Dallas-based HKS Architecture Studio has designed an entertainment venue called YouTube Theater, located beneath the canopy of an NFL stadium in Los Angeles.
Opened in 2021, the theater was designed by HKS Architecture Studio and sits beneath the expansive ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) roof of SoFi Stadium, also a creation of HKS. With a seating capacity of 6,000, YouTube Theater is positioned on the stadium’s south side and was conceived concurrently with the stadium’s construction.
Michelle Stevenson, the lead architect at HKS, explained, “When the stadium was elevated, we faced the challenge of creating a fully enclosed theater beneath the massive shared roof canopy.” She added, “Throughout the process, it felt like we were building a ship in a bottle, working within the constraints of a much larger stadium project.”
The three-story theater’s facade shares design elements with the stadium’s elevated roof, including white concrete panels and large convex glass surfaces. This exterior shell encloses an atrium situated between the walls and the theater, housing the main hall, various facilities, and a mezzanine level. The mezzanine extends outward to a terrace, offering views of the outdoor plaza and gathering spaces beneath the expansive canopy.
Inside the atrium, a chandelier crafted from Kaynemaille architectural mesh hangs gracefully from the balcony down to the first floor. The theater’s interior features a circular blue panel that wraps around the seating bowls and stage.
Thanks to the use of pane glass, the blue structure is visible from the outside and is designed to emit a glowing effect at night. HKS Studio described it as, “At night, this building resembles a lantern lit from within, with a shining gemstone at its core.”
The interior design embraces a mid-20th century aesthetic, with the design team incorporating lush textures, geometric patterns, and finishes inspired by metals and gemstones. These choices balance decoration with durability, accommodating the high volume of events expected year-round. Michelle Stevenson stated, “Our goal was to create an interior that offers extraordinary experiences for both performers and audiences — not just a black box, but a space that truly fosters innovation.”
The theater’s design is tailored to the shape of the canopy, optimizing both comfort and acoustics. HKS Studio explained, “The bowl’s fan-like shape allows sound to disperse evenly throughout the venue. Nearly every surface is covered with fabric — including soundproof wall panels, rigging structures, and seats — to minimize unwanted feedback and distracting echoes.” This theater and the stadium are both part of a 300-acre entertainment and residential complex developed by Stanley Kroenke, owner of the Los Angeles Rams.
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