The new John O'Quinn Field at TDECU Stadium is designed to elevate the Cougar football program and provide an authentic game day experience for fans and student-athletes. The DLR Group and Page design team altered the orientation of the new stadium to align with adjacent campus buildings and offer clear views of the iconic downtown Houston skyline. The building exterior is comprised of two separate elements that work together to create a distinct personality for the stadium. The base is formed with a series of rectilinear forms that house conditioning and athletic support spaces. The ground level aligns seamlessly with the overall campus grid and uses familiar materials. Rising above the base is the second thematic element, dubbed the Cougar Cage, a permeable, patterned metal wrap that encloses the stadium. This unique facade uses striking red thematic elements within the wrap to convey movement and clear way-finding cues to direct fans to stadium entrances.
The new stadium has initial seating for 40,000. A phased master plan allows for expansion up to a capacity of 60,000 fans. A new stadium club is located only 25 feet above the field of play, placing it as close to the action as any similarly-sized facility in the country. Seating options include premium chair backs, loge boxes, bench backs, benches, party decks, and group areas. The stadium's south side features 26 suites stretching from end zone to end zone. The playing surface is synthetic turf. The east end of the stadium is home to the Bert F. Winston Band and Performance Center with recital halls, classrooms, multi-purpose areas, and ticket office. DLR Group provided planning and architectural design.