For more than 50 years, HNTB has delivered awardwinning sports, aviation and transit projects. We are a multidisciplinary architectural and engineering firm with more than 7,000 employees in 70 offices across the country. Our interdisciplinary practice is led by industry leaders who share a vision to create meaningful experiences and lasting memories.
Architecture Services
Æ Architectural Design
Æ Interior Design
Æ Urban Planning and Master Planning
Æ Landscape Architecture
Æ Structural Engineering
Æ Branding and Graphic Design
Æ Civil Engineering
Æ Code and Life Safety Reviews
Æ Cost Estimating
Æ Facility Assessments
Æ Fundraising and Visualization Tools
Æ On-Site Construction Administration
Æ Programming and Benchmark Analysis
Æ Site and Venue Feasibility Studies
Æ Transportation Planning
Æ Traffic Analysis and Modeling
Sports Clients
Our team of design professionals are proud of our service as trusted advisors to these sports clients. This list represents both the HNTB sports and entertainment portfolio along with the clients of industry leaders who have recently joined HNTB.
Our Mission
We create designs that enhance human experience and bring people together. We craft destinations inspired by our clients and their communities. By combining creativity, business-driven insights, and a deep understanding of cultural context, we cultivate environments that infuse meaning and purpose into society.
Our Vision
Our vision is to design architecture that fosters human connections, creating environments where communities come together and thrive. Specializing in transformative spaces such as airports, stadiums, and transit stations, we commit to embracing the latest technologies, enhancing both the functionality and social interaction within our built environment. Our designs aim to elevate human
experiences, prioritize safety, and celebrate cultural identities to foster communities that are not only prepared but thrive in a dynamic future. Grounded in integrity and collaborative expertise, we push the boundaries of architecture to create not just structures, but legacies of resilience and joy.
Our Philosophy
We believe great design begins with curiosity, imagination and rigor. We seek out diverse perspectives—across disciplines, backgrounds and communities—not as a formality, but as a catalyst. It is through genuine collaboration that we shape ideas into places that belong deeply to their context. The result is architecture that brings people together, honors its setting and uplifts the human spirit.
Our Process
Listen Actively
Asking great questions is at the heart of what we do.
We are committed to deeply understanding our clients’ visions and uncovering new opportunities for design. This exploration informs an innovative approach grounded in our clients’ needs and data, with a continual focus on enhancing the customer experience. This foundation allows imagination to flourish with clarity and purpose.
Design Together
Our clients are part of the design team.
Our clients, stakeholders and communities are integral members of the design team, contributing insights and inspiration. Through a highly interactive journey, we challenge conventional thinking and explore new possibilities, ensuring that each project reflects the distinctive character of its place and culture. Together, we create spaces that spark joy, pride and a sense of ownership, maximizing the return on design.
Inspire Tomorrow
We are driven by improving lives through design.
Every project is an opportunity to imagine and create a better world. We take our responsibility seriously, serving as stewards of both our clients’ resources and the collective future. Guided by economic, social and environmental values, we strive to create beautiful, high-performance spaces that inspire pride and leave a lasting, positive impact.
Our Culture
Our design culture is the heartbeat of our practice, where creativity thrives and collaboration drives innovation. Transparency is at the core of everything we do. Ideas are openly shared, critiqued, and refined. This culture is cultivated within our teams, but it includes our clients as integral partners in the design process.
We believe that the most compelling outcomes come when our process intersects with the unique perspectives and organizational insights of our clients. By facilitating a collaborative space for dialogue, we merge our expertise with theirs, encouraging diverse viewpoints to coalesce into breakthrough ideas. Together, we forge a shared vision that ensures that each project not only reflects our design values but is enriched by the deep understanding of the client’s goals and identity.
Experience Principles
Our designs are rooted in customer experience. This vision is crafted to each project by pairing our global sports and entertainment experience with the unique and tailored vision of our clients.
We approach each project as students and experts. While there are many common threads and trends within the sports and entertainment industry we bring to every project, every solution is specific to our client’s vision for their fans, city, region and culture. It is in this spirit that we are passionate students of a vision that starts with our clients.
Intuitive
Clear and simple design is crucial for effective communication. When ideas are easily grasped, a design communicates its purpose, fostering confidence and ease for those engaging with the space.
Memorable
Design shapes human experience, guiding decisions and evoking emotions. Exceptional design should possess the power to captivate, ignite curiosity and drive exploration.
Diverse
Designing for diversity and inclusivity means addressing a wide range of user needs, accommodating various abilities, cultural backgrounds and preferences to ensure universal accessibility and appeal.
Personalized
Design should create adaptable spaces and interfaces that cater to individual preferences, ensuring a unique and relevant experience for each user.
Flexible
Design’s adaptability is intertwined with sustainability. It should be flexible, accommodating changing needs and uses over time, thereby enhancing the long-term value and relevance of the built environment.
Data-driven
Design, rooted in historical lessons, critically analyzes metrics like past building examples, climate data and market demand. This informs creative, forwardlooking solutions.
Efficient
Efficiency in design is about maximizing value by optimizing spatial, material and budget-related resources. It ensures a functional, cost-effective and sustainable outcome, representing responsible stewardship of client resources.
Sustainable
Sustainable design minimizes environmental impact through efficient resource use, energy conservation and responsible material selection, creating eco-friendly and enduring spaces.
Comfortable
Comfort-focused design spans diverse spaces, aiming to minimize friction and obstacles for an enjoyable user experience, whether in physical or digital realms.
Social
Humans, social by nature, treasure connections in the built environment. Design’s essence lies in encouraging interaction, collaboration and community. Spaces should foster socialization and engagement.
Service
A superior customer experience begins with thoughtful back-of-house planning that considers both fans and venue staff. Showing deep respect for behind-thescenes efforts ensures an excellent frontof-house experience.
Frictionless
Customers expect speed and ease in every aspect, from arrival to food and seating. Design is crucial in harmonizing operations and architecture to create an enjoyable, not dreaded, fan experience.
Safe
Safety in design instills customer confidence and ensures practical well-being, a foundational priority for community buildings. Good design guarantees a secure experience for everyone in the built environment.
Local
Each project should be strongly influenced by the local culture and context, embracing and respecting cultural characteristics enriching the design and making it resonate with the community it serves.
Healthy
Design should enhance physical and mental well-being, incorporating elements like air quality, natural lighting, ergonomic features and spaces that encourage activity for overall health and wellness.
City
Designing for the fan experience goes beyond venue walls, requiring a seamless integration of city and venue. This approach encourages early arrivals, extended stays and the development of a vibrant LiveWork-Play district centered around sports and entertainment.
The Venue Is Bigger Than the Venue
Venues are being designed to be activated 365 days a year, allowing more flexibility to host diverse events and gatherings beyond the game. As such, everything from adjacent open spaces, such as plazas, grass areas and campus malls, to internal spaces like concourses, club lounge areas and social terraces/patios, must be designed with diversity and value in mind. This aims to maximize the flexibility of use and revenue generation. These strategies also underscore the needs of the local residential community.
Respect The Machine
Great design must be thoughtful and creative everywhere - including the back of the house. When strategically and thoughtfully planned, back-of-house and operations spaces in venues contribute to streamlined logistics and efficient event management, ensuring a seamless and well-coordinated experience for staff and performerscontributing to memorable events.
Think Beyond The Seat
Today’s fan not only wants, but demands increased opportunities to socially-connect with friends and family. We have seen a trend towards integration of themed patios and terraces, membership-only clubs for the everyday fan and more emphasis on food/beverage integration within these areas to offer an opportunity for more mobility and choice.
Digitized Experiences
The embrace of digital and touchless interactions, including mobile check-ins, contactless payments, voice control and biometrics, is reshaping the world around us. In creating a welcoming environment, the focus should be on designing the experience with a customer-first approach.
Essentialism
Now more than ever, fans seek meaningful experiences from the moment they leave home. While designing around consumer choice remains a prevalent industry trend, excessive options, sometimes reaching eight to 10 different premium hospitality areas, can hinder operators in delivering the expected quality and service for each space. The focus should be on eliminating unnecessary elements and designing a plan that can be executed at its highest level, delivering a unique and memorable brand experience.
Courtside Bar
Scoreboard Terrace
Premium Seating
Beer Garden
Comfort, Ease And A Frictionless Experience
We are committed to prioritizing the small details, creating a fun experience and offering patrons a wide range of choices, as we believe these qualities remain crucial. We persist in challenging conventional approaches, aiming to expand design possibilities and planning strategies that not only cater to current needs but also support innovative delivery models both now and in the future. Our focus includes ensuring a frictionless experience for fans, seamlessly integrating these principles into every aspect of their venue experience.
Maximizing ROI Through Data-Driven Design
Designing a modern, fan-friendly stadium or a new airport benefits greatly from a robust and organized database of benchmarking data. By leveraging comprehensive information on industry trends and successful design features, we ensure that projects are both innovative and efficient. Our unique expertise at HNTB enables us to guide clients in utilizing benchmarking data to develop design recommendations that reflect the latest trends and best practices.
Through a data-driven approach, we evaluate and implement design features that maximize performance and return on investment. This methodology not only enhances the functionality and user experience of each project but also positions our clients to achieve their goals more effectively. By predicting future trends and optimizing every aspect of the project, we deliver solutions that are both cutting-edge and highly efficient.
Shohei Ohtani
Shohei Ohtani is a once-in-a-generation talent who has redefined what’s possible in professional baseball. As both an elite pitcher and a powerhouse at the plate, he captivates fans with a rare blend of skill, athleticism and poise. Representing the Los Angeles Dodgers, he’s become a global ambassador for the sport, inspiring a new generation of fans and athletes around the world.
Ohtani is a Japanese sensation playing for the Los Angeles Angels, known for his dual-role as both a dominant pitcher and a powerful hitter. He has taken MLB by winning the 2021 AL MVP and becoming a global icon in the sport
HNTB’s Sports Design Team Bench Depth
Our team possesses a strength of experience in sports and entertainment venue design, including projects completed at HNTB and with prior firms. Collectively, these key team members have unique combination of experiences that have a foundation in best practices balanced against being innovative trendsetters. Supporting this team, HNTB’s sports practice comprises industry experts that can be called upon as this design and planning effort warrants. Our bench
strength includes individuals dedicated to site planning, fan experience, player and team development. Contributing to our team’s strength, HNTB’s customized benchmarking and analytics experts focused on return on investment and revenue maximization. Our collective intellectual inventory allows us to pair the right expertise and experience to meet your guiding principles and priorities.
Todd Ballew
Sports Director
Todd has a strong background in the operation and management of sporting events and large spectator gatherings, working as an Assistant Athletic Director for Operations for nearly a decade. Todd worked as the user’s representative on several capital improvement projects. His practical experience in event management and project responsibility from the client-side blended with his experience from the provider-side affords both client and staff with a true understanding of sport venue goals.
Education
Æ Master of Science/Physical Education, Florida State University
Æ Bachelor of Science/Marketing, Clemson University
Affiliations
Æ NACDA
Æ CABMA
Æ CEFMA
Years Experience
32
Select Experience
Æ Clemson University, Jervey Athletic Center
Æ Virginia Tech University, Cassell Coliseum Renovations
Æ Virginia Tech University, Football Locker Room Renovations
Æ University of Pittsburgh, Victory Heights Arena + Performance Center
Æ Georgia Tech, Bobby Dodd Stadium Master Plan
Æ NC State, Murphy Center Upgrades
Æ University of South Carolina, Williams-Brice Stadium Renovation
Æ University of Miami, Indoor Baseball Practice Facilities
Æ Oklahoma State University Athletics, Boone Pickens Stadium Expansion*
Æ Clemson University, Memorial Stadium West End Zone Renovation*
Æ West Virginia University, Coliseum Renovations & Improvements*
Æ Western Kentucky University, Academic / Athletic Performance Center*
Æ The Ohio State University, Woody Hayes Athletic Center & Tennis Center Renovation*
Æ Western Kentucky University, Smith Stadium Addition & Renovation*
Æ Georgia Institute of Technology, Basketball Practice Facility Study*
Æ West Virginia University, Puskar Athletic Center Study, Morgantown*
*Work completed while employed at a previous firm.
Ryan Gedney Chief Design Officer
Ryan’s passion for professional sports, collegiate sports and the hospitality sector shows clearly through his wide variety of design leadership experience. He is rigorous in fundamentally understanding client goals and visions and is adept at designing environments which are elegant in both function and aesthetic. With great respect for unique fan experiences, revenue generation and inspired place making Ryan works to achieve the shared vision between the owner and design team.
Education
Bachelor of Architecture, Kansas State University
Registrations
NCARB Certificated
Affiliations
American Institute of Architects
Years Experience
26
Select Experience
Æ Empower Field at Mile High Master Plan
Æ Lower.com Field
Æ Northwestern University, Ryan Field Redevelopment
Æ University of Kansas, David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium Renovations
Æ Mercedes-Benz Stadium*
Æ MetLife Stadium*
Æ State Farm Arena*
Æ Little Caesars Arena*
Æ Rogers Place + ICE District*
Æ Detroit Red Wings Practice + Community Rink*
Æ Lynn Family Stadium*
Æ Al Menaa Stadium*
Æ Al-Najaf International Stadium*
Æ Basrah Sport City*
Æ Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex*
Æ Confidential Tennis Master Plan*
Æ Buffalo Bills Stadium Renovation Concept
Æ Stadium of the Future Concept
*Work completed while employed at a previous firm.
Matt Kastel
Sr. Project Manager
For more than 20 years, Matt has successfully driven technically complex and prominent projects. He is skilled at clearly communicating with clients and maintaining the project’s vision, focus, schedule and budget. Matt takes great pride in client satisfaction with our services and is responsible for consultant team coordination.
Education
Æ Master of Architecture, Texas A&M
Æ Bachelor of Interior Architecture, Kansas State University
Registrations
Registered Architect: Missouri
Affiliations
Æ American Institute of Architects
Æ LEED Accredited Professional
Years Experience
26
Select Experience
Æ Atlanta Hawks Architectural + Interiors On-Call
Æ University of Kentucky, Memorial Coliseum Renovation
Æ Virginia Tech University, Cassell Coliseum Renovations
Æ University of Illinois, Ubben Basketball Complex Renovation
Æ Georgia Tech, Bobby Dodd Stadium Master Plan
Æ University of South Carolina, Williams-Brice Stadium Renovation
Æ The Advocate Center*
Æ Spectrum Center*
Æ Golden 1 Center and Practice Facility*
Æ Huntington Center*
Æ RFK Stadium*
Æ MetLife Stadium*
Æ University of Illinois, Memorial Stadium Renovations*
Æ University of Nebraska, Devaney Center Renovations*
Æ Kansas State University, Seaton Hall Renovations*
*Work completed while employed at a previous firm.
Dan Brown Project Manager
Dan brings architectural expertise and an understanding of user-focused design to the planning and execution of large-scale sports venues. His insight into how these environments function enables him to create seamless experiences for fans, teams and operators alike. Dan’s collaborative approach and technical proficiency support resource-efficient, constructible solutions, while his fluency in advanced visualization tools helps navigate complex design constraints— delivering next-generation stadiums that respond to their broader urban and cultural contexts.
Education
Master of Architecture, University of Kansas
Registrations
Æ Registered Architect: California, District of Columbia
Æ NCARB Certified
Affiliations
Æ American Institute of Architects
Æ National Organization of Minority Architects
Years Experience
10
Select Experience
Æ Ohio State University, Ohio Stadium 1922 Club Renovation
Æ University of Southern California, Bloom Football Performance Center
Æ Huntington Bank Field*
Æ Petco Park Renovations*
Æ San Diego State University, Snapdragon Stadium*
Æ San Diego FC New Training Facility*
Æ University of California, Davis Student-Athlete Performance Center*
Æ Farmers Field*
Æ Irvine Amphitheater*
*Work completed while employed at a previous firm.
Eric Maxwell
Design Principal
Eric is an energetic professional with 25 years of experience. His proven leadership coupled with his passion for problem solving and team building are evident in all aspects of every project in which he engages. Eric’s portfolio represents a deep understanding of indoor training and competition facilities that serve a variety of sports.
Education
Æ Masters of Architecture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Æ Bachelor of Architectural Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Registrations
Registered Architect: Nebraska
Affiliations
Æ American Institute of Architects
Æ LEED Accredited Professional
Years Experience
25
Select Experience
Æ Northwestern University, Ryan Field Redevelopment
Æ University of Nebraska, Memorial Stadium Renovations
Æ Clemson University, Jervey Athletic Center
Æ Clemson University, Women’s Sports Expansion Program
Æ University of Kentucky, Memorial Coliseum Renovation
Æ Virginia Tech University, Cassell Coliseum Renovations
Æ William & Mary, Kaplan Arena and Sports Performance Center
Æ University of Nebraska, Allen Training Complex
Æ University of Kansas, Indoor Football Practice Facility
Æ NC State, Reynolds Coliseum Renovations*
Æ University of Texas, Founders Suites*
Æ NC State, Carmichael Recreation Renovations*
Æ Northwestern University, Trienens Performance Center Renovations*
Æ Northwestern University, Welsh-Ryan Arena*
Æ Virginia State University, New Arena*
Æ Smoothie King Center Renovations*
Æ Cleveland Cavaliers Practice Facility, Cleveland Clinic Courts*
*Work completed while employed at a previous firm.
Emily Louchart
Design Director - Interiors
Emily approaches hospitality design as a strategic method to enhance meaningful interactions between the people and the place. Her design approach transforms client aspirations in sports venues that are not only functional but also uniquely memorable. With over a decade of expertise, Emily has played a key role in more than 20 major projects across all professional sports leagues including new constructions and renovations in sports and entertainment venues.
Education
Æ Master of Science, Architecture, Interior Design Specialization University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Æ Bachelor of Science, Interior Design, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Registrations
Æ NCIDQ Certified
Æ LEED Accredited Professional
Years Experience
15
Select Experience
Æ Athletics Ballpark
Æ Empower Field at Mile High Premium Hospitality Concept Study
Æ University of Kansas, David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium Renovations
Æ Northwestern University, Ryan Field Redevelopment
Æ Ohio State University, Ohio Stadium Renovations
Æ University of Pittsburgh, Victory Heights Arena + Performance Center
Æ University of Nebraska, Memorial Stadium Renovations
Æ Scotia Place*
Æ State Farm Arena Renovations*
Æ Rogers Place + ICE District*
Æ EverBank Stadium Level and Suite Level Modifications*
Æ Rate Field Master Plan and Improvements*
Æ T-Mobile Park Mariners Club Expansion*
Æ United Center Renovations*
Æ Energizer Park*
Æ Washington University Orthopedics High Performance Center*
Æ Buffalo Bills Stadium Renovation Concept
Æ Stadium of the Future Concept
*Work completed while employed at a previous firm.
Harry S. Truman Sports Complex
Creating a Legacy
Of Community-driven Venues That Elevate The Fan Experience
HNTB has a long history of delivering innovative and impactful sports and entertainment venues, helping municipalities, universities and professional teams create world-class destinations that meet evolving industry demands. We have led the way in designing stadiums, arenas, ballparks and entertainment districts that elevate the guest experience while ensuring longterm operational success. Our approach prioritizes innovation, incorporating advancements in premium seating, immersive digital experiences and adaptable venue layouts that maximize flexibility beyond game day. By seamlessly blending new technologies with architectural excellence, we help clients create iconic venues that are not only state-of-the-art but also deeply connected to their communities.
Sustainability and economic responsibility are at the core of our design strategies, ensuring that sports and entertainment venues are both environmentally
conscious and financially viable. We focus on energyefficient systems, responsible material sourcing and resilient design features that reduce operational costs while enhancing sustainability. By transforming venues into multi-use destinations that support year-round programming—including concerts, conventions and community events—HNTB helps clients drive return on investment and create lasting value for fans, teams and cities alike. Through thoughtful planning and forwardthinking design, we continue to redefine what’s possible in sports and entertainment architecture—delivering venues that are innovative, adaptable and built for the future.
Select Experience
Ballparks
MLB Athletics Athletics Ballpark
MLB Kansas City Royals
Kauffman Stadium
Stadiums
NFL Denver Broncos Empower Field at Mile High
NFL Las Vegas Raiders Allegiant Stadium
NFL San Francisco 49ers Levi’s Stadium
University of Kentucky Kentucky Proud Park
NFL Kansas City Chiefs Arrowhead Stadium
NFL Atlanta Falcons Mercedes-Benz Stadium
NFL Miami Dolphins Hard Rock Stadium Renovations
NFL New Orleans Saints
Bunker Clubs and Lower Bowl Renovations Caesars Superdome
NFL New York Giants / New York Jets MetLife Stadium
Stadiums
USL Sacramento Republic FC Sacramento Republic FC Stadium
USL Phoenix Rising FC Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex Concept
USL Louisville City FC Lynn Family Stadium
MLS Columbus Crew Lower.com Field
MLS St. Louis City SC Energizer Park
MLS Atlanta United Mercedes-Benz Stadium
MLS San Jose Earthquakes PayPal Park
MLS Inter Miami CF Miami Freedom Park
Northwestern University Ryan Field Redevelopment
University of Kansas David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium Renovation
The Ohio State University Ohio Stadium 1922 Club Renovation
The Ohio State University Ohio Stadium
University of Iowa Kinnick Stadium Renovations
Arizona State University Mountain America Stadium
Iowa State University Jack Trice Stadium
University of Nebraska Memorial Stadium Renovations
University of Kentucky Kroger Field Renovation
University of California - Berkeley California Memorial Stadium Renovation
University of Wisconsin Camp Randall Stadium Renovations
University of Alabama Bryant-Denny Stadium Masterplan
Arenas
NHL Calgary Flames Scotia Place
NHL Detroit Red Wings Little Caesars Arena
NHL Edmonton Oilers Rogers Place + ICE District
NBA Milwaukee Bucks Fiserv Forum
NBA Phoenix Suns PHX Arena
NBA Atlanta Hawks State Farm Arena
NBA Detroit Pistons Little Caesars Arena
University of Kentucky Memorial Coliseum
Virginia Tech University Cassell Coliseum Modernization
William & Mary Kaplan Arena and Sports Performance Center
Clarkson University Cheel Arena Renovations
St. Lawrence University Appleton Arena
Northwestern Welsh-Ryan
Northwestern Trienens Performance Center
Training Facilities
NFL Washington Commanders
Commanders Park Training Facility Upgrades
NFL Chicago Bears Halas Hall Renovation + Expansion
USL Sacramento Republic FC Team Training Facility Concept Design
MLS San Diego FC
Sharp HealthCare Performance Center & Right to Dream Academy
MLS St. Louis City SC
Washington University Orthopedics High Performance Center
MLS Sporting Kansas City Compass Minerals National Performance Center
MLS Inter Miami CF Training Facility Concept Design
NBA Orlando Magic
AdventHealth Training Center
NBA Sacramento Kings Golden 1 Center
NBA Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex
NBA Chicago Bulls
The Advocate Center
NHL Detroit Red Wings Practice + Community Rink
NHL Chicago Blackhawks
Blackhawks Practice Facility
Training
Facilities
University of Southern California
Bloom Football Performance Center
University of Pittsburgh
Victory Heights Arena and Sports Performance Center
University of Kansas
Anderson Family Football Complex Renovation
DePaul University Basketball Practice Facility
Clemson University Jervey Athletic Center
Coastal Carolina University
Indoor Practice Facility
Coastal Carolina University Indoor Practice Facility
Georgia Tech
Bobby Dodd Stadium Master Plan
Clemson University
Women’s Sports Expansion Program
Tulane University
Football Locker Room Renovations
University of Illinois
Ubben Basketball Complex Renovation
University of Georgia
Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall Renovation
University of South Florida
Porter Family Indoor Performance Facility
University of Nebraska
Allen Training Complex
Louisiana State University
Football Operations Center
University of Illinois
Henry Dale and Betty Smith Football Performance Center
Training Facilities
Arizona State University
Student-Athlete Facility
University of Michigan Schembechler Hall Renovation
University of Kansas Indoor Football Practice Facility
