Image: The stadium takes fans closer to the action

The BBVA Compass Stadium - home to Major League Soccer's (MLS) Houston Dynamo - has become the first "soccer-specific" venue to open in a downtown location in the US.

Located in the heart of Houston, the 22,000-seat stadium - designed by Populous - incorporates a pitch using TifGrand Bermuda grass and a 94,000sq ft (8,733sq m) exterior aluminium 'skin'.

The close proximity of spectator seating to the pitch aims to replicate the feel of a European-style football stadium, while roof canopies cover nearly 75 per cent of the venue.

Design features also include a concourse that encircles the entire facility and more than 100 concession points of sale to reduce queuing times. The stadium also includes 36 suites.

A Houston Dynamo spokesperson said: "This brand new, downtown, state-of-the-art soccer-specific stadium will be among the top soccer venues in North America.

"Its detailed and tactful design gives the stadium an international flavour, making fans feel as though they are in a European setting."

Details: www.houstondynamo.com

Image: Anthony Vasser/Houston Dynamo