


VLK’s athletic facility experience ranges from Texas high school athletics to the Southeastern Conference Universities. We have taken on many specialty athletic facilities during our 40 years of experience, many of which have been one off facilities which are considered to be the best in their field.
Creating district-wide athletic facilities creates unique challenges not typical of educational athletic facilities. These facilities are used for educational programs, athletic training, and competitions of varying scale, and are utilized by the community. The varying uses and different user groups create special challenges in the organization of the facility. The facility must be organized to allow use of specific areas, but must be secured to prohibit entry into areas not being used.
Special attention is required to create flexible, secure, and adaptable facilities to support athletic teams engaged in competition and spectators attending events. The overall facility must flex or adapt to a changing special needs when large events are held in the venue. And the facility must adapt to allow community use of select portions of the facility.
Competition events require a specific understanding of the space requirements of typical team facilities and the unique requirements of venues for athletic competition. Site planning must accommodate buses for competitions and private vehicles for participants and spectators. Service access and staging areas are needed to provide for special equipment needs and to provide for event staging.
Specific program needs guide the design of facilities to house sports teams. Typical team accommodations include locker and team meeting space, short term equipment storage, training areas, and office and locker space for coaching staff. In contrast, the team facilities for a
district completion facility include these typical spaces, but may need to adapt to the changing needs of the facility. For example, four locker areas might meet the needs for many competitions, but a larger competition might require team spaces to accommodate more teams. On past projects, we have used operable walls to partition locker rooms to provide flexibility and increase the capacity for “team” spaces.
Weight rooms and Training rooms in a shared use facility create unique challenges in creating a secure, safe environment that can be monitored and controlled with a minimal staff.
Gymnastics, wrestling, and natatoriums have extensive storage requirements for sports equipment. The placement and access to this equipment storage is critical for the efficient set up for competition, training, special events or practice. We understand how to create a simple, secure solution to these storage needs.
Arenas and competition venues present unique challenges that require an understanding of the special needs of the individual sports and the challenges of staging large events with multiple teams and fan bases. In addition, an understanding of how to design an arena requires special knowledge of sight lines for stadium seating and the special needs of event staging spaces. The goal in the design of a functional arena or competition space is to create a flexible venue that meets present needs and anticipates the challenges of unanticipated uses in the future.
Year Built:
VLK has worked with PBT ISD on a number of projects for their athletic facilities. Recent work includes the following projects:
Natatorium/Arena: Est. 2027
Field House: Est. 2027
Athletic Improvements: 2024
Cost:
Eagle Stadium: $15,463,006;
Natatorium/Arena: $83,416,577; Field House: $36,681,439; Athletic Improvements: $15,702,454
Size: Eagle Stadium: 2021
Varies by Project
• Stadium Modernization: Modernization of Eagle Stadium to include a new press box, home grandstands, visitor bleachers, concession stands, and restrooms.
• Natatorium/Arena Replacement: The replacement of aging athletic facilities and natatorium at Pecos High School. Designed to serve a wide range of student programs, the facility features spaces for weight training, a competition gym, and an Olympic-sized aquatics center.
• Fieldhouse Addition: A new two-story Field House will include football, soccer, and track and field locker rooms. Other spaces include coaches’ offices, three classrooms, a weight room, and a state-of-the-art athletic training room.
• Athletic Improvements: New fields and grandstands for baseball and softball, new six-court tennis complex with a patio overlooking the courts, renovated locker rooms and coaches offices for tennis, baseball, and softball.
Learn more about Eagle Stadium
Project Information
Year Built:
2024
Project Size
639,141 sf
Cost
$80,000,000
Eagle Mountain High School, EMSISD's fourth comprehensive high school included the following:
• Stadium: The complex is a 7,500-seat stadium featuring a bowl design with two tiers, ensuring tremendous sight lines for all attendees and a concourse that ensures spectators are connected to the action even if they are away from their seat.
• Fieldhouse: The multisport field house is integrated with the 100-yard indoor practice facility, providing athletes with a versatile space for training and practice. The field house contains locker rooms for all outdoor sports, coaches offices, training facilities, wrestling room, and a large weight room.
• Baseball/Softball: The baseball and softball complex is designed to take advantage of the site's natural contours, allowing spectators to enter at the top level of the seating area. Each field within this complex accommodates 500 seats, as well as standing room areas for larger capacity events.
• Tennis Complex: The eight-court tennis facility is another highlight, with two courts sunken to create a stadium feel, complete with 100 seats for spectators.
• Arena: Inside, the high school boasts five gyms, two for athletic practice, one for gymnastics, one for dance, and a 1700-seat competition gym. Locker rooms for indoor athletics, dance, and cheer flank each of their gyms, along with coaches’ offices, training facilities, and a large weight room.
Project Information
Year Built:
Est. 2027
Project Size
606,486 sf
Cost
$309,618,828
Worthy Fate High School will be the second high school in Royse City ISD, opening in the fall of 2026. The three-story, state-of-the-art facility is designed around a central student courtyard that will encourage connection to the outdoors across a multitude of programs. Athletic facilities at the campus include:
• Competition Arena: The competition arena is designed with bowl-style seating for 2,200 spectators and includes direct views to the outside from the seats, as well as a weightroom that overlooks the arena from the north end.
• Multi-Sport Fieldhouse: A two-story multisport fieldhouse will be constructed in the south endzone that includes coaches’ offices, classrooms, a weight room, and athletic training facilities.
• Athletic Facilities: The project includes dedicated gymnasiums for Dance and Cheer as well as locker room facilities for all indoor sports.
• Tennis Complex: Eight-Court Tennis Complex
Project Information
Year Built:
2019
Project Size
33,123 sf
Cost
$6,983,677
Katy High School, a Texas powerhouse in football and 6A athletics with multiple state and national titles, needed an athletics facility that could match the legacy and trajectory of its programs. VLK was engaged by Katy ISD to expand and modernize the existing undersized Athletics Wing, transforming it into a flagship facility that celebrates performance, honors tradition, and meets the evolving demands of a nationally ranked 6A athletics program. The project was a comprehensive renovation and vertical expansion of the existing single-story building into a dynamic two-story athletics complex, seamlessly integrated into the existing campus. Designed in close collaboration with Principal Dr. Rick Hull and Head Coach Gary Joseph, the new facility supports student-athletes through every phase of their development: training, education, competition, and recruitment
Project Information
Year Built:
Est. 2027
Project Size
232,079 sf
Cost
$150,000,000
Crowley ISD’s new Indoor | Outdoor Track and Field Complex is an elite, multi-functional athletic facility that will serve as a cornerstone for student development and athletic excellence.
• Hydraulic Track: Purposefully designed to meet the highest standards of performance and versatility, the complex will feature one of only 18 hydraulic banked tracks in the nation, making it a rare and highly advanced asset in the world of track and field.
• Indoor | Outdoor Track: The facility includes a 200-meter indoor track and a 400-meter outdoor track, as well as dedicated areas for all major field events.
• National Level Spectator Venue: With seating for 3,500 spectators indoors and 5,000 outdoors, the venue will not only support district athletes but also position CISD as a host for regional and national competitions, concerts, and other events.
This dynamic space reflects Crowley ISD’s commitment to providing world-class opportunities for its students—both on and off the field.
Learn more about the new Crowley ISD Indoor Track
Project Information 4,161 seat capacity
Year Built:
2021
Project Size
Cost
$15,463,007
Eagle Stadium at Rotary Field is the home to the Pecos High School Eagles and serves as the premier event stadium for the district. This new stadium sits on the previous stadium site, land that has been the site of athletic events for over 90 years in the community. The project included a new press box, home grandstands, visitor bleachers, concession stands, and restrooms.
Learn more about Eagle Stadium
Project Information
Year Built:
2024
Project Size
7,520 seat capacity
Cost
$48,450,060
The multipurpose facility at Eagle Mountain High School includes a football and soccer competition stadium with a 7,520-seat grandstand and press box, eight lane track, concessions, restrooms, storage, and adjacent field house. The field house provides coaching, training, and locker room space for home and visiting teams. Natural light and view were important in the design and it is refreshing and inviting to everyone that walks through the gates. The wayfinding is intuitive because the architectural cues guide you through the field house and assist in being a hub of activity for the students and coaches.
Project Information
Year Built:
Est. 2026
Project Size
7,500 seat capacity
Cost
Est. $45,823,500
A synthetic turf field, track, and fieldhouse were included in the last phase of Argyle High School and are currently being used for practice only. This new district stadium adds spectator seating for 7,500 fans, a 5,000 sf press box, and video scoreboard creating a competition stadium on campus at AHS. Three, 5,000 sf, strategically located concession, storage, and restroom facilities enhance the overall fan experience. These facilities are thoughtfully designed to accommodate the needs of large crowds efficiently, with modern amenities and accessibility features.
Project Information
Year Built:
2023
Project Size
10,000 seat capacity
Cost
$35,081,195
The new athletic stadium at Martin High School includes approximately 10,000 seats, a larger press box, locker rooms, restrooms and concessions. The design includes a landscape buffer between the stadium and neighboring homes and utilizes modern LED lighting that is directed into the stadium onto the playing surface more efficiently with considerably less spillage from the venue and can be turned on and off quickly. The venue allows the district to host larger events and accommodate larger district crowds with easier access to locker rooms, restrooms and concessions. The design also features the ability to visually rebrand the stadium according to the school using it. With lighting, signage and technology, the stadium shifts to reflect the home team for that event.
Project Information
Year Built:
2021
Project Size
800 sf field storage
3,600 sf concessions
5,500 sf pressbox
10,000 seat capacity
Cost
$17,799,196
Hutto Memorial Stadium Improvements provide seating capacity for 10,000, as well as a new visitor field house, new concession and restroom facilities for home and visitors side, renovated scoreboard, new multi-level press box with filming deck, and site improvements to support these facilities.
Project Information
Year Built:
2022
Project Size
8,000 seat capacity
Cost
$52,000,000
The Crowley ISD Multi-Purpose Stadium is Crowley’s first districtwide stadium that serves its two high schools. Providing a state-of-the-art sporting event venue for the community, the stadium surrounds a turf competition field and accommodates up to 8,000 spectators with an adjacent field house. Concession and restroom spaces are located at all four corners of the facility, with sight lines to the field so that spectators can still see the game while waiting in line. Two large locker room buildings with storage spaces are located at either end of the field with moveable wall partitions that can divide each locker room into two separate rooms, providing the district the ability to house four teams at once while hosting tournaments.
Learn more about the new Crowley ISD Multi-Purpose Stadium
Check out the first game in the new CISD MultiPurpose Stadium
Hear from CISD administrators about the new Stadium
Project Information
Year Built:
2017
Project Size
12,000 seat capacity
6,000 sf press box
Cost
$61,758,334
Legacy Stadium o ers a venue for more than just football.
The multipurpose facility includes a two-story press box, training rooms, and a 12,000 sf field house with spaces for police officers, paramedics and coaches. An elevated concourse allows spectators to see the field while waiting in line for concessions and a limited-access loop around the stadium provides for easy drop-off and pickup.
Project Information
Year Built:
2022
Project Size
52,053 sf
Cost
$35,679,043
The Boswell High School Athletic Additions and Renovations include a new addition to provide football and gymnastics locker rooms, a training room, weight room, and an indoor practice field. The renovations include a pressbox replacement, as well as the addition of a home side parking lot, and new landscaping, a home side grandstand expansion, visitor grandstand replacement, new visitor bus parking, new perimeter fencing for safety and security, and the replacement of visitors’ restrooms to serve the auxiliary field.
Project Information
Year Built:
2022
Project Size
7,000 seat capacity
9,700 sf press box
Cost
$55,000,000
The Carrico Athletic complex includes 7,000 seat capacity, with a horizontal one story press box and intimate seating built around an existing synthetic turf field with an eight-lane track. Grandstands were purposely lowered and extended to the edges of the end zones so all seats are as close to the action as possible. Two large video boards keep the spectators engaged in the play on the field and both home and visitor locker rooms stage the athletes before, during and after the game. Stand alone home and visitor concession, restroom, and storage facilities were added to each respective side while concession and restroom spaces are also available underneath the home grandstand.
Project Information
Year Built:
2006
Project Size
8,000 seat capacity
Cost
$15,286,098
The 8,000-seat, football, and soccer stadium features an 8-lane, allweather urethane track and a synthetic turf field. A large, canopy-covered area is provided at the entrance to the stadium on the home side for vendors and booster clubs creating a carnival-type atmosphere. The space below the visitor stands is enclosed to provide storage for the facility, band, and drill team equipment. A concessions/ restroom building, located at the end of the home stands, houses the umpires’ dressing area for both the stadium and baseball/softball complex. A two-story press box contains tiered seating and provides spaces for announcers, press, radio, coaches, a film deck, and a multi-use room.
Project Information
Year Built:
2020
Project Size
1,800,000 sf
Cost
$1,200,000,000
The new stadium for the Texas Rangers, this “Next Generation Ballpark” is the cornerstone of the Texas Live! development, a world-class dining, entertainment, and luxury hospitality complex. Designed with a retractable roof for climate control and shelter, the ballpark delivers a series of premium experiences for the fans including clubs, themed restaurants, retail, and a hall of fame exhibit. The ballpark is a public-private partnership between the Texas Rangers and the City of Arlington. VLK was the project’s Associate Architect with Design Architect and Architect of Record, HKS, Inc.
Project Information
Year Built:
2012
Project Size
7,500 seat capacity
50,000 sf fieldhouse
Cost
$98,688,540 (entire high school project)
Chisholm Trail High School is the district’s third high school, developed to serve the rapidly growing district. Athletic facilities include a competition stadium with an eight-lane track, 50,000 sf field house, a two-story press box, a competition and practice baseball/softball complex and an 800-seat minor competition stadium. Core facilities include a 1,000-seat auditorium, a 1,800-seat competition basketball and volleyball gymnasium and an agricultural facility. Sustainable elements, including a geothermal mechanical system, irrigation for the entire site via the water in the nearby lake and use of a drip irrigation system that saturates the ground from underneath, will generate cost savings for the district.
Project Information
2020 Year Built:
Project Size
60,200 sf
Cost
$17,807,926
In May 2019, voters passed a $267 million bond program which included the replacement of the 50-year old Brazoswood High School Main Campus, Fine Arts, CTE and Field House. The District has engaged VLK and the design development for a new multi-sport field house has been completed.
The new Brazoswood High School Multi-Sport facility was phase one of a fourphase, $150 million project. This facility opened Summer 2020 at which time the old field house was demolished, making room on the existing site to begin construction of the new Brazoswood High School main campus.
The new two-story facility is located on the east side of Slade Field offering direct student access during and after school hours. Students and visitors can access the facility from an expanded parking lot off of Brazoswood Drive. The facility serves over 1,000 high school students participating in athletics with locker rooms for football, softball, soccer, track, cross country, wrestling, and powerlifting. State of the art amenities include a 9,000 square foot strength and conditioning weight room, prevention and rehabilitation athletic training and rehabilitation room, wrestling practice mat room, and a multi-use meeting room with direct access to a second-floor covered observation deck overlooking Slade Field.
Project Information
Year Built:
2016
Project Size
Football: 30,555 sf
Track/Soccer/Golf/CC: 23,870 sf
BB/SB/Tennis: 14,225 sf
Cost
$14,348,070
Braswell High School’s athletic program demanded a safe space for athletes. The district’s design called for new field houses that were both adjacent to the fields/facilities where there athletes were training while providing separation of the male and female locker rooms. The common spaces were also designed to provide ease of access for all athletes including the indoor training facility with large windows to provide as much natural light as possible and creating coaches office and locker room spaces while maintaining proper coaching supervision among the athletes.
Braswell High School has three field houses, one dedicated for football, one for soccer, track, and golf, and another for baseball, softball, and tennis. The football field house has dedicated locker rooms and meeting spaces for the varsity and sub-varsity teams, a state-of-the-art weight room, and a coach’s suite with locker rooms, offices, and conference space. The soccer, track, and golf field house includes locker rooms for each sport accessed from separate areas of the building for men and women. A centralized weight room and team meeting room work to both separate the locker room suites and provide access to any athlete. The training room for all athletes is located in this field house with access directly from the exterior. The baseball, softball, and tennis field house is separated into two buildings, one for the male athletes and one for the female athletes. The separation of the buildings creates a entry portal into the baseball/softball complex.
Project Information
Year Built:
2020
Project Size
35,860 sf
Cost
$8,893,280
As part of the new Sherman High School, VLK designed new athletic facilities for the school. Athletic facilities included a new weightroom attached to the indoor practice facility.
Project Information
Year Built:
2019
Project Size
500 seat capacity
Cost
$3,799,240
VLK was hired by Denton ISD to perform additions and renovations on softball fields for Ryan and Denton High Schools.
The goal of the project was to create parity with the facilities at the district’s newer high schools, and to repair inconsistencies in the fields to provide a safe playing surface for the athletes. The additions and renovations include new dugouts, scorers’ booths, spectator seating, bullpens, and batting cages, as well as additional parking closer to the fields.
Project Information
Year Built:
The new sports complex features a softball and baseball fields. Each has synthetic turf, state-of-the-art lighting, a press box and built-in dugouts, two sets of bleachers and high fencing for errant balls. The fields share a concession stand and restrooms. 2022
Project Size
494 seat capacity (softball) 703 seat capacity (baseball)
Cost
$8,565,101
Project Information
2018 Year Built:
Project Size
500 seat capacity at each
Cost
$1,200,000
As part of the Bill Carrico Athletic Complex at Braswell High School, VLK provided three field houses, one for football, softball/baseball, and tennis. The baseball, softball, and tennis field house is separated into two buildings, one for the male athletes and one for the female athletes, and also houses storage and concessions for the facility. The separation of the buildings creates a entry portal into the baseball/softball complex for a unique fan experience approaching the fields. The baseball field is designed with a 2 lane batting cage with enclosed storage, home and visitor dugouts and bullpens, off-field tarp storage, and R-panel outfield fencing.
Project Information
Year Built:
2014
Project Size
500 seat capacity
Cost
$2,200,743
New 500-seat baseball and softball competition stadium included in the new high school project. This project included synthetic turf over playing surface except on the pitcher’s mound, three batting cages, two bullpens, and metal outfield fencing. The outfield area was designed to be utilized as practice football field.
Project Information
Year Built:
2021
Project Size
500 seat capacity
Cost
$2,167,000
VLK worked alongside Columbus ISD to provide a design for a new competition high school softball complex that represents the district, the community, and serves as a message to all visitors about the importance of athletics in the development of young women. The new complex provides a synthetic turf playing surface for the athletes, new dugouts, scorers’ booths, spectator seating, bullpens, batting cages, and a standalone concession building with public restrooms. The design presented promotes pride and supports student success for high school girls’ athletics.
Project Information
Year Built:
2024
Project Size
500 seat capacity at each
Cost
$11,000,000
The baseball and softball complex at Eagle Mountain High School took advantage of the sloped site to embed the grandstands into the hill to provide superb sightlines for the spectators. Entering the complex through a covered portal, spectators stand high above each field and have views of both before heading to their seats. The concession/restroom building is near the entry allowing fans to be engaged with the action even if they leave their seat. At field level, the athletes have a professional feel with an enclosed dugout, batting cages, warmup areas, and separate home and visitor bullpens. The bowl setting for each stadium gives the teams a home field advantage from anywhere else they will play.
Project Information
Year Built:
2022
Project Size
68,745 sf each
Cost
$46,137,800 total
VLK worked with Keller ISD to build four indoor extra-curricular facilities for the district. Each high school now has its own facility that provides a sheltered indoor practice space for multiple sports and fine arts programs.
Project Information
Year Built:
2021
Project Size
43,460 sf
Cost
$10,788,744
New indoor practice facilities at CHS and NCHS to serve the band and all athletic programs that need a safe, dry place to train when the weather is cold and wet.
Project Information
Year Built:
2014
Project Size
44,500 sf
Cost
$4,083,852
The 44,500 sf facility provides ample practice space for not only all of the field athletic programs but other programs such as dance, drill team, cheer and flag core. The pre-engineered steel building is signed to accommodate a 60-yard regulation synthetic turf field, drop down fabric nets for zoning the space and creating net enclosed practice areas. Sport dedicated storage and storage for adjacent sport venues is provided.
Project Information
2021 Year Built:
Project Size
49,959 sf
Cost
$8,143,317
New indoor practice facility to allow for a protected environment in inclement weather. This facility was part of the new Sherman High School completed in 2021
Project Information
Year Built:
2024
Project Size
25-meter x 25-yard swimming area
Cost
$7,900,000
Boerne ISD’s outdoor Aquatics Learning Center serves as a district wide multi-purpose teaching, training, and competition facility, catering to the diverse needs of the district and its community. It is equipped with modern amenities and focuses on the district’s swimming, diving, and water polo competition teams while also teaching and promoting water safety, fitness, and recreation.
The facility features a versatile design, incorporating a 25-meter x 25-yard swimming area prioritizing safety, convenience, and inclusivity, ensuring that individuals of all abilities have the opportunity to learn, compete, play, and exercise in a welcoming and supportive environment.
In collaboration with experienced instructors and coaches, the facility will offer a comprehensive array of programs, promoting skills progression, teamwork, and sportsmanship. From introductory swimming lessons for children to advanced water polo clinics for enthusiasts, this facility will cater to a wide range of interests and abilities. Additionally, the pool will serve as a venue for competitive events, tournaments, and special community gatherings, further enriching the district sports and local recreation landscape.
Project Information
Year Built:
2023
Project Size
Eight swimming lanes
Cost
$5,250,000
The Crowley ISD Natatorium is a modern aquatic facility designed to support student-athletes and enhance the spectator experience. Built to replace the previous pool, this upgraded venue reflects CISD’s commitment to providing top-tier athletic resources.
• Enhanced Competition Facilities: The new pool features eight swimming lanes—double the previous capacity—allowing for expanded training and competition opportunities. A new scoreboard ensures clear visibility during events.
• Comfort and Accessibility: Renovated locker rooms include updated, ADA-compliant fixtures, promoting accessibility and convenience for all users. A new mechanical system provides effective dehumidification to maintain a comfortable environment.
• Natural Lighting and Spectator Seating: Large storefront windows along the north wall flood the space with natural light, while new aluminum bleachers offer ample seating for fans, creating an inviting atmosphere for competitions and community events.
Project Information
Year Built:
2022
Project Size
21,700 sf
Cost
$21,600,000
Town of Little Elm Waterpark is an indoor facility with multiple water activities, including: a splash pad, double Surf Rider, lazy river, two-lane lap pool, two imported KNA slides - one of which was the first of its type installed in the USA at the time of construction. The facility also includes a rock-climbing wall, 3 party rooms, 10 cabanas for private rentals, a mezzanine overseeing the entire facility, along with concessions stands serving light snacks to guests.
As the project progressed toward completion, COVID changed global supply chains and workforces, seemingly overnight. Anticipated subcontractors, products, and systems slated for the project were challenged and often became unavailable or long delayed. The spirit of partnership and teamwork developed with the CMAR, Brannon Corporation, supported a process of collective problem solving and exploration to overcome the unforeseen pressures to budget and schedule. The owner, design team, construction manager, and contractor teamed together to explore alternative sub-contractors, products, systems, and schedules to still achieve the city’s budget and opening goals. When possible, critical path items were adjusted or reordered to allow additional time for procurement or more opportunity for owner discussions and review. Lastly, the CMAR was quick to implement new on site safety procedures and transition to virtual meetings in order to minimize the on-site exposure of the workers, the design team, or the Town of Little Elm staff.
Project Information
2025 Year Built:
Project Size
Eight swimming lanes
Cost
$7,622,000
The new Brazoswood High School Natatorium is a modern, outdoor aquatic facility designed to meet the needs of student-athletes and the wider school community. Replacing the former natatorium—which was closed due to structural issues—this upgraded space supports both competition and training in a safe, well-equipped environment.
• Competition-Ready Design: The facility features a 25x25-meter temperature-controlled pool with three additional warm-up lanes, designed to host swim meets, practices, and diving events.
• Athlete & Spectator Amenities: Two diving boards, a digital scoreboard, exterior lighting, and permanent bleachers provide a high-quality experience for both participants and fans. A dedicated equipment building includes two restrooms for convenience during events.
• Safety & Security: The natatorium is enclosed with a secure perimeter fence and monitored by video surveillance to ensure student and guest safety at all times.