2024 HNTB Sports Architecture Brochure

Designing Places Where Communities Unite

For more than 40 years, HNTB has worked with clients, communities and cities across the country to deliver innovative, award-winning sports, aviation and transit projects. Our diverse interdisciplinary practice is led by industry experts with the desire, understanding and vision to create powerful experiences and lasting memories for all fans and athletes.

HNTB recognizes that a well-designed sports facility inspires performance, ignites passion and promotes camaraderie among a community of fans, athletes and industry professionals. That is why we have a team of award-winning designers solely dedicated to the planning, design and construction of stadiums, arenas, ballparks and many other sports performance and spectator facilities.

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

60+

» On-Site Construction Administration

» Programming & Benchmark Analysis

» Site & Venue Feasibility Studies

» Structural Engineering

» Transportation Planning

» Traffic Analysis & Modeling

» Urban Planning & Master Planning

Allegiant Stadium

NFL Las Vegas Raiders

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.

Completed 2020

Size 65,000 seats

HNTB Services

» Architect of Record

» Interior Design

» On-site Construction Administration

Project Features

» 8,000 Club Seats

» 88 Loge Boxes

» 127 Suites

» 1,800 Wi-Fi Access Points

Awards

» ENR: 2022 Best Sports Venue

» Sports Business Journal: Facility of the Year 2022 Nominee

Levi’s® Stadium

NFL San Francisco 49ers

The 68,500-seat stadium is a flexible and expandable building that can accommodate a wide range of events such as World Cup soccer, professional and collegiate football, motocross, concerts and civic events. Levi’s Stadium played a lead role in hosting the 100th anniversary of the second largest global soccer event in the world. To increase revenue generation, HNTB designed nine different club spaces, each with different price points, ranging from main concourse clubs to rooftop clubs to very high-end owners’ clubs.

Collaborating with the City of Santa Clara, the club spaces also provide an extension of program space for the Santa Clara Convention Center — generating additional revenue for both the franchise and the City. The new stadium has 174 suites dispersed throughout, with different vantage points and amenities. The main entry plaza at the northwest corner of the stadium is open year-round, providing a unique event space. The northeast entry features a restaurant open year-round.

Completed 2014

Size

68,500 seats

HNTB Services

» Architectural Design

» Civil Engineering

» Interior Design

» Master Planning

» Programming & Benchmark Analysis

» Structural Engineering

Project Features

» 9,000 Club Seats

» 9 Club Spaces

» 174 Luxury Suites

» Five-start Dining

» LEED Gold: First NFL Stadium to Achieve Award

» Sports Business Journal: 2015 Sports Facility of the Year

Lower.com Field

MLS Columbus Crew

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 pedestrianfriendly 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.

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 5,000-SF pub-style restaurant near the primary entry will offer open views to the entrance plaza and Columbus’ vibrant downtown skyline. Completed

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» Sports Business Journal: Facility of the Year 2022 Nominee

» ALSD: 2021 Overall Building Architecture

» James B. Recchie 2021 Design Award

Empower Field at Mile High

NFL Denver Broncos

HNTB led a design team for the new Empower Field at Mile High, which honors 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 serves as a civic anchor for downtown Denver, complementing the surrounding architecture and landscape. The project was fast-tracked with multiple early demolition, foundations and steel packages to accelerate the schedule — leading to a 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 is host to over 300 non-football events each year. It features more than 76,125 seats, a natural grass playing surface and a range of revenue-generating fan amenities.

Empower Field at Mile High is set to undergo a groundbreaking transformation with a capital improvement project exceeding $100M. This endeavor, the largest in the venue’s history, will redefine the fan experience and elevate the stadium to new heights. Empower Field will feature state-of-the-art upgrades across multiple areas, including video boards, premium hospitality sections, technology, concessions, the Broncos Team Store and ticketing.

Completed Stadium: 2001 Upgrades: (est. 2023)

Size 76,125 seats

HNTB Services

» Architectural Design

» Master Planning

» Programming & Benchmark Analysis

Project Features

» 124 Luxury Suites

» Champions Club with Views to the Field

» Host to 300+ Events Per Year

Athletics Ballpark

MLB Las Vegas Athletics

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.

Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) is serving as the design lead and HNTB as the sports/hospitality designer and architect of record.

Completed 2028

Size

33,000 seats

HNTB Services

» Architect of Record

» Architectural Design

» Interior Design

Sacramento Republic FC Stadium

USL Sacramento Republic FC

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.

Size

20,100 seats

HNTB Services

» Lead Architect

» Architect of Record

Phoenix Rising Stadium

USL Phoenix Rising FC

HNTB completed a concept design for a 21,000-seat, 450,000-SF USL stadium for Phoenix Rising FC as part of their USL expansion bid process.

HNTB developed a design solution that celebrated Phoenix and region, reflecting the values and history of the local community. To that extent, our team developed an iconic exterior design that integrated iconic “wind towers” at the corners of the stadium to support the new roof, and also act as a wind catcher to provide passive cooling inside the stadium. The tower design was inspired by the Phoenix rising from the ground. The stadium includes 25 premium suites, three club lounge areas supporting 1,500 club seats, 120 loge box seats, standing room wind tower party decks at each corner, a single wrap-around concourse, and continuous roof over the entire bowl.

HNTB, in collaboration with Henderson Engineers (MEP Engineer) and RWDI (Climate Engineering), developed passive and active cooling strategies to address the heat issues experienced in the Phoenix area in an economical way. Our design relied on maximizing shade over the fans through a wrap-around roof locating 50% of the seating on the west side, integration of iconic wind towers into the stadium architecture to provide passive cooling, exterior skin louvers to maximize air flow inside the stadium, radiant cooling, misters and water-cooled VRF systems for the premium areas.

Size 21,000 seats

HNTB Services

» Architectural Design

» Interior Design

Project Features

» 25 Suites

» 1,500 Club Seats

» 120 Loge Seats

» Wind Tower Party Decks

Confidential Arena Renovation

NBA

HNTB engaged in a think tank for the renovation of an iconic a 20,000seat multiuse arena to illustrate how existing arenas can be adapted to facilitate the ever-changing landscape of the market.

HNTB developed a concept for the renovation that allows the building to transform so that it can host not one, but multiple events at the same time at different scales, intensities and degrees of fan engagement. The key concept to unlock this flexibility is “The Halo.” This one element integrates a unique premium offering, integrates immersive technology, shrouds the upper deck and creates a secondary event space “behind the curtain.” Additional ideas include diversifying the premium offerings, creating adaptable lobby and activating a player canyon.

Like new arenas, reimagined arenas can draw a crowd! The renovation will expand the arena’s ability to host diverse events and be a locus of activity every night of the week. This, in turn, generates new opportunities for economic growth within the neighborhood in the form of hotels, restaurants and local businesses. HNTB believes it is critical to investigate this grown as part of concept design to ensure success and maximize opportunities.

Size 20,000 seats

HNTB Services

» Concept Design

David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium Renovation

University of Kansas

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 fan comfort and bring fans closer to the field; expanded concessions, restrooms and accessible seating locations; improved concourse circulation; and new 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 of the stadium 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 new locker room and weight room, new 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.

Completed 2026 (est.)

Size 40,000 seats

HNTB Services

» Architectural Design

» Interior Design

» Structural Engineering

Project Features

Ryan Field Redevelopment

Northwestern University

The design of the new Ryan Field and campus, made possible by a gift from the Pat and Shirley Ryan family, will reduce seating capacity by 12,000, 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 gatherings. 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’s 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.

Designed to meet a minimum of LEED Gold certification, the stadium complex will include a wide range of conservation features – from solar generating capacity in the roof to the use of low-carbon steel and concrete to providing zero-carbon chilled and hot water to the stadium and adjacent buildings.

Completed 2026 (est.)

Size 40,000 seats

HNTB Services

» Architectural Design

» Interior Design

Camping World Stadium

Florida Citrus Sports

Building on a 30-year history that includes two previous renovations, HNTB reimagined Camping World Stadium to create an entertainment destination for collegiate football BCS bowl games, large-venue concerts, World Cup soccer and other events. The result is a new, LEED Silver certified stadium that the city and community promote as a premiere facility, which can be marketed along with Orlando’s other tourism destinations.

The City’s primary challenge to HNTB was to transform the old stadium’s image and give it a new, friendly Floridian flavor — achieved by designing a new white exterior steel structural framework to replace the dark, heavy and dreary concrete. The new structure is highlighted by bright, citrus-colored accent panels, and allows the city to add large-scale images and banners to provide a customized feel for every event.

The latest renovation, completed last year, focused on the fan experience including enhanced club space in the north end zone. In addition to connecting the north end of the lower bowl, renovation designs include modernized restrooms and concession areas in the upper level and add a new mezzanine club level, providing a wider variety of premium seating options. Exterior improvements will start in the parking lots and include improved wayfinding throughout the stadium.

Completed Phase I: 2015 Phase II: 2022 Size 65,000 seats

HNTB Services

» Architectural Design

» Master Planning

» Programming & Benchmark Analysis

Project Features

» Expanded 360° Main Concourse

» 20,000-SF Everyman Party Deck

» 6,000 Seats Club Level

» 42,000 New Lower + Mid-bowl Seats

Ohio Stadium

The Ohio State University

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.

Completed

Phase I: 2001 Phase II: 2019

Size

104,944 seats

HNTB Services

» Architectural Design

» Interior Design

» Programming & Benchmark Analysis

Project Feature

» LEED Gold

Kinnick Stadium

University of Iowa

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.

Completed 2019

Size

9,920 seats

HNTB Services

» Architectural Design

» Interior Design

» Programming & Benchmark Analysis

» Structural Engineering

Project Features

» Phased Completion: fast-track delivery using a CM at Risk delivery

» Existing infrastructure upgrades: demolition and replacement of entire end zone (lower and upper bowl) and construction of new concourses, concessions, and restrooms

» Addition of premium clubs and loge seats

» Upgraded DAS, audio visual and new video board

» New accessible and companion seat locations — allows for wider seating treads, and wider aisles with handrails

Mountain America Stadium

Arizona State University

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.

Completed Phase I: 2015 Phase II: 2016 Phase II: 2017

Size

53,599 seats

HNTB Services

» Architectural Design

» Interior Design

» Fundraising Graphics & Visualization Tools

» Programming & Benchmark Analysis

» Structural Engineering

Project Feature

» LEED Gold

Kroger Field

University of Kentucky

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.

Completed

2015

Size

61,000 seats

HNTB Services

» Architectural Design

» Fundraising Graphics & Visualization Tools

» Interior Design

» Programming & Benchmark Analysis

» Site & Venue Feasibility Studies

» Structural Engineering

Project Features

» Outdoor Club Seats

» 2 Outdoor Patios

» LEED Gold Award

» AIA: 2015 Kansas City Design Award

Jack Trice Stadium

Iowa State University

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.

Completed

Phase I: 2008 Phase II: 2009 Phase III: 2015

Size

61,500 seats

HNTB Services

» Architectural Design

» Interior Design

» Master Planning

» Programming & Benchmark Analysis

» Structural Engineering

Project Features

» 15,000-SF Lounge

Memorial Stadium East Sideline

University of Nebraska

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. Completed 2013

Memorial Stadium

University of California, Berkeley

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.

Completed 2012

Size

62,467 seats

HNTB Services

» Master Planning

» Programming & Benchmark Analysis

Project Features

» Three New Club Spaces

» New Vertical Circulation Awards

» ENR: 2013 Best Project Award

» ENR: 2013 ENR Best of the Best Projects Sports / Entertainment Project

» SCUP: 2013 Honor Award Recipient, Excellence Award Program

» KCAIA: 2013 Sports Venue Award

Memorial Coliseum

University of Kentucky

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.

Completed 2024 (est.)

Size 8,500 seats

HNTB Services

» Architectural Design

» Interior Design

Project Features

» New Video Board

» Reduced Seating Capacity

Cassell Coliseum

Virginia Tech University

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.

Completed Ongoing

Size

8,250 seats

HNTB Services

» Architecture Design

» Interior Design

Project Features

» New Exterior Façade and Entrances for Fans and Student Athletes

» Extended Concourse Areas Along Both Sides of the Court to Allow Fans Easier Access to Concourse Amenities and Circulation

» Addition of Premium Seating Areas and Associated Amenities

Kaplan Arena and Sports Performance Center

College of William & Mary

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 multiuse 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.

Kentucky Proud Park

University of Kentucky

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.

Football Operations Center

Louisiana State University

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 multiuse 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.

Completed 2019

Size 115,520-GSF

HNTB Services

» Architectural Design

» Interior Design

» On Site Construction Administration

Project Features

» 8,600-SF dining space for all LSU student-athletes

Henry Dale and Betty Smith Football Performance Center

University of Illinois

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.

Completed 2019

Size 112,000-GSF

HNTB Services

» Architect of Record

» Construction Administration

» Fundraising Graphics & Visualization Tools

» Interior Design

» Structural Engineering

Project Features

» 168-seat Team Meeting Room

» Bowling Ally

» Rooftop Mini Golf

Schembechler Hall

University of Michigan

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.

Completed 2019

Size 110,000-SF

HNTB Services

» Architectural Design

» Branding & Graphic Design

» Interior Design

Project Features

» Largest Weight Room in the NCAA

Joe Craft Football Training Facility

University of Kentucky

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.

Completed 2016

Size 106,000-SF

HNTB Services

» Architectural Design

» Fundraising Graphics & Visualization Tools

» Interior Design

» Programming & Benchmark Analysis

» Site & Venue Feasibility Studies

» Structural Engineering

Project Features

» Outdoor Plyo Training Hill

Student-Athlete Facility

Arizona State University

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.

Completed 2019

Size 106,000-SF

HNTB Services

» Architectural Design

» Interior Design

» Structural Engineering

Project Features

» Barber Shop

Ubben Basketball Complex

University of Illinois

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 fullcourt 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.

Basketball Center

Oregon State University

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.

Completed 2013

Size 34,500-SF

HNTB Services

» Architectural Design

Project Features

» Double Height Court

Victory Heights Arena and Sports Performance Center

University of Pittsburgh

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.

Completed 2025 (est.)

Size

240,000-SF

HNTB Services

» Architectural Design

» Structural Engineering

Project Features

» Fully accessible arena green roof to serve as an open space and amenity to the campus overall

Women’s Sports Program

Clemson University

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 10,000SF 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.

Completed 2023

Size

58,700-GSF

HNTB Services

» Architectural Design

» Interior Design

Project Features

» 1,000 seat Lacrosse Field

Jervey Athletic Center

Clemson University

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.

Completed 2025

Size 107,700-GSF

HNTB Services

» Architectural Design

» Interior Design

Project Features

» Views Back to Clemson’s Athletics Precinct

Francis Allen Training Complex

University of Nebraska

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.

Completed 2020

Size

46,000-GSF

HNTB Services

» Architectural Design

» Interior Design

» Programming & Benchmark Analysis

Project Features

» Team Rooms

» Locker Rooms

» Equipment Storage Areas

» Training Areas

» Offices

» Observation Space

» Shared Conference/Meeting Room

Growing HNTB’s Architecture Design Team

Through visionary and technical excellence, we continually add the right mix of talent to support our clients ever-growing business needs and challenges. In today’s design landscape, it isn’t enough to only be an expert in a specific market or building-type it’s imperative to learn more and continually build expertise across multiple sports and entertainment venues. As our clients’ business evolves, so does HNTB.

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.

Brad Albers Sports Managing Principal

Emily Louchart Senior Design Principal Interiors

Jeff Goode Design Principal

Gerardo Prado

National Sports Practice Leader