A first look at the $121-million MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium set to anchor a future sports and entertainment district just south of Bricktown was unveiled on Wednesday during the MAPS 4 Venues Subcommittee meeting. Construction is expected to begin this spring, with the stadium scheduled to open in January 2028. The stadium is one of two new major sports venues being built by Oklahoma City, which the second, a $1 billion new arena, set to also start construction in spring 2026. “Time and again, we have realized a major economic and community benefit from our investments in sports facilities.” Mayor David Holt said. “From whitewater to softball, basketball to baseball, these investments in sports have changed our city. Soccer is the world’s most popular sport and we knew in 2019 when we developed MAPS 4 that we had to make a commitment to stay in the game.” More: OKC’s faithful soccer fans bring renewed pride, belonging as city plans new stadiumThe multipurpose stadium, being designed by the architectural firm Populous, will include a United States Soccer Federation (USSF)-approved field and have a capacity of more than 10,000 guests for soccer, with the majority of seats under a canopy cover. The venue will also feature a club, supporters section, locker rooms and suites.  Located on the nine-acre property donated to the city by Echo Investment Capital, architects said the stadium’s design draws inspiration from Oklahoma’s natural landscape while speaking to a modern future for Oklahoma City.  The north side of the stadium opens to the downtown skyline, while a lightweight canopy roof and dynamic fabric facade frame Oklahoma City’s open skies. The fabric façade will be enhanced by programmable LED lighting that will create an energy for the fans and the local community. More: Funding for 2028 Olympic sites, original MAPS venues, arena, stadium on Oct. 14 bond ballotWhile the city’s soccer team, owned by Echo, will be the anchor tenant, the stadium is poised to host football, youth sports, concerts and community events. The major investors in Echo are Christian Kanady, NBA star Russell Westbrook and the Chickasaw Nation. “Together with Echo, the city, and the OKC for Soccer movement, we are proud to have designed a multipurpose destination for Oklahoma City,” said Populous Managing Director of the Americas Jonathan Mallie. “The stadium will serve as a community anchor, an economic catalyst, and a canvas for unforgettable events in downtown Oklahoma City for decades to come.” The design is a two-floor stadium with a partially subterranean ground level. With Echo planning to add women’s soccer, the stadium will include men’s and women’s locker rooms for home and visiting teams. “This stadium will be a transformative anchor as we build a surrounding cultural district that stands alongside the best in the nation,” Kanady said. “This project will unite sports fans, creatives and community-minded investment to shape a destination that fuels pride and possibility in downtown Oklahoma City.” The stadium site is located east of the Oklahoma City Convention Center, south of Bricktown and within view of Interstate 40. Over time, Echo Investment Capital also plans to develop the surrounding area into a sports-centered entertainment district in partnership with Robinson Park.  “We truly believe we can set the bar for how downtown venues interact with their communities,” OKC for Soccer President Court Jeske said. “This will be a home for women’s and men’s soccer, football of all levels, concerts and so much more. Don’t think of this as a stadium, but as a community center with a field in the middle.” This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC unveils new MAPS 4 stadium plans, see the renderings