweeping balconies, an exterior performance stage and what was described as a sleek exterior, according to a release announcing the design. The building will reach 145 feet at its highest point, and the giant LED overlay runs along the northeast side of the arena, reaching a height of 118 feet at the entry facade.

LED overlays had been considered for the Sprint Center’s glass facade, but that idea eventually was dropped.

The Las Vegas arena is being designed to accommodate NBA and NHL teams, although the city has not lined up any tenant yet. The building also is being designed to meet the LEED Gold certification standard of the U.S. Green Building Council.

The arena has been described as the centerpiece of a revival plan for an area of Las Vegas extending from Las Vegas Boulevard to Frank Sinatra Drive near the New York-New York and Monte Carlo resorts.