Sports
HNTB’S ARCHITECTURE PRACTICE
Design That Moves People
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 long-term 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 energy-efficient 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 forward-thinking design, we continue to redefine what’s possible in sports and entertainment architecture—delivering venues that are innovative, adaptable, and built for the future.
Sports Architecture Services
– Architectural Design
– Branding & Graphic Design
– Civil Engineering
– Code & Life Safety Reviews
– Cost Estimating
– Facility Assessments
– Fundraising Graphics & Visualization Tools
– Interior Design
– Landscape Architecture
– Master Planning
– On-Site Construction Administration
– Programming & Benchmark Analysis
– Site & Venue Feasibility Studies
– Structural Engineering
– Transportation Planning
– Traffic Analysis & Modeling
– Urban Planning & Master Planning
Sports Clients
Our talented team of architecture professionals are proud of our association and 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 experts who have recently joined HNTB. Our team possesses a strength of experience in stadium documentation and delivery, including projects completed at HNTB and with prior firms.
NFL Las Vegas Raiders
Project
Allegiant Stadium
Location
Las Vegas, Nevada
Year
2020
Services
Architect of Record
Interior Design
On-site Construction Administration
Designed in association with MANICA Architecture, the $1.54B domed and air-conditioned stadium features seating for 65,000, but can be expanded to accommodate larger events such as the Super Bowl and other world-class entertainment events. To fulfill its role as a multipurpose entertainment, retail and sports facility destination, the new stadium design incorporates contemporary features, and intensely focuses on technologically enhanced facilities to support a wide variety of events – including soccer and non-athletic events like concerts. Additional features include a retractable natural turf field and large operable walls that open to dazzling views of the neighboring Las Vegas Strip. A wide variety of open clubs, lounges and private suites throughout all levels offer an array of premium price points.
NFL Las Vegas Raiders Allegiant Stadium
NFL San Francisco 49ers
Project
Levi’s Stadium
Location
Santa Clara, California
Year
2014
Services
Architectural Design
Civil Engineering
Interior Design
Master Planning
Programming & Benchmark Analysis
Structural Engineering
Delivered on budget and on schedule, the home of the San Francisco 49ers is the first new-construction NFL stadium to achieve LEED® Gold certification.
To achieve the premium design and express the franchise’s distinctive character, the project team formed a “creative council,” which informed the design of premium spaces and resulted in each club feeling like the sponsor’s brand.
The stadium was delivered under a first-of-its-kind hybrid design-build model, which thrives on intense owner-project team collaboration. The heightened collaboration accelerated an aggressive schedule, making Levi’s Stadium the NFL’s fastest-constructed stadium.
NFL San Francisco 49ers Levi’s Stadium
NFL Denver Broncos
Project
Empower Field at Mile High
Location
Denver, Colorado
Year
2001, 2023
Services
Architectural Design
Master Planning
Programming & Benchmark Analysis
HNTB led a design team for the new Empower Field at Mile High, which honored the unique and special traditions of Denver’s original Mile High Stadium. It was designed as a Stadium in the Park, integrated into an urban setting that served as a civic anchor for downtown Denver, complementing the surrounding architecture and landscape. The project was fast-tracked with multiple early demolition, foundation, and steel packages to accelerate the schedule—leading to delivery two weeks ahead of schedule and $4.5M under budget.
Featuring 124 private suites, three stadium clubs, two museums, and a retail store, the stadium hosted over 300 non-football events each year. It included more than 76,125 seats, a natural grass playing surface, and a range of revenue-generating fan amenities.
In 2024, Empower Field at Mile High underwent a groundbreaking transformation through a capital improvement project exceeding $100 million. This endeavor, the largest in the venue’s history, redefined the fan experience and elevated the stadium to new heights. The upgrades included state-of-the-art enhancements across multiple areas, such as video boards, premium hospitality sections, technology, concessions, the Broncos Team Store, and ticketing.
NFL Denver Broncos Empower Field at Mile High
MLS Columbus Crew
Project
Lower.com Field
Location
Columbus, Ohio
Year
2021
Services
Architectural Design
Interior Design
Structural Engineering
HNTB served as lead design architect and architect of record for Lower.com Field, home to the Columbus Crew, one of the 10 inaugural professional teams that were part of Major League Soccer. The stadium is situated at the terminus of Nationwide Boulevard, a pedestrian-friendly Columbus street that connects major sports venues like Nationwide Arena, Huntington Ballpark and Lower.com Field to the Arena District. Lower.com Field anchors the future Astor Park development, which will feature as much as 150,000-SF of commercial and office space along with 440 residential units, including 20% set aside as affordable housing. The new neighborhood will also feature a new Riverfront Park, providing recreation amenities and trail access.
Inspired by the Community: Influenced by the vibrancy and diversity of Columbus’ urban neighborhoods, the stadium boasts four unique stands, each with its own features and character. The supporter’s “Nordecke” safe-standing section in the north is designed to be the steepest in MLS, along with two elevated patio decks and a beer garden for 3,356 of Columbus Crew’s faithful supporters. The 5,000SF pub-style restaurant near the primary entry will offer open views to the entrance plaza and Columbus’ vibrant downtown skyline.
MLS Columbus Crew
USL Sacramento Republic FC
Project
Sacramento Republic FC Stadium
Location
Sacramento, California
Year 2018
Services
Architectural Design
Architect of Record
HNTB served as Lead Architect and Architect of Record for a 20,100seat, 406,000-SF stadium to support USL soccer for Sacramento Republic FC, college football, rugby, concerts, art festivals and community events. The project was paused at 95% construction document completion phase.
To optimize the design and reduce construction costs, the team used a single concourse design, an on-grade field configuration and a simple modular exterior design that still provides the stadium with an iconic look that reflects the spirit of Sacramento, highlighting a distinctive civic identity and clear, engaging design. Showcasing the team’s brand, exterior appearance and building structure are all based on Republic FC’s logo: the star. The stadium also pays homage to Sacramento’s urban forests and famed canopies. Site and landscape design, along with local food vendors and concessions, will pay homage to Sacramento’s agricultural heritage.
Northwestern University
Project
Ryan Field Redevelopment
Location
Evanston, Illinois
Year
2026
Services
Architectural Design
Interior Design
Serving as the lead design architect and architect of record with Perkins&Will serving as the associate design architect, the design of the new Ryan Field and campus will reduce seating capacity by 12,000 to 35,000, bringing fans much closer to the field, resulting in an engaging and intimate experience. Wide concourses and terraces with unobstructed viewing areas and refreshment stands will provide ease of access throughout the stadium and plenty of room for informal gathering. Outdoor plazas, some with direct views onto the field stadium, will allow students, alumni, families, and community supporters to gather and tailgate before and after games, enhancing the game-day experience.
Ryan Field also will be the most accessible in college football. The stadium and all of its services are meant to meet the needs of people with all abilities without the need for adaptation or specialized design. With the vision of the Ryan family, and HNTB and Perkins&Will’s commitment to equity in design, the new stadium goes much further, at least doubling all ADA requirements, which fans will see in wider entry points and ramps, expanded terraces for seating, additional grab bars throughout the stadium, and in restroom fixture configurations.
Northwestern University Ryan Field Redevelopment
University of Kansas
Project
David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium Renovation
Location
Lawrence, Kansas
Year
2025
Services
Architectural Design
Interior Design
Structural Engineering
The University of Kansas recently unveiled a new vision for their transformational Gateway District in the heart of Lawrence, Kansas, which includes major upgrades to the David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium and a remodel to Anderson Family Football Complex.
The redesigned stadium will include upgrades to the in-game fan experience such as seating bowl design with improved sightlines that increase comfort and bring fans closer to the field; expanded concessions, restrooms and accessible seating locations; improved concourse circulation; and premium amenities such as club seats, ledge seats and suites.
The stadium will also include multi-use spaces to augment conference facilities and bring the public together. Nestled into the landscape, the design creates an indoor-outdoor interconnectedness that elevates the authenticity of the fan experience.
The first phase of the renovation to Anderson Family Football Complex features a locker room, weight room, entry lobby, expanded auditorium, expanded coaches’ offices and expanded team meeting rooms. Phase 2 will feature a state-of-the-art sports medicine, sports science and recovery area. Additionally, one of the club lounges adjacent to the complex will serve as a training table for student-athletes.
University of Kansas David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium Renovation
The Ohio State University
Project
Ohio Stadium
Location
Columbus, Ohio
Year
2001, 2019
Services
Architectural Design
Interior Design Programming & Benchmark Analysis
HNTB provided planning and design services for the renovation and expansion of historic Ohio Stadium in 2001, and completed an additional multiphase renovation in 2018 and 2019 that provided enhanced premium amenities, concrete restoration, seating bowl and vertical transportation upgrades. Key elements of the recent project included a renovated and expanded University Suite, addition of 186 new loge seats and premium loge club and construction of 16 new premium suites. The new 9,000-SF premium loge club can accommodate 300 fans and has operable glazing that retracts 200 feet, providing unobstructed views to the field.
The Ohio State University Ohio Stadium
University of Iowa
Project
Kinnick Stadium Renovation
Location
Iowa City, Iowa
Year
2019
Services
Architectural Design
Interior Design
Programming & Benchmark Analysis
Structural Engineering
HNTB, in collaboration with Neumann Monson Architects, served as lead design architect for the renovation of the North End Zone project. The project consists of a complete tear-down and rebuild of the north end zone with a new four-level structure that includes 8,350 new general seats and 1,570 premium club seats, new main and upper concourses with concessions, restrooms and support spaces, 20,000-SF of new club lounge to support outdoor club seats and 10 loge boxes were added along with two branded outdoor club terraces. A pedestrian bridge was added to provide a connection to the parking garage.
The project was completed in two phases. The seating bowl with all club and general admission seating was completed for the 2018 football season, while the indoor club space and concourse amenities were completed prior to the 2019 season.
University of Iowa Kinnick Stadium Renovation
Arizona State University
Project
Mountain America Stadium
Location
Tempe, Arizona
Year
2015, 2016, 2017
Services
Architectural Design
Interior Design
Fundraising Graphics & Visualization Tools
Programming & Benchmark Analysis
Structural Engineering
HNTB’s national sports design team transformed the iconic stadium into an energized, connected, and world-class sports and entertainment venue. Since it opened in 1958, Arizona State University’s Mountain America Stadium has played host to ASU football, NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, annual college bowl games, the Super Bowl and a visit from Pope John Paul II. However, the venerable stadium had not seen a significant renovation for 25 years until officials launched a $307M program in 2014 to enhance the game day experience, aid recruiting and create a year-round community asset for Sun Devil Nation.
Phase 1 created a new student seating section and concourse at the south end zone. Phase 2 focused on the west and north sides, and includes 10 Founder’s Suites, two new premium club areas, a complete new lower bow and two new concourses with concessions and restrooms. The north end zone includes new seating, the Sun Deck Terrace, recruiting lounge and 103,000-SF student-athlete sports performance center connected through the Tillman Tunnel. The Phase 3 east sideline construction, which opened ahead of the 2019-2020 football season, focused on a new east sideline club and loge seating area, new lower and upper seating bowl, and new concourse with concessions and restrooms.
HNTB’s Architecture Practice
Arizona State University Mountain America Stadium
University of Kentucky
Project
Kroger Field Renovation
Location
Lexington, Kentucky
Year
2015
Services
Architectural Design
Fundraising Graphics & Visualization Tools
Interior Design
Programming & Benchmark Analysis
Site & Venue Feasibility Studies
Structural Engineering
The trend within college football is to make stadiums bigger and increase capacity. By contrast, a primary goal for Kroger Field was to increase the stadium’s intimacy and provide competitive advantage for the UK football program by actually reducing capacity from 67,000 to 61,000 seats to make it smaller, louder and captivating atmosphere by bringing fans closer to the action. The renovation and addition were phased over two years without interruptions to events.
The delivery of early design packages on a complex stadium project means changes are inevitable, so managing the process is critical.
For the University of Kentucky Kroger Field Renovation project, the HNTB team delivered construction documents as four separate Design Releases — the first being a Structural Steel Package, which was issued six months prior to the final design being issued for bid.
University of Kentucky Kroger Field Renovation
Iowa State University
Project
Jack Trice Stadium
Location
Ames, Iowa
Year
2008, 2009, 2015
Services
Architectural Design
Interior Design
Master Planning
Programming & Benchmark Analysis
Structural Engineering
HNTB, in association with Neumann Monson Architects, completed the recent south end zone addition to Jack Trice Stadium. The project replaced and expanded the existing end zone with more than 13,000 seats, including 3,000 club seats, bringing the stadium capacity to more than 61,000. Directly behind the club seats is the first two-level end zone club in collegiate sports — The Sukup End Zone Club. The club provides two separate 15,000-SF lounge areas, each uniquely branded, which are stacked on top of each other and connected by a large, open central staircase. Each lounge has a combination of bars and concessions areas, and are design to host a variety of functions throughout the year.
A new concourse with new concessions and restrooms was also added, connecting the east and west concourses of the stadium. Additionally, a new upper with a scoreboard, 40 feet tall by 150 feet long, added to enclose the stadium and provide a higher level of intimacy and enclosure to the stadium. The south end zone project sits prominently along University Boulevard, and has become a front door to the university.
Iowa State University Jack Trice Stadium
University of NebraskaLincoln
Project
Memorial Stadium Renovation
Location
Lincoln, Nebraska
Year
2013
Services
Architectural Design
Fundraising Graphics & Visualization Tools
Interior Design
Programming
Structural Engineering
The project included the addition of 2,119 new outdoor club seats, 38 skybox suites and 3,300 new general seats through an east sideline addition that compliments the existing west sideline press tower, visually completing the stadium on both sides. New club lounge areas with support amenities for premium patrons were provided on each of the three new premium levels. One of the premium levels includes six large founder suites that have their own private lounge access. The level was designed with flexibility in mind, allowing for further diversification of premium seating offerings, through the future addition of new suites and luxury loge boxes with a dedicated club.
The east addition is completely independent and outside of the historic 1922 stadium and includes a new grand lobby that celebrates the original historic Gate 20 entrance. The design aesthetic blends in with the existing campus architecture outside of the stadium, while still respecting the historic stadium architecture. The design was developed in consideration of University of Nebraska guidelines and through continuous dialogue and collaboration with the university’s Campus Design Review Committee.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Memorial Stadium Renovation
University of CaliforniaBerkeley
Project
California Memorial Stadium Renovation
Location
Berkeley, California
Year
2012
Services
Master Planning
Programming & Benchmark Analysis
Architectural Design
Interior Design
California Memorial Stadium has maintained its status as one of the most picturesque football venues in the country and as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The design fuses together the integrity of the venue with a modern stadium design. The multilevel addition is contemporary and iconic in its design approach, appearing to float above the renovation stadium — juxtaposing new and old. The addition provides three distinctly branded clubs, supporting 3,000 fans.
Careful planning of separate construction projects with multiple bid packages was key to achieving the University’s goals of minimizing impact of construction on the surrounding campus and neighbors. The renovation included the demo and rebuilding of public concourses, vertical circulation, concessions, restrooms, seatings, restoration of the historic facade and upgrades to the existing utilities and infrastructure. The west sideline seating bowl was also replaced with wider treads and aisles.
University of California - Berkeley California Memorial Stadium Renovation
MLB Athletics
Project
A’s New Ballpark
Location
Las Vegas, Nevada
Year
2028
Services
Architect of Record
Architectural Design
Interior Design
Shaped by its location on the Las Vegas Strip, the A’s new 33,000person capacity ballpark provides an outdoor feel with views of the city’s skyline. The tiered design will split upper and lower seating bowls to bring fans closer to the action than traditional ballparks and provide clear sight lines from every seat. The roof’s five overlapping layers, whose design is inspired by traditional baseball pennants, open to the north to allow for natural light and views up the Strip, while also limiting direct sunlight and heat from the south. The outfield features the world’s largest cable-net glass window, facing the corner of Tropicana and Las Vegas Boulevards. The ballpark is currently designed to include an 18,000-square-foot jumbotron, which would make it the largest screen in MLB.
HNTB and Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) partnered on the design of the new ballpark with HNTB focusing on the sports design and premium hospitality design scope. HNTB is also serving as architect of record.
University of Kentucky
Project
Kentucky Proud Park
Location
Lexington, Kentucky
Year
2019
Services
Architectural Design
Fundraising Graphics & Visualization Tools
Interior Design
Programming & Benchmark Analysis
Structural Engineering
HNTB, in collaboration with Ballpark Design Associates and RossTarrant Architects, designed a modern, ballpark for the University of Kentucky. The new stadium features 2,200 chair-back seats, 40 loge seats, 160 club seats, 34 suite seats, 1,600 grass terrace/berm seats, 650 student outfield seats, and the option to add temporary outfield seating increasing capacity to 7,000 to host NCAA Tournament games.
Additional program elements include a modern team facility complex with lockers, training room, lounge, indoor batting cages, indoor practice infield facility, alumni lockers, and video viewing area. Additionally, the project includes a coaches’ office suite, recruiting room with an outdoor patio, press/media areas, stadium operations boxes, state-of-the art video board, and a distributed sound system. The exterior design was developed in consideration of the existing campus architecture and integrated throughout plazas, walkways, and landscaped areas to create a seamless athletics precinct that connects baseball, softball and soccer facilities together.
NBA Milwaukee Bucks
Project
Fiserv Forum
Location
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Year
2017
Services
Architectural Design
Civil and Structural Engineering0
Landscape Architecture
Site Design
Sustainable Design
Urban Planning
HNTB, in association with Populous and Eppstein Uhen, delivered a new sports and entertainment complex for the Milwaukee Bucks in the heart of downtown Milwaukee. The new 18,000-seat arena replaced the aging BMO Harris Bradley Center and was designed as part of a larger downtown development plan – forming the Deer District.
The arena’s design reflects the heritage, history and personality of Milwaukee while actively projecting progress, accessibility and a renewed sense of community. The state of the art, 714,000-SF arena is the hub of the Deer District entertainment development and the engine that drives growth in downtown Milwaukee.
Over the coming years, the 30-acre district surrounding Fiserv Forum is the largest development project ever undertaken in downtown Milwaukee. Combining entertainment, residential and commercial spaces, the new district will transform Milwaukee and serve as a catalyst for driving development throughout the community and greater Milwaukee region.
University of Kentucky
Project
Memorial Coliseum
Location
Lexington, Kentucky
Year
2024
Services
Architectural Design
Interior Design
HNTB, in association with RossTarrant Architects, is currently engaged with the University of Kentucky to renovate the historic Memorial Coliseum. The facility, which opened in 1950, was built as a memorial to Kentuckians who had died in World War I, World War II and the Korean War. This historic arena is now home to three UK women’s athletics teams: basketball, gymnastics and volleyball.
The primary goal for the project continues to be the modernization of Memorial Coliseum with specific changes meant to enhance the way the building is used today, while respecting the character and heritage of this important hallowed space on the UK campus. Improvements to the home of women’s basketball, volleyball and gymnastics will enhance recruiting opportunities for these programs.
University of Kentucky Memorial Coliseum
Virginia Tech University
Project
Cassell Coliseum Modernization
Location
Blacksburg, Virginia
Year
Ongoing
Services
Architecture Design
Interior Design
HNTB, in collaboration with Menefee Architecture, recently completed a study with Virginia Tech to deliver a long-term, strategic vision for Cassell Coliseum. This renovation and expansion focused on maintaining Cassell’s home-court advantage and reputation as one of the most difficult competition venues for visiting teams in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Increasing premium seating and fan experience opportunities through unique viewing and gathering spaces. Enhancing comfort for all patrons by modernizing fan amenities throughout the coliseum
As the front door to athletics and the heart of campus, the design concept prioritizes respecting and complementing the Coliseum’s overall arched form defined by the iconic exterior concrete flying buttresses. A simple, continuous, rectangular form encloses an expanded main concourse and new upper concourse.
Virginia Tech University Cassell Coliseum Modernization
William & Mary
Project
Kaplan Arena and Sports Performance Center
Location
Williamsburg, Virginia
Year
Ongoing
Services
Architectural Design
Interior Design
HNTB, in collaboration with Moseley Architects, is currently engaged with William & Mary to revitalize the historic Kaplan Arena – long considered the heartbeat of Tribe Athletics.
The renovation will include a new entrance and lobby, an enhanced student section with a lounge that all students can use throughout the year, upgraded spectator seating, premium hospitality areas, a courtside club, concourse club seating and a new academic center. The project also includes a state-of-the-art score board featuring video replay, ribbon boards and a new sound system; and improvements to concession stands, bathrooms and locker rooms, among other priority areas. The arena will remain open during all phases of construction.
The new 36,000-SF multi-use Sports Performance Center will feature a strength and conditioning area, two hydrotherapy pools and a sports medicine space with ample room to evaluate and treat sports injuries. The center will also provide the basketball and volleyball teams with a new practice area housing a full-sized court.
William & Mary Kaplan Arena and Sports Performance Center
University of Southern California
Project
Bloom Football Performance Center
Location
Los Angeles, California
Year
2026
Services
Architecture
Interior Design
The new Bloom Football Performance Center is a 160,000+ squarefoot, stand-alone facility crafted to serve as the hub of USC’s football program. The facility includes a lobby with immersive displays and graphics that highlight USC’s storied history, two full-length practice fields and a locker room with direct access to hydrotherapy and recovery pools. The cutting-edge sports medicine suite features an adjoining cool down pool, while the weight room seamlessly connects to outdoor practice areas. Multi-level lounges, both indoor and outdoor, foster team cohesion and provide athletes with relaxing spaces. The facility also features a two-story team meeting room, 12 position-specific meeting rooms that support collaboration and development and dedicated office spaces for staff with views of the outdoor terrace and practice fields. Designed with future growth in mind, this project supports USC’s transition to the BIG 10 Conference and reflects a commitment to providing world-class facilities that will benefit studentathletes for decades.
University of
Southern California Bloom Football Performance Center
University of Pittsburgh
Project
Victory Heights Arena and Sports Performance Center
Location
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Year
2026
Services
Architectural Design
Structural Engineering
HNTB, in collaboration with WTW Architects, is currently working with the University of Pittsburgh on a series of state-of-the-art athletics projects that will provide Pitt student-athletes with national-caliber competition, training, sports performance and medicine facilities.
The initiative is part of the university’s campus master plan, which was finished in 2018 after two years of engagement and input from faculty, students and staff, along with community members. The plan is designed to advance Pitt’s aspirations on many fronts, enrich the student experience and to create a more connected, outward-looking and engaged university.
New facilities to be built in the coming years include: (1) 3,000-seat arena for gymnastics, volleyball, wrestling and other events; (2) eightlane, 300-meter indoor track for the men’s and women’s programs; (3) cutting-edge athletic performance center for strength and conditioning, sports medicine, nutrition and mental well-being needs for 16 of Pitt’s 19 intercollegiate athletics programs; and (4) dedicated practice facilities and locker rooms for Women’s Gymnastics, Women’s Volleyball, Men’s Wrestling and the Spirit Team.
University of Pittsburgh Victory Heights Arena and Sports Performance Center
DePaul University
Project
Basketball Practice Facility
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Year
2022 - 2026 (est.)
Services
Architecture Design
Interior Design
Branding
Construction Administration
HNTB is serving as lead designer on DePaul University’s ambitious athletic facility projects, which include the construction of a new, state-of-the-art basketball practice facility and the modernization of Sullivan Athletic Center and McGrath-Phillips Arena.
The new basketball practice facility will feature a brick façade that mirrors the aesthetic of the Lincoln Park neighborhood, with a pitched roof that pays homage to DePaul’s former arena. Floor to ceiling glass around the basketball gyms will offer views of the surrounding neighborhood. The first floor of the facility will be dedicated to the health and wellness of all 215+ DePaul student-athletes, and will include a team dining space, nutrition bar, new sports medicine treatment spaces and offices, hydrotherapy, a weight room, and multi-purpose meeting rooms.
DePaul University Basketball Practice Facility
Clemson University
Project
Jervey Athletic Center
Location
Clemson, South Carolina
Year
2025
Services
Architectural Design
Interior Design
HNTB, in partnership with Garvin Design Group, is currently working with Clemson University to design and deliver renovations to Jervey Athletic Center and Performance/Wellness Center — home to the University’s intercollegiate athletic program. Renovations to the athletic center include the raising of the roof, a new locker room, lounge and meeting areas for Clemson’s volleyball program and major improvements to the game day experience with new access, restrooms and concessions areas. The Track and Field and Cross Country program, which is also housed in Jervey, would receive significant upgrades to their day-to-day spaces, including locker room. Their hub would also be centrally located to many of their most used performance spaces.
A new lobby and concourse connector addition will give a fresh look to Jervey Athletic Center and will create a prominent identity for Clemson’s volleyball program in addition to providing an elevated VIP club viewing area. The renovation phase of the project would re-allocate more than 14,000-SF of space, all while providing panoramic views of the athletic precinct.
Clemson University
Project
Women’s Sports Expansion Program
Location
Clemson, South Carolina
Year
2023
Services
Architectural Design
Interior Design
Facilities for the newly established Women’s Lacrosse and Gymnastics programs are sited together atop the hill near the current Rowing Facility at the end of East Beach Drive. The goal of bringing these two programs together is to maximize the potential of this property along Lake Hartwell. The synergy of these two female student-athlete programs in conjunction with women’s rowing celebrates access to the lake and the existing trail system while creating a unique destination within the athletic campus.
Program elements include a 9,000-SF Lacrosse Operations Facility with an NCAA regulation lighted artificial turf competition field, press box, concessions and restrooms and bleacher seating for 1,000 spectators; a 21,000-SF Gymnastics Operations and Training Facility; a 10,000-SF Elite Athlete Recovery Center; and related civil scope for sitework to include approximately 285 paved parking spaces. Future widening and re-routing of East Beach Dr. to improve vehicular and pedestrian access has also been studied but will be undertaken in a later phase. The buildings are arranged in close proximity to one another with the field/stands along the west edge to maximize efficiencies in grading and utilities. After studying various arrangements, the location was chosen to minimize cost and maintain the existing trail system to the east. Clemson Athletics’ vision for this complex is to create a unique, vibrant facility along Lake Hartwell that promotes both athletics and leisure activities.
Tulane University
Project
Football Locker Room Renovations
Location
Dallas, Texas
Year
2023
Services
Architectural Design
Interior Design Programming / Benchmarking
HNTB, in collaboration with VergesRome Architects and Jack Porter Graphics, worked with key university stakeholders to conduct initial visioning sessions, present multiple design concepts and provide input on creative phasing solutions in order to meet the tight timeline.
The new lobby space provides a cleaner and more upscale entry that is more in alignment with the school’s recent Top-25 success. As team members and guests circulate from the football lobby to other main spaces, corridor branding, lighting and material selection continue to reinforce the Tulane brand.
When entering the locker room area from the main corridor, recruits and players pass through a portal element made with LED lighting. There is also an area for nutrition distribution.. Featuring 126 custom lockers, the new space includes integral power for charging, lighting, upholstered seats and backrests and ventilated storage compartments. There are 4 large LED matrix displays that can be utilized for recruiting, daily team messaging and post-game victory celebrations. The locker room also features large-scale branding and a Nike gear wall to reinforce the Green Wave culture. The player shower and restroom area were also upgraded through the incorporation of new fixtures, finishes and lighting. The training room received new flooring, millwork, lighting and branding that speaks for all Tulane athletes. The renovated hydrotherapy suite includes new pools and material finishes.
HNTB’s Architecture Practice
Tulane University Football Locker Room Renovations
University of Illinois
Project
Ubben Basketball Complex Renovation
Location
Champaign, Illinois
Year 2022
Services
Architectural Design
The facility that originally opened in 1998 will undergo a face lift that will double the square footage of the building. Improvements will benefit both the men’s and women’s programs, and will include additional court space, state-of-the-art sports medicine facilities, an enhanced strength and conditioning area, study spaces, expanded staff offices and modern student-athlete amenities in new locker rooms and team areas.
The renovation will add approximately 40,000-SF to the existing structure, while remodeling more than 40,000-SF of existing space. A new atrium lobby space and areas to host recruits and small groups will also be a part of the project. Two new half courts will be added to both the women’s and men’s current gym space, giving the two programs additional space to work on development while not disrupting full-court action. The project will feature a dramatic glass-enclosed strength and conditioning addition, will triple the size of the locker rooms and player lounges and feature an expansive sports medicine area, including hydrotherapy and sports science spaces.
University of Illinois Ubben Basketball Complex Renovation
University of NebraskaLincoln
Project
Allen Training Complex
Location
Lincoln, Nebraska
Year
2020
Services
Architectural Design
Interior Design Programming & Benchmark Analysis
HNTB served as sports architect for the design of a new 46,000-SF gymnastics complex to support UNL’s Women’s and Men’s Gymnastics team. The facility features two modern 13,000-SF high bay training gyms with equipment laid out to maximize efficiency and flow for both teams while ensuring proper spacing for optimal student-athlete safety. Additionally, the facility includes: (1) team rooms, (2) locker rooms, (3) equipment storage areas, (4) training areas, (5) offices, (6) observation space and (7) shared conference/meeting room.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Allen Training Complex
Louisiana State University
Project
Football Operations Center
Location
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Year
2019
Services
Architectural Design
Interior Design
On Site Construction Administration
Designed in a collaborative effort between HNTB and RHH Architects, the renovated LSU Football Operations Center has redefined function and purpose, solidifying the Tigers their position as having one of the top football complexes in the nation. The signature feature of the project is a new state-of-the-art locker room that emphasizes player comfort and recovery, which is complemented by an integrated player’s lounge. The new, 9,100-SF locker room space redefines how a football program thinks about these spaces. Each athlete is provided with a highly functional multi-use locker pod that not only creates a first-class experience for players, but also integrates sports science so athletes can rest, refuel and recover in their individual space. The negative air pressure system integrated into each upper and lower storage compartment allows for a cleaner and more comfortable space to enjoy during recovery periods.
In addition to the state-of-the-art locker room, upgrades include a new 8,600-SF dining facility that fosters physical and mental wellness through nutrition, an expanded weight room that provides direct visual connection to the indoor field house and sports medicine and hydrotherapy areas. Advanced technology and rebranding throughout the interior highlight the rich history of LSU’s football program and the unique paths many of its players have taken to the NFL, making the renovated complex a powerful recruiting tool for the Tigers. HNTB’s Architecture
Louisiana State University Football Operations Center
University of Illinois
Project
Henry Dale and Betty Smith Football Performance Center
Location
Champaign, Illinois
Year 2019
Services
Architect of Record
Construction Administration
Fundraising Graphics & Visualization Tools
Interior Design
Structural Engineering
X Knowing that a cutting edge performance center is key to recruiting the best players, the university teamed HNTB’s design team to deliver world-class amenities for the Fighting Illini. The new facility is adjacent to the renovated Memorial Stadium, and connected to the Irwin Indoor Practice Facility, making it a new front and central hub for football.
Project features focus on student-athletes’ every need, from strength and conditioning to nutrition. Amenities include coaches’ offices and a unique auditorium with views to the practice field — a critical recruiting tool. Key elements of The Henry Dale and Betty Smith Football Center include: direct connection to existing indoor practice facility through new weight room, sports medicine suite dedicated exclusively to football, five hydrotherapy pools, X-ray/DEXA Scan, player lounge featuring a two-lane bowling alley, 168-seat team meeting room overlooking the existing practice fields, 11 position meeting rooms, dedicated recovery lounge with 16 stations, recruiting lounge with integrated gear display, rooftop player social zone, three dedicated nutrition stations and new training day and game day locker rooms.
University of Illinois Henry Dale and Betty Smith Football Performance Center
Arizona State University
Project
Student-Athlete Facility
Location
Tempe, Arizona
Year
2019
Services
Architectural Design
Interior Design
Structural Engineering
Integrated within the north end zone of Mountain America Stadium is a new 106,000-SF facility that supports the sports performance, sports medicine and nutritional needs for ASU’s football program. Players can meet with their academic advisors, receive medical attention or prepare for practice, train in a spacious strength and conditioning area or meet their dietary and nutritional needs at the dining area.
The center also offers a modern training and sports medicine center with hydrotherapy pools, a theater that accommodates the entire football team and a player lounge for studying and relaxing. Other amenities include a full-service kitchen, team locker rooms, coaches’ offices and recruiting and position meeting rooms. Environmental graphics and sophisticated digital display systems throughout the building are branded with Sun Devil accomplishments and traditions that instill pride and promote ASU as a world-class institution and a premier football program.
Arizona State University Student-Athlete Facility
University of Michigan
Project
Schembechler Hall Renovation
Location
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Year
2019
Services
Architectural Design
Branding & Graphic Design
Interior Design
HNTB served as Sports Architect for a $25M renovation to Michigan’s Schembechler Hall and Oosterbaan Field House. The renovation provided college football’s all-time wins leader with world-class spaces for strength training with direct access to the outdoor practice field, injury recovery and nutrition. The key player spaces — including the updated team meeting rooms, administrative space and support staff locker areas — are linked by a common corridor that pays homage to the famed tunnel inside Michigan Stadium.
Player recovery is a point of emphasis at Michigan. HNTB created a space that allows for recovery to begin the moment the players finish practice. Wolverine players exit the practice field and enter an equipment drop-off room, shower and immediately go into a 100-footlong cold-water recovery pool.
University of Michigan Schembechler Hall Renovation
Oregon State University
Project
Valley Football Center Renovation
Location
Corvallis, Oregon
Year
2017
Services
Architectural Design
Interior Design
Programming
Benchmark Analysis
Fundraising Graphics
The Valley Football Center project renovated 45,000 square feet of the existing center and added 55,000 square feet of new athletic program space, including a brand new locker room, expanded training and equipment areas, team meeting rooms, OSU Football Hall of Fame, media room, new entrance pavilion, and renovated north end zone seating with a direct connection to the east stands.
The project creates a new face on both the north and the south ends of the building. On the north, a new entrance pavilion has been placed in front of the existing building to offer a light-filled, welcoming face to the main campus. On the opposite end facing the stadium, the project includes end zone premium terrace seating to provide a casual, social setting for Beaver fans.
University of Kentucky
Project
Joe Craft Football Training Center
Location
Lexington, Kentucky
Year
2016
Services
Architectural Design
Fundraising Graphics & Visualization Tools
Interior Design
Programming & Benchmark Analysis
Site & Venue Feasibility Studies
Structural Engineering
HNTB, in partnership with RossTarrant Architects, designed a new 106,000-SF high performance football center, outdoor practice fields, and outdoor agility/cross training area. The two-level facility is located adjacent to Commonwealth Stadium and connected to the existing indoor practice field house.
A state-of-the-art, 106,000-SF football performance center and outdoor fields opened in June 2016 adjacent to Commonwealth Stadium, and is connected to the indoor field house, providing UK Football with one of the most impressive football complexes in the SEC.
In developing this state-of-the-art facility, the primary goals included designing a high-end recruiting tool and to include program areas that were designed to optimize the overall sports performance of studentathletes: strength and power, conditioning, movement and speed development, sports medicine, physical therapy, injury prevention, nutrition, recovery and regeneration, flexibility, biomechanical analysis and testing.
University of Kentucky Joe Craft Football Training Center
Oregon State University
Project
Basketball Center
Location
Corvallis, Oregon
Year
2013
Services
Architectural Design
The Oregon State Basketball Center is a 40,000-SF, two Level building located north of the Sports Performance Center and flanked by Gill Coliseum and Prothro field. The location of the building was established as part of the Athletic Master Plan to support the functions of the Gill Coliseum. The overall design is organized around stacking of the Women’s and Men’s basketball courts and associated mezzanine levels within the constraints of the site. Women’s basketball will use the lower court, and Men’s Basketball will use the upper court. Each court is approximately 9,600-SF and has natural day lighting opportunities at the north. Support program spaces are located at the south whereas coaching/staff offices are located along the east side allowing views of Gill Coliseum.
Oregon State University Basketball Center
University of CaliforniaBerkeley
Project
Simpson Center for Student-Athlete High Performance
Location
Berkeley, California
Year
2012
Services
Programming
Master Planning
Market Analysis
Schematic Design through Construction Administration
HNTB worked on both the addition of the Simpson Center for Student Athlete High Performance and the renovation and expansion of the existing California Memorial Stadium. Located adjacent to the stadium, this partially subterranean center includes study areas, lockers and team spaces, offices and meeting rooms. The Simpson Center serves over 500 student-athletes and coaches and supports 13 different teams. It is a critical component of the athletic department and as such is located in a prominent campus location to allow for easy access. The athletic department’s goal for this facility is to establish new standards in collegiate athlete conditioning focused on all aspects of performance including physical strength and motion, psychological, nutritional and technique, as well as new methods in rehabilitation.
University of Georgia
Project
Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall Renovation
Location
Athens, Georgia
Year
2011
Services
Architectural Design
Fundraising Graphics
Interior Design
Programming
Site Analysis
Designed and delivered in collaboration with Menefee Architecture, this new sports performance facility was the first project that began a successful 12-year partnership. The state-of-the-art football facility includes a multipurpose indoor practice area that houses a 35-foot-tall volume with a 20-yard by 60-yard turf field, meeting rooms, coaches’ offices, 12,000-SF strength and conditioning room, football lockers and lounge, a sports medicine/athletic training area and a cuttingedge video editing suite.
The design team worked closely with the university to evaluate multiple alternatives for materials that would complement the existing building and provide the high-quality of finishes expected for top NCAA Division I performance centers.
An extensive programming effort was conducted with multiple user groups and coaches to validate an existing program that had been completed by another architecture firm. This program was refined and compared with other comparable facilities across the country to confirm that the project scope enabled UGA to remain competitive and recruit the best student-athletes.
HNTB’s Sports Design Team
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 trend-setters. 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
tballew@hntb.com
(404) 273-0004