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Field of Dreams

The architects behind London’s Olympic Stadium will build you a personal arena in your back garden for $30m

Anyone stuck for last-minute present ideas?

THERE’S SOMETHING SPECIAL about going to a live sporting event — big screens, crowds, and live sports action make it a thrilling experience.

Now the architects at Populous, the firm behind Pittsburgh’s Heinz Field, London’s Olympic stadium, and the new Yankee Stadium, want to recreate that experience by building a personal stadium for someone with a huge backyard and $30 million to spare.

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Designed for Robb Report’s annual gift guide for the super-wealthy, the personal stadium would be a perfect gift for the deep-pocketed sports fan.

The concept includes a 40-50 yard playing field with wrap-around LED screens that could theoretically simulate the arena experience of any sports team of your choosing. Fibre-optic lighting in the astroturf means that it can transform from a football field to a baseball stadium to a soccer pitch with the flip of a switch.

The backyard stadium would be exclusive, with seating for about 100 people. There’s also potential for concession stands and a broadcasting booth for those wanting to practice their play-by-play skills.

But that’s not all. According to Robb Report, ”Wind, snow, and rain machines can add even more authenticity to the playing and viewing experience, or Populous can design the stadium with a retractable roof so that weather is not a concern. Locker rooms with showers also can be included.”

The construction process would take an estimated 12 months to complete, and it’s important to note that “the gift recipient must supply the land.”

“Is it doable?” Ryan Sickman, a Populous engineer and associate principal, said to Robb Report. ”Yes. It just hasn’t been done before.”

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