HELLO, COLUMBUS: MLS Cup 2020 champions the Columbus Crew open a new stadium this year with ample concourse space. (Gerardo Prado) Coming out of COVID-19, the newest generation of Major League Soccer stadiums will feature contactless and cashless operations in ticketing, food service and restrooms, according to teams building those facilities.  In most cases, design tweaks have been made to blueprints to address upgraded safety and sanitization protocols. Austin FC, for example, has gone from 80% to 100% touchless restroom fixtures by adding automated faucets and toilets, team President Andy Loughnane said. The same is true with FC Cincinnati for going completely touchless in restrooms, said team President Jeff Berding. Both teams are scheduled to open their stadiums in March, pending the start of the 2021 MLS season. “We started working with (architect) Populous on prospective design changes after the pandemic began,” Berding said. “We understand the safety of our… Continue Reading Teams Add Touchless to Stadium Plans

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