The Complete Guide to Sports Facility Construction

Last Updated on April 3, 2024 by UDC Sports

Introduction

Imagine creating a place where athletes of all ages can hone their skills, where communities can rally together, and where health and fitness are a shared pursuit.

This is both the challenge and the opportunity presented in the construction of a sports facility.

Building a sports facility is a monumental task that involves intricate planning, meticulous design, and a diverse array of construction skills. Understanding what goes into these structures—whether a community recreation center, a school’s gymnasium, or a professional stadium—is key to appreciating the value they add to our communities.

From promoting health and fitness to nurturing community bonds, sports facilities play a crucial role in enriching lives, making the task of constructing them an immensely important job.

Building these kinds of venues isn’t just about laying down turf and setting up equipment—it’s about creating a place where lifelong memories are made, and aspirations are born.

It’s about crafting spaces that echo with the cheer of supportive crowds and the determination of every athlete who steps foot on the field or court.

Crafting Centers of Community & Athletic Excellence

Picture the excitement of children learning to swim in a new local rec center, the joy of families gathering for weekend games, or the pride of a community rallying behind their local team during a championship game. These aren’t just buildings or fields—they’re part of the fabric of our towns and cities.

From the initial sketches to the final ribbon-cutting, each step of constructing a new sports field, stadium, or other athletic facility requires incredible skill in design, engineering, and craftsmanship—as well as a deep understanding of the needs of the athletes who will use the facility and the local community that surrounds it.

The Far-Reaching Impact of Building New Sports Facilities

The construction of sports facilities can invigorate local economies, creating jobs and spurring development. They can draw visitors from far and wide, giving local businesses a boost and shining a spotlight on the local area.

Constructing a sports facility isn’t merely a matter of building a field or structure. It’s about embracing a vision, investing in a community, and creating a platform for physical excellence and shared experiences. Even building a youth baseball diamond or a school soccer field is more than just a construction project—it’s a testament to the power of sports bringing people together for good.

Understanding Sports Facilities

Sports facilities come in a wide range of types and sizes, each serving a specific purpose tailored to the needs of different sports and activities.

Indoor Facilities

These include things like gymnasiums, basketball courts, and swimming pools. These structures are designed to host sports and recreational activities that require a controlled environment. They are often equipped with features like heating and cooling systems, indoor lighting, and specific sports-related amenities.

Outdoor Facilities

Outdoor facilities encompass what many of us think of first when we think of a sports facility. Football fields, soccer fields, baseball diamonds/ballparks, outdoor tennis courts, and so on. These type of facilities typically require larger spaces and are designed to accommodate the impacts of weather and outdoor conditions. They may have seating for spectators, lights for nighttime use, and specialized surfaces for specific sports.

Other Facilities

Some athletic facilities, like skate parks and climbing walls, cater to non-traditional sports. These venues are typically tailored to niche sports communities and require particular design considerations for safety and usability.

The Sports Facility Construction Process

The process of constructing a sports facility is very complicated. But for the purposes of this article, we can (roughly) divide them into three main phases:

• The pre-construction phase involves initial planning, which includes setting objectives, defining requirements, and establishing a budget. Site selection is also a crucial aspect of this stage, factoring in accessibility, potential environmental impact, and the facility’s suitability to the proposed location. The design of the facility is entrusted to skilled architects and engineers who ensure the building meets the functional requirements of the sports it will accommodate, as well as safety and aesthetic considerations.
• The construction phase begins with groundbreaking and site development. This involves preparing the land, ensuring proper drainage, and laying the groundwork for the building. Next comes the structural development, the actual construction of the facility. Regular inspections and adherence to safety measures throughout this phase are crucial to ensure the project stays on track and meets all regulatory standards.
• Post-construction involves steps that can include final inspections and necessary pre-opening approvals from relevant local or state bodies. The facility is then introduced to the community through an opening ceremony, marking the completion of the project and the start of its use.

Key Factors in Sports Facility Construction

Key factors to consider during the construction of a sports facility are safety, accessibility, inclusivity, and the integration of modern technology.

• Safety is paramount, and meeting safety regulations is non-negotiable. This involves the use of high-quality materials, adherence to construction codes, and the inclusion of features such as fire exits, emergency response systems, and adequate lighting.
• Accessibility means ensuring the facility can be used by everyone, including people with disabilities. This can involve incorporating ramps, wide doorways, and accessible seating areas.
• Modern technology has become an integral part of sports facilities. From digital scoreboards to advanced audio-visual equipment for broadcasting events, and even software systems for facility management, technology enhances the functionality and efficiency of sports facilities.

Case Studies of Successful Sports Facility Construction

Examining successful sports facility construction projects can provide valuable insight into best practices. While the following real-life case studies feature large-scale projects, it’s important to note that these key factors apply to sports facility projects of all sizes, from school athletic fields and small community rec centers to massive professional sports stadiums.

1. The Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, home to the Atlanta Falcons, is an example of modern sports facility construction. It is admired for its retractable roof, advanced technology, and commitment to sustainability, being the first LEED Platinum-certified stadium in the NFL. Since it replaced the Georgia Dome in 2017, it has contributed to the economic growth and success of both Atlanta and the State of Georgia. (Source)
2. The renovation of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, where the US Open is held, showcases how an extensive remodel can transform a facility. The project has brought new attention to Flushing, NY, and has been commended for its innovative use of space and introduction of a retractable roof on the main stadium structure.
3. The community sports complex in LakePoint, GA (aptly-named the LakePoint Sporting Community & Town Center) illustrates the power of multipurpose design in sports facilities. This highly-successful facility boasts multiple sports fields and indoor facilities that cater to various sports, maximizing the utility of the space year-round.

Economic Impact and Benefits of Sports Facility Construction

The construction of sports facilities, regardless of their scale, has the potential to stimulate local economies in a myriad of ways. It’s more than just the physical structure or field that’s added to the landscape—it’s the “ripple effect” that these projects can initiate:

• Job creation during and after construction provides a direct benefit. Construction projects require a large workforce, and once the facility is complete, staff are needed for operations, maintenance, and event management.
• Sports facility construction often leads to improvements in local infrastructure, such as roads and public transportation, benefiting the wider community.
• Sports venues can boost tourism, attracting sports fans, athletes, and event attendees from outside the local area. This influx can benefit local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and shops—not to mention entire cities, counties, and states, as in the case studies above.

The facility itself doesn’t have to be a professional arena or stadium to make a big difference in the local economy. Even smaller-scale facilities (like the school baseball field pictured above) can still generate significant economic activity.

They create construction and maintenance jobs, provide a venue for local sports leagues and events, draw visitors who spend at local businesses, and improve the overall quality of life in the area, making them a valuable investment for any community. Such facilities also often become beloved local landmarks, fostering community pride and serving as a gathering place for people of all ages to enjoy sports.

Future Trends in Sports Facility Construction

Trends in the sports construction industry take shape as new technologies and architectural philosophies emerge:

• Innovative designs and materials are constantly being explored. New construction materials can provide benefits such as increased durability, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Multi-use sports venues and other flexible design concepts are becoming increasingly popular. These facility designs allow facilities to host different sports or events, maximizing their use and return on investment.
• Technology and digitalization play an ever-growing role in modern facilities, from advanced turf systems and lighting solutions to increasingly-sophisticated fan engagement technologies.

Conclusion

Building a sports facility is no walk in the park (no pun intended). It’s a complex, intricate undertaking that brings together creative architecture, pinpoint engineering, and solid construction know-how. But the results aresports facilities that stir up community spirit, can improve health, and boost the local economy as well.

As the field continues to evolve, driven by technological advancements and innovative design philosophies, the future of sports facility construction promises even more exciting developments. Stay tuned with UDC Sports—the Sports Facility Design and Construction Experts—for what’s to come!

References and Further Reading

1. “General Services Administration | WBDG – Whole Building Design Guide.” Www.wbdg.org, www.wbdg.org/FFC/GSA/p100/06_chap06.pdf. Accessed 9 June 2023.
2. “LakePoint Sporting Community & Town Center to Become Premier Sports Tournament Vacation Destination | Cartersville – Bartow.” Locationofchoice.com, 2 Nov. 2012, locationofchoice.com/index.php/news/article/506. Accessed 9 June 2023.
3. “Mercedes-Benz Stadium.” Georgia World Congress Center Authority, www.gwcca.org/mercedes-benz-stadium.
4. Neighmond, Patti. “NPR Choice Page.” Npr.org, 2019, www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/07/01/418899249/benefits-of-sports-to-a-childs-mind-and-heart-all-part-of-the-game.
5. Newcomb, Tim. “USTA’s National Tennis Center about More than Hosting Tennis.” Forbes, 27 Mar. 2023, www.forbes.com/sites/timnewcomb/2023/03/27/ustas-national-tennis-center-about-more-than-hosting-tennis/. Accessed 9 June 2023.
6. ReTurf. “Building a Stadium? Here Are Some Things to Consider.” ReTurf, 21 May 2021, returf.com/building-a-stadium-here-are-some-things-to-consider/. Accessed 9 June 2023.
7. “How to Build a Sports Facility: From Concept to Completion – UDC Sports Construction.” UDC Sports, 14 Apr. 2023, udcsports.com/how-to-build-a-sports-facility-from-concept-to-completion/. Accessed 9 June 2023.
8. “U.S. Access Board – Chapter 10: Sports Facilities.” Www.access-Board.gov, www.access-board.gov/ada/guides/chapter-10-sports-facilities/.
9. Zimbalist, Andrew, and Roger G. Noll. “Sports, Jobs, & Taxes: Are New Stadiums Worth the Cost?” Brookings, Brookings, June 1997, www.brookings.edu/articles/sports-jobs-taxes-are-new-stadiums-worth-the-cost/.