Last Updated on November 17, 2022 by UDC Sports
It’s time to build! Whether you’re designing a new sports complex or constructing a new stadium, there are countless things to consider.
- What location will work best for your facility?
- What type of seating do you require?
- What kind of design will work best for your needs?
- How can you make the most use of the space available?
- What amenities will be the most popular with fans?
- What about infrastructure? Permits? Surfacing? Sports equipment? Fencing? Parking? Amenities? Concessions? Lighting?
As you can see, there’s a lot to think about when building a large sports facility. But don’t worry—we’re here to help.
In this guide, we’ll discuss some of the key factors in designing a successful sports complex or stadium, and offer a few tips for you to keep in mind.
We’ll touch on several areas from planning, to construction, to design, and help you make the most of your space.
Tip #1: Consider the Location Carefully
One of the first steps in designing a sports complex or stadium is to select the perfect location. The location will have a major impact on the rest of the planning, design, and construction—and ultimately, the success of your facility.
In some cases, the location for your sports facility may already be “locked in.” If not, you’ll need to select a construction site that meets all of your needs.
There are many, many factors that go into selecting the site for your facility; far too many to list. However, some of the basics are:
Zoning and permits: Make sure the location you choose is zoned for your intended use. You may also need to get special permits from your local city, municipality, or county government in order to build your sports venue.
Available land: You’ll need enough space for the main structure itself, of course, but you’ll also need space for parking, tailgating, and other activities. Make sure you have a large enough plot of land to accommodate your needs.
Proximity to transportation: You’ll want to choose a location that is easily accessible by car, bus, train, or plane. Fans and athletes should be able to get to the venue with ease.
Proximity to potential customers: You’ll want to choose a location that’s convenient for your target market. If you’re targeting local fans, choose a location that’s close to population centers. If you’re aiming for out-of-town fans, choose a location that’s close to major highways or airports.
These are just a few of the things to consider when choosing the location to build your sports complex or stadium. But with careful planning, you can find the perfect spot for your facility.
Tip #2: Plan for the Right Type of Seating
Another step in designing the layout of a sports facility is to plan for the right type of seating. There are many different types of seating to choose from, and the type you select will depend on the size of your facility, the attendance you expect, and the type of events you’ll be hosting.
Some of the different types of seating you can choose from are:
Stadium seating: This is the traditional type of seating, where rows of seats are arranged in a tiered configuration. This type of seating is great for large facilities and events.
Athletic field seating: This type of seating is designed for outdoor athletic fields. The seats are usually placed on one side of the field, so that fans can see the entire game.
Box seats: Box seats are a type of premium seating, where fans sit in private boxes that offer a great view of the action. Box seats are typically found in larger facilities.
Club seats: Club seats are another type of premium seating, where fans have access to exclusive clubs and lounges. Club seats are usually found in larger sports facilities.
Suites: Suites are private, luxurious seating areas that offer the ultimate in comfort and style. Suites are typically found in the largest and most exclusive sports facilities.
These are just a few of the different types of seating you can choose from when designing your sports complex or stadium. With careful planning, you can select the perfect type of seating for your facility.
Tip #3: Incorporate the Latest Technology
In today’s world, technology is an inseparable part of the sports experience. Fans want to be able to use their smartphones and tablets to reliably stay connected with the game. Before and during the construction stage, here are some of the things you should consider for your stadium or other sports facility:
Wireless connectivity: Provide wireless connectivity throughout your facility so that fans can stay connected. Implementing complete Wi-Fi for a large stadium or arena involves a lot more than just setting up a few routers in key locations. You’ll need to work with professionals to ensure that your facility is properly wired and that your Wi-Fi system can handle the demands of a large number of users.
High-definition video: Install high-definition video boards so that fans can see the action up close. You can also use video to show replays and other highlights.
In-seat ordering: Allow fans to order food and drinks from their seats using their smartphones or tablets.
Digital signage: Use digital signage to direct fans to their seats, promote concessions, and provide information about upcoming events.
Security: Use the latest security technologies to keep your facility safe. This includes things like access control, security cameras, and metal detectors.
Lighting: Use state-of-the-art LED lighting systems to light the field, facility, and outdoor areas for better vision, greater sustainability—and significant savings on energy costs.
Tip #5: Consider Sustainability
Speaking of energy savings, when designing a sports venue today, it’s important to consider sustainability. There are many ways to make your facility more sustainable, from using energy-efficient lighting, to installing artificial turf, to incorporating solar panels.
Sustainability is important for two reasons. Obviously, it’s great for the environment. But it can also save you a lot of money in the long run. Here are some of the things you should consider when making your facility more sustainable:
- Energy-efficient lighting: LED lighting is much more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent lighting.
- Solar panels: Solar panels can provide a source of renewable energy for your facility.
- Green materials: Use green materials, such as recycled steel, in the construction of your facility.
- Water conservation: Install artificial turf instead of grass, and use water-saving fixtures, such as low-flow toilets and showerheads.
These are just a few of the ways you can make your sports facility more sustainable. With the right planning you can create a facility that is great for both the environment and your bottom line.
Tip #6: Consider the Fans’ Experience
When constructing a sports complex or other large venue, it’s important to consider the fans’ experience. Every detail of your facility needs to be designed with the fans in mind. From the type of seating to the concessions to the restrooms, everything should be easy to use and convenient.
- Think about the fans’ experience from the moment they enter your facility. Where will they park? How will they get to their seats? What type of concessions will be available?
- You should also think about the fans’ experience during the event. Will they be able to see and hear the action? Will they be comfortable in their seats?
- Finally, think about the fans’ experience after the event. How will they exit the facility? What type of transportation will be available?
By considering the fans’ experience at every stage, you can ensure that your facility is designed for maximum enjoyment—and truly stands out from the rest.
Tip #7: Make Your Facility Accessible to Everyone
When designing your sports complex or stadium, it’s important to make sure that your venue is accessible to everyone. This includes people with disabilities.
There are a number of ways to make your facility more accessible, from providing wheelchair-accessible seating to installing Braille signage.
Making your sports venue accessible is not only the right thing to do, but it’s also good for business. By providing accommodations for people with disabilities, you can make your facility more attractive to a wider range of fans.
Tip #8: Work with a Professional Design, Consulting, and Construction Firm with Experience in Sports Facility Design
When it comes to a project as colossal—and, well, complex—as a new sports complex, it’s important to work with a professional firm that has experience in sports facility design.
A professional firm can help you with everything from choosing the right location for a stadium to designing a venue that meets your specific needs. They can also provide valuable insights into the latest trends in sports facility design.
Working with a full-service sports design and construction firm is the best way to ensure that the facility is designed and built efficiently, on time, and within budget. Hiring a firm that can handle every step of the project from start to finish can help eliminate communication snags, minimize delays, and make the entire project progress much more smoothly than dealing with multiple companies.
When choosing a sports facility construction/design firm, be sure to ask about their experience in designing sports fields, venues, and stadiums. (UDC Sports has completed over 100+ projects.) By working with experienced sports construction professionals, you can be sure that your facility is designed and built to the highest standards.
Conclusion
Building the perfect stadium or sports complex is no small feat—but your vision is achievable with the right planning and execution.
With so many factors to consider, from location, planning, and design to construction, permitting, and infrastructure, it’s important to work with a firm that has experience in sports facility design. When you work with a professional sports design and construction firm, you can be sure that your facility is designed and built to the highest standards.
By taking the time to consider all of the factors involved in designing and building a sports venue, you can create a venue that is great for the fans—and great for business.
UDC Sports Facility Construction
We hope this guide has been helpful in planning your sports complex or stadium. For more information on sports facility design, construction, and/or project management, contact UDC Sports. We would be happy to discuss your project in more detail and assist you in every step of the process. Click here to email us about your project or call us at (828) 518-5787.
