SPORTS

SOM S K I D M O R E , O W IN G S & M E RRI L L L L P

Sports Facility Design & Planning
 S K ID M O R E , OW IN G S & M E R RIL L L L P (S O M)

SOM’S SKILLFUL DESIGN AND

PLANNING OF SPORTS FACILITIES
EVOKES A STRONG AND SEAMLESS
CONNECTION BETWEEN
LEARNING, TRAINING, HEALTH &
FITNESS.

With experience at all levels of competition and
recreation, from professional and collegiate teams
to K-12 programs, SOM offers clients a full range of
sports facility planning and design services. Beyond
the specific requirements of the sports they serve,
SOM’s award-winning design addresses the broader
role of athletics in the health of individuals and
communities.
SOM’s integrated approach combines the expertise
of a specialized sports studio and the depth of
resources of a large firm that consistently maintains
an international reputation for design excellence. We
have successfully completed projects for football,
baseball, lacrosse and soccer fields, multi-sport
stadia, basketball, tennis and squash courts, hockey
rinks, natatoriums, fieldhouses and support spaces.

P H O T O : C O U R T E S Y S Y R A C U S E AT H L E T I C D E PA R T M E N T
SOM understands that every aspect of a sports
facility is intended to provide the entire organization
– from the players and coaches to the medical team
and administration – with the tools that will allow
them to maximize their performance.
We realize the importance of the built facility as
a recruiting tool and therefore strive to design
buildings that instill a sense of pride, history and
competition that not only attracts new talent but
retains existing personnel.

By creating focused learning and working

environments, a quality sports facility enables teams
and individuals to train at a higher level with more
efficiency and effectiveness.
SOM CREATES A LIVING CHALKBOARD,
WHERE PLAYERS CAN LEARN AND
FOCUS, COACHES CAN CRITIQUE,
AND THE GAME CAN BE IMPROVED
AND PERFECTED.

Great facilities attract great talent. Here, Brett Fa-

vre warms up before practice at the SOM designed
Jets Atlantic Health Training Center.

P H O T O : C O U R T E SY F L O T O -WA R N E R
M ULT I - F U N C T I O N A L D E S I G N T E A M A PPR O A C H
SOM’s combination of diverse expertise
contributes to innovative design solutions
that transcend the status quo.
FOCUSED LEARNING
ENVIRONMENTS
At its core, the practice facility
serves as a classroom for the
education of players and coaches.
Considering the complexity of
the schemes that are taught and
the short time for retention, the
practice facility is designed as a
focused learning environment.
Like in any academic setting, SOM
programs spaces to accommodate
platforms for social interaction,
chance meetings and a casual
exchange of ideas in order to permit
informal learning outside of the
classroom setting. Ultimately, these
opportunities can contribute to
growth of new ideas and a deeper
understanding of teaching, leading
to a competitive advantage on the
playing field.
STATE-OF-THE-ART
MEDICAL & FITNESS
TRAINING DESIGN
Our design expertise and creativity
extends to an understanding of
how facilities support the core
fitness center and training areas
for medical treatment. We have
dedicated professionals in Health
+ Science who are recognized
for their state-of-the-art and
innovate environments for medicine
and science which have been
created for some of the world’s
most sophisticated research and
healthcare practitioners.
Our special attention is given to
the specification of interior finishes
and floor surfaces that prevent
the spread of germs and reduce
maintenance demands.
MEDIA PRODUCTION 24-7 FACILITY DESIGN
& OFFICE WORKPLACE
DESIGN
SOM is an industry leader when
it comes to commercial workplace
design. The designs that emerge
from its collaborative teams of
interior designers, researchers, and
industrial and interactive media
designers do not follow a pre-
established aesthetic approach
but evolve from the particular
conditions within each project.
Working closely with architects
and engineers from a project’s
inception, this creative studio
designs furniture and textiles,
defines new spatial programs,
creates holistically conceived
branded environments, and
researches innovative processes.
Practice facilities need to
accommodate a wide range of
constituents (players, coaches,
executives, media, public) and their
disparate needs and
schedules.
While it is important to design
a feeling of continuity and
connectedness throughout, it is
also important to plan the ability to
segregate various user groups as
needed. SOM details and specifies
materials to respond to the different
degrees of use inherent in a
practice facility.
H E A LT H & F I T N E S S
Healthy Environment
ATTENTION TO DETAIL CAN MEAN
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
WINNING AND LOSING ON THE
PLAYING FIELD.
SOM carefully selects and specifies materials that
meet the highest standards in order to hold up to
hard use. Our specifications require the use of
anti-microbial surfaces in key areas to prevent the
spread of illness-causing germs. Our approach to
interiors places a high importance on collabora-
tion with mechanical engineers, acousticians and
lighting designers to limit distractions within a
facility and provide appropriate indoor air, sound
and light quality.
Our approach to the interior design of training
facilities focuses on the coordinated design and
engineering of bright, clean and healthy interior
environments that provide a high level of user
comfort. SOM carefully specifies and details
playing surfaces, interior finishes and special
equipment. This user comfort can translate
directly into longer attentiveness, sharper focus
P H O T O : M A R I ST AT H L E T I C D E PA R T M E N T
and enhanced performance for athletes and
coaches.
R EC E N T WO RK | KU WA I T MIL I TA RY A C A D E M Y

CAREFUL PROGRAMMING & PLANNING

OF NEW TRAINING CENTERS PROMOTES
SOCIAL INTERACTION AND SUPPORTS
CHANCE ENCOUNTERS AND THE INFORMAL
EXCHANGE OF IDEAS. THIS STRENGTHENS
TEAMWORK AND BUILDS STRONGER
TIES AND UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN
COACHES AND ATHLETES.
R EC E N T WO RK | FO C U S E D T R A ININ G E N V IR O N M E N T S
Relevant Work: Athletic Training
Complex Design and Planning
UNITED STATES One of the country’s largest and most prominent
AIR FORCE ACADEMY post-war architectural projects, the United States
Air Force Academy opened in 1958. With its spec-
ATHLETIC COMPLEX tacular natural setting and stunning Modernist de-
MASTER PLAN sign, the Academy was quickly hailed as a national
landmark and attracts over one million visitors each
L O C AT I O N : C O L O R A D O S P R I N G S , C O year. Recently, SOM completed master plan stud-
COMPLETION YEAR: ies for the Athletic Complex that focused around the
19 5 8 & O N G O I N G P L A N N I N G placement of a new Multi-purpose Indoor Athletic
AREA: — Facility. This new building situated on a high ledge
above the playing fields will have clear views to the
Rocky Mountains beyond. When completed, the fa-
cility will incorporate a new connector building that
will link all athletic facilities together and serve as
a showcase hall-of-fame for the Air Force Athletics
Department.
LAMPE ATHLETIC In response to the demands of competing at NCAA
COMPLEX Division I level and the needs of the general student
body, the new complex was designed to improve
MASTER PLAN and expand Syracuse University’s existing athletic
LOCATION: SY RA C USE, NY facilities. SOM renovated and expanded the existing
COMPLETION YEAR: 2 0 1 5 Manley Field House and added two smaller auxiliary
AREA: —
buildings as support facilities, transforming what
had been a disparate collection of ad hoc additions
into a new, pedestrian-friendly focal point for the
university.
The design team made recommendations on how
this centrally located Lampe Athletic Complex could
be more closely connected to the North and South
Campuses, becoming the new Middle Campus and
yielding a more unified overall plan.
BRUNSWICK SCHOOL SOM was charged by the Brunswick School with
EDWARDS CAMPUS the programming and design of a master plan for a
completely new, 104-acre Pre-K through Middle
MASTER PLAN School campus. The program included provid-
L O C AT I O N : G R E E N W I C H , C T ing athletic facilities for the Upper School as well.
C O M P L E T I O N YEAR: 2 0 0 6 Among the most important planning goals were: cre-
A RE A : — 10 4 A C R E S
ating a distinct identity for the campus; retaining as
much significant tree-growth as possible; creating
a campus green; designing common public exterior
spaces; and reconciling vehicular, pedestrian, and
open space requirements for ease of circulation,
safety, and campus unity.
R E C E N T WO RK | PL A N NIN G
ALI AL-SABAH
MILITARY ACADEMY
L O C ATI O N : K U WA I T C IT Y, K U WA I T
C O M P L E T I O N Y E A R : 2010
A RE A : 18 6 ,0 0 0 M 2
KUWAIT POLICE
COLLEGE
L O C AT I O N : KU WA I T CIT Y, K U WA I T
C O M P L E T I O N Y E A R : 2 011
A R E A : 30 4, 28 4 M 2
QATAR OIL COMPANY
COMPLEX
L O C AT I O N : D O H A , Q ATA R
COMPLETION YEAR: CONFIDENTIAL
The 2.2 million square foot campus is a largely self-
sufficient facility that serves as the primary edu-
cational institution for cadets preparing to become
Kuwaiti military officers. The program includes three
cadet dormitories, two staff dormitories, and an of-
ficer’s residence, as well as training and academic
buildings. A parade ground, athletic stadium, and
helipad are among the primary exterior program
spaces.
This new complex will serve as the main campus
for 1,200 elite officers, with facilities for living,
academics, administration, athletics, and training.
The Police College is a paramilitary facility sited
deliberately within the proximity of the central city;
its location provides a sense of security for the
inhabitants of the city.
This recreational center is part of SOM’s design for
an office complex that accommodates approximately
4,200 personnel. The recreation center is divided
into multi-functional zones. There are central shaded
facilities including a ballroom, administration of-
fices,
fitness center, indoor multi-use courts and outdoor
courts. The stadium consist of an outdoor football
field with grass pitch and athletic track. There will
be
an indoor or shaded VIP section with separate food
service and toilet rooms. The medical center serves
staff and families and is designed to be considered
a satellite clinic.
R EC E N T WO RK | J E T S AT L A N T I C H E A LT H T R A ININ G
CENTER
JETS ATLANTIC HEALTH TRAINING CENTER
The new Jets Atlantic Health Training Center will
serve as the team’s corporate front office, home of
football operations and dedicated training facilities.
Because the building houses a wide range of users,
the design needed to meet all of their diverse
needs and schedules. To do this, the building
blurs the boundaries between the branches of the
organization by focusing the spaces on the playing
fields, becoming a physical representation of the
organization’s culture of winning.
The building program includes a 121,000 square
foot, two-story structure, and an 80,000 square
foot indoor pre-engineered field house. The build-
ing is sited so the indoor and outdoor artificial turf
fields mirror each other, with the rest of the pro-
gram surrounding them. This siting achieves several
things: the enclosed fields connect the business and
football OPS offices to the training facilities, it cre-
ates a stadium-like atmosphere for the players, and
allows the enormous mass of the fieldhouse to be
mitigated by concealing its bulk.
RI G H T: The building hugs the main
field on three sides to simulate the feel
of a stadium. The balcony lets
coaches call plays from above.
Opposing teams have tried to throw
off Jets coaches at away games by
putting their skybox at other locations
rather than the 50-yard line. The long
balcony helps coaches prepare for
such tricks.
B E L OW: The architecture evokes the
tunnel that players pass through when
running onto the field. It’s meant to
impress free agents and sponsors but
more importantly, upon entry, the
building is designed to focus both
football and business operations on
their work at hand. A single view to
the playing field clearly expresses the PHOTO: C OURTESY HUNTER ROBERTS
goals of the organization.
R EC E N T WO RK | J E T S AT L A N T I C H E A LT H T R A ININ G C E N T E R

L E F T: A 95-foot-high full-size indoor

practice field permits full field
practicing of new strategies. The
catwalk near the ceiling offers a
favorable vantage point for filming;
coaches can call up plays from any
practice (or game) from the
building’s central video server.

B E L OW: Inspirational words and

phrases are emblazoned on walls
throughout the building, emphasizing
teamwork and preparation. Phrases
like “Every battle is won before it is
ever fought” from Sun Tzu’s The Art of
War appears in one
player hallway.

B O T T O M RI G H T: The workout area

holds all the specialty weight-training
equipment players could want, as well
as old-school touches like a medicine-
P H O T O : F L O T O -WA R N E R
ball wall. The gym isn’t about creating
a beautiful body but rather getting
players into “football shape.” Its
amenities entice players to stay in
New Jersey for approved off-season
strength workouts, which coaches
prefer.

PHOTO: FLORIAN HOL ZHER

PHOTO: FLORIAN HOL ZHER PHOTO: FLORIAN HOL ZHER

R E L E VA N T WO RK | IN D O O R / O U T D O O R S P O R T S FA C IL I T Y D E S I G N
SOM has completed a wide range of diverse Sports
Facilities that respond to each of our clients unique
programs, culture, climate and aspirations.
MARIST COLLEGE The East Campus Tennis Pavilion is the first phase
EAST CAMPUS of Marist College’s East Campus Improvement
Project, which will create a central green space
TENNIS CENTER and pedestrian walkway extending from the end
AND PAVILION of the east campus to the Hudson River lined
with buildings and informal meeting areas. SOM
L O C AT I O N : P O U G H K E E P S I E , N Y designed the world-class outdoor tennis center to
COMPLETION YEAR: 2005 fit comfortably into the heart of Marist’s residential
A RE A : 2 A C R E S
campus. It features eight regulation-size courts built
to U.S. Open specifications with state-of-the-art
playing surfaces and lighting, a central walkway,
and a pergola-covered spectator area. When the
landscape vines mature, this 240-foot heavy-
timber pergola will provide shade for spectators and
students in residence on the east campus.
BRUNSWICK SCHOOL Located on a 104-acre campus of secluded, bucolic
ATHLETIC CENTER woods and wetlands, the new academic and athletic
complex is designed to take maximum advantage of
the site’s natural topography. Isolated from its
L O C AT I O N : G R E E N W I C H , C T
neighbors with a traditional town green at its center,
COMPLETION YEAR: 2000 the site on King Street embodies the best qualities
A RE A : 6 5,0 0 0 S F of Connecticut and western New England. SOM
designed the 65,000 square foot Athletic Center to
serve both middle school and upper school athletes.
At the building’s center is an elegant brick structure
connecting two long span spaces on either side that
enclose a hockey rink and basketball courts. The
design features an NCAA regulation-size hockey
rink, basketball court, eight international-size squash
courts, weight training space, locker rooms, and
trophy reception hall.
DEERFIELD ACADEMY In the 1990s, the school began an expansion that
NATATORIUM included a 37,000 square foot gymnasium extension
with an Olympic-sized lap pool, 14-foot deep diving
pool, three regulation squash courts, and support
L O C AT I O N : D E E R F I E L D, M A
facilities. The pool enclosure required a clear space
C O M P L E T I O N Y E A R : 19 91 of about 100 feet by 120 feet, indicating an exposed
A RE A : 37,0 0 0 S F roof structure of materials that would resist corro-
sion. The structure is a glue-laminated truss/three-
hinged arch system with the curving bottom chord
of the truss providing an elegant and efficient ele-
ment to support the roof framing. These arches are
supported on concrete pier/buttresses, cantilevered
up from the
pool deck.
BRUNSWICK The new Field House provides 31,000 sf of flexible
SCHOOL indoor practice space for Brunswick’s athletic pro-
gram. Gym space is supported by school locker
FIELD HOUSE rooms and team rooms, an athletic director’s office,
a full trainer room, a coaches’ locker room, and
L O C ATI O N : G R E E N W I C H , C T
a deluxe varsity football room. The versatile main
COMPLETION YEAR: 2004 space contains four basketball courts, which can al-
A RE A : 4 0,4 0 0 S F ternatively transition into four tennis courts or three
tennis courts and a competitive wrestling center.
High ceiling clearance allows for indoor lacrosse and
football practice, while a central skylight provides
natural light throughout the day. With its slender
barn form and understated façade, the field house
forms the backdrop to Brunswick’s new artificial turf
field football stadium.
MARIST COLLEGE The construction of this multi-sport stadium com-
TENNEY STADIUM plex marks a significant advancement for athlet-
ics at Marist. The facility includes an artificial turf
field and a stone-faced 2,000-seat precast concrete
L O C AT I O N : P O U G H K E E P S I E , N Y
grandstand. The ground level field house contains
C O M P L E T I O N Y E A R : 2 0 07 two large, daylit varsity locker rooms with show-
A RE A : 2 0,0 0 0 S F ers, a medical training room, equipment room, and
support spaces. Additionally, the building includes
a public concession stand and restrooms. Lockers
and concession areas are highlighted on the façade
by large wooden exterior alcoves that create bays
for students and players. The grandstand features a
large press box, served by elevators, equipped with
a state-of-the-art sound system and wireless com-
munications.
NATIONAL UNIVERSITY The EduSport building at NUS’ University Town is
OF SINGAPORE a mixed-use building which combines education,
sports, and performing arts programs to create the
EDUSPORT BUILDING campus’ central hub of social interaction. On the
ground floor, a bookstore, food court, and small re-
L O C ATI O N : S I N G A P O R E
tail shops surround the Forum and front the Town
C O M P L E T I O N Y E A R : 2 010 Green, two of UTown’s most active public spaces.
A RE A : 3 0,0 0 0 M 2 The Centre for the Arts (CFA) is programmed with
music and dance spaces that activate EduSport and
the Forum during the evening. Education spaces,
including large lecture theatres and smaller seminar
rooms, are nestled in the intermediate level, with
breakout spaces that are visually connected to each
other. Three athletic halls and a fitness gym are lo-
cated at the uppermost level.
R EC E N T WO RK | B RU N S W I C K S C H O O L

DESIGNING BUILDINGS THAT RESIST

SOM’s design of the Brunswick Multi-Sport
Fieldhouse incorporates daylight, regional

WEAR AND TEAR WHILE ACHIEVING

materials and advanced sports surfaces while
utilizing a standard pre-engineered structure.

LONG TERM FLEXIBILITY OF USE

AND LIFE-CYCLE COST SAVINGS
THAT CREATE A SUSTAINING VALUE.

PHOTO: FLORIAN HOL ZHER

R EC E N T WO RK | C A R M E LO K . A N T H O N Y B A S K E T B A L L T R A ININ G C E N T E R

CARMELO K. ANTHONY
BASKETBALL TRAINING CENTER
AT SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY

The Carmelo K. Anthony Basketball Center
completes the first constructed phase of the new
Lampe Athletic Complex Master Plan by SOM. The
Melo Center serves as the training and learning
facility for the Syracuse University men’s and
women’s basketball programs. In addition to the
two full-size basketball courts, the facility includes
a cutting-edge medical & fitness training center,
media-based classrooms, and complete office
suites and locker rooms for the men’s and women’s
basketball coaching teams.
The building is named for Carmelo Anthony,
who helped lead Syracuse to the 2003 NCAA
Men’s Basketball Championship and now plays
professionally for the Denver Nuggets, and who
provided the lead donor gift. The center is designed
to support the university’s ability to recruit and
train top athletes in the competitive world of NCAA
Division 1 athletics.
Head Coach Jim Boeheim praised the new facility,
saying “Syracuse now has the best basketball
training facility in the NCAA. This new SOM-
designed building provides the University with
facilities that will help Syracuse recruit the best
players in the country and help train our players to
have a competitive advantage.”
The Carmelo K. Anthony Basketball Center is
currently rated one of the leading men’s and
women’s basketball training centers in the NCAA
and in the country.
Innovative sustainable measures designed into the
building will allow it to receive a LEED certified
status.
P H O T O : C O U R T E S Y S Y R A C U S E AT H L E T I C D E PA R T M E N T

L E F T: For Universities and profes- A B OV E : The main entrance leads

sional organizations, pride and fan
support play a critical role in the
recruitment of new players and the
continuity of strong programs. At
Syracuse, SOM designed a facility to
showcase the history of accomplish-
ments of the program, while
recognizing the current athletes and
forward-looking direction of the
athletic department.
directly into the Basketball Hall of
Fame. This translucent volume when
illuminated at night will beckon
students and provide a warm mark in
an otherwise cold Syracuse winter
landscape.

RI G H T: The weight training and

medical training areas have been
developed by SOM in close collabora-
tion with the Syracuse Athletic
Department to ensure the building
meets the specific needs of the
Athletic program.

P H O T O : C O U R T E SY SY R A C U S E AT H L E T I C D E PA R T M E N T P H O TO : C O U R T E S Y S Y R A C U S E AT H L E T I C D E PA R T M E N T
R EC E N T WO RK | C A R M E LO K . A N T H O N Y B A S K E T B A L L T R A ININ G C E N T E R

L E F T: The Hall of Fame.

RI G H T: The indoor basketball court.

P H O T O : C O U R T E SY SY R A C U S E AT H L E T I C D E PA R T M E N T

L E F T: Each player’s locker puts his/

her photograph on display, a small but
effective gesture to make him/her feel
special. Also appreciated is the
ventilation in the back of each
cubbyhole. Fresh air is pumped into
the center of the room and then
flushed through these perforations.
This creates a more healthy environ-
ment with less odors and moisture in
the air.

RI G H T: The focal point of the project

is the two adjacent full-size practice
courts located at the center of the
building. These hardwood courts are
enclosed by translucent walls on two
sides. Coaches offices overlook the
practice area creating a showcase
view of the program to potential new
recruits touring the campus. Weight
and medical training areas are directly
adjacent to the main space permitting
easy access.
P H O T O : C O U R T E SY SY R A C U S E AT H L E T I C D E PA R T M E N T P H O T O : C O U R T E S Y S Y R A C U S E AT H L E T I C D E PA R T M E N T
STADIUM DESIGN THAT REFERENCES
REGIONAL AND LOCAL CONTEXT,
PROVIDES FOR IDEAL SIGHTLINES AND
FLEXIBILITY OF USE AND ENJOYMENT.

PHOTO: FLORIAN HOL ZHER

S K ID M O R E , OW IN G S & M E RRIL L (S O M)
SOM Focuses on Design Excellence
MEMORABLE ARCHITECTURE
OF ANY SCALE IS THE PRODUCT
OF COLLABORATION AND
INNOVATION—TWO FORCES
THAT, ALONG WITH OUR DRIVE
FOR EXCELLENCE, REMAIN
SOM’S DEFINING TRADITIONS.
Seasoned designers, technical architects, and skilled
managers lead our design teams, providing
the diverse knowledge that is essential to each
project’s success. Innovation takes many forms and
addresses a spectrum of challenges from garnering
community support to achieving unprecedented
efficiency. Whether rethinking a site plan to create
a new public open space or designing a ground-
breaking energy saving curtain wall, SOM integrates
the expertise of the entire team as well
as our clients early on to uncover the full potential of
each project’s site, program, and resources.
SOM’s work ranges from the architectural design
and engineering of individual buildings to master
planning and design of entire campuses and
communities. The firm has conceived, designed
and built projects that include corporate offices,
financial institutions, government buildings, health-
care facilities, religious buildings, airports and other
transportation facilities, recreational and sports
facilities, educational buildings, and residential
developments.
S O M S U S TA IN A B IL I T Y
SOM Sustainable Design
The incorporation of sustainable
building ideas such as green
building, intelligent building, and
energy efficiency has long been
an integral part of SOM’s design
excellence.
We implement these concepts—
through advanced building control
systems, climatically responsive
layouts, waste reduction princi-
ples, and natural daylighting—in
projects executed throughout the
world.
The sustainable design process
recognizes that building materi-
als—and the energy required to
extract or create them—are not
infinite and must be carefully
considered during all aspects of
design and construction, and even
post-construction. Additionally, a
sustainable building incorporates
natural systems from daylight to
fresh air, providing a superior envi-
ronment for the occupants as well
as a better long-term contribution
to the surrounding environment.
SOM

C O N TA C T

C H RI S T O P H E R M C C R E A DY, A I A
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