Sports
We help clients deliver the best experience for guests and teams, activate communities, and create a return on investment by designing sports and entertainment venues with enhanced technology, service, and amenities.
University of Cincinnati Indoor Practice Facility and Performance Center, Cincinnati
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The rise in women’s sports, driven by increased visibility, investment, and advocacy for gender equality, has fueled demand for dedicated training facilities.
—Elizabeth Pritchett, Sports leader
27 Items
Capital One Arena
Washington, D.C.
Downtown Washington, D.C.’s premier sports and entertainment venue has entered a new chapter that solidifies the structure’s enduring legacy as the central hub of the city’s vibrant urban core.
Phoenix Mercury Training Facility and Headquarters
Phoenix, Arizona
Gensler has partnered with the Phoenix Mercury to design a new facility specifically aimed to redefine the way women athletes train and prepare for games.
Grand Sierra Resort Reno Arena
Reno, Nevada
Gensler collaborated with Meruelo Group to transform the Grand Sierra Resort into a destination where community, sports, and entertainment come together.
University of Texas at Austin, Moody Center
Austin, Texas
Gensler helped the University of Texas consolidate its campus sports venues and create a LEED Gold Certified basketball arena and live music venue.
Rose Bowl Stadium Upgrades
Pasadena, California
The Rose Bowl is undergoing an $80 million renovation to modernize the venue and preserve its historic legacy, while ensuring lasting impact and future success.
Cincinnati Open
Mason, Ohio
The Cincinnati Open, one of the longest running tennis tournaments in the U.S., is undergoing a campus-wide renovation ahead of the 2025 tournament.
The University of Cincinnati Indoor Practice Facility and Performance Center
Cincinnati, Ohio
The University of Cincinnati Indoor Practice Facility and Performance Center is designed with a focus on innovation and enhancing the student-athlete experience
Los Angeles Chargers Headquarters and Training Facility
El Segundo, California
Gensler Sports is designing the Los Angeles Chargers’ new team headquarters and training facility in El Segundo, California.
Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center
Fayetteville, Georgia
The training center will create a central hub for the entire soccer community to promote successful and sustainable playing environments throughout the country.
Arizona Coyotes Arena and Entertainment District
Phoenix, Arizona
Gensler’s recent master plan for a lifestyle and entertainment epicenter in Phoenix proposed anchoring the development with a sports and entertainment arena.
San Diego State University, Snapdragon Stadium
San Diego, California
Snapdragon Stadium is a 35,000-seat Division 1 stadium, designed by Gensler, for SDSU Football.
New York Mets Citi Field
Queens, New York
To enhance visitors’ game day experience, Gensler worked to upgrade several key club and suite spaces at the New York Mets’ Citi Field.
Chase Center
San Francisco, California
Gensler led the guest experience and interior design for Chase Center, an 8,000-seat arena that is home of the 2022 NBA Champions, Golden State Warriors.
BMO Stadium
Los Angeles, California
Gensler designed the 22,000-seat BMO Stadium in L.A.’s Exposition Park, anchoring the Figueroa corridor and capitalizing on great views of the downtown skyline.
M&T Bank Stadium
Baltimore, Maryland
Gensler is partnering with the Baltimore Ravens to design a series of projects that will enhance the gameday and year-round fan experience at M&T Stadium.
University of South Carolina Football Operations Building
Columbia, South Carolina
Quackenbush Architects and Gensler Sports partnered to design the 110,000-square-foot Football Operations Building at the University of South Carolina. This...
Crypto.com Arena
Los Angeles, California
Crypto.com Arena (formerly STAPLES Center) is the largest indoor sports and entertainment venue in Los Angeles, and the only arena in the United States that’s home to four major professional sports franchises.
Irvine Amphitheater
Irvine, California
Gensler is designing a new, 14,000 capacity amphitheater and extending the legacy of live outdoor music in Irvine, starting with Irvine Meadows.
Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
Cleveland, Ohio
The new Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse expands the arena’s event space, boosts its functionality, and provides a substantially improved visitor experience for sports fans and concert-goers alike.
LAFC Performance Center
Los Angeles, California
The LAFC Performance Center embodies the culture of the club and the city, both aesthetically and functionally. Coinciding with the inaugural season of the...
The Star
Frisco, Texas
The Star is a multi-use development that includes the new Dallas Cowboys’ headquarters and The Ford Center, an events center and sports training facility.
St. David’s Performance Center
Austin, Texas
The training facility for the MLS franchise, Austin FC, is designed to leverage the power of soccer to make a positive impact in community and youth wellness.
New York Red Bulls Training Complex
Morris Township, New Jersey
The New York Red Bulls partnered with Gensler to design a training facility that will bring professional, academy, and youth programs together under one roof.
Harvard Westlake School, River Park Campus
Studio City, California
An open-air facility offering a variety of athletic courts and fields for students and the community. Six acres of walking trails surround the site’s recirculating ponds, river observation area, tennis courts, pool, fields, and multipurpose center.
Texas Athletics Basketball and Rowing Training Facility
Austin, Texas
For years, Texas Longhorn basketball has been located off-campus in the heart of downtown Austin. Starting in 2022, the Longhorns will finally move ‘home’ when The Moody Center opens on the main campus.
UC Davis Student Athlete Performance Center
Davis, California
Located west of Sacramento, the UC Davis Student Athlete Performance Center provides a space for student athletes to train, heal, rest and study. Adjacent to UC Davis Health Stadium, this comprehensive training complex gives all UC Davis Student Athletes a destination for building comradery and success on both a personal and team level.
The Hub on Causeway
Boston, Massachusetts
In collaboration with Boston Properties and Delaware North Companies, Gensler designed The Hub on Causeway — a mixed-use development at the Boston Garden.
INSIGHTS
Blog
The Secret to Paris 2024’s Olympic Success? Reuse, Temporality, and Legacy
How an innovative, sustainable, and cleverly timed approach helped Paris avert the pitfalls many cities face when hosting the Olympic Games.
Blog
The Evolution of Sports Venue Brand Integration: From Simple to Sophisticated
The new landscape of brand in sports is more sophisticated than ever.
Blog
The “Mental Load” and Its Effect on Athlete Performance
We can help reduce athletes’ mental load by including specific amenities in training facilities and giving them the space and time to focus on being at the top of their game.
Blog
Reflecting on the Paris 2024 Olympics: A Catalyst for Urban Transformation and Sustainability
A look at how the key trends emerging from the 2024 Summer Olympics are creating a more inclusive and sustainable future for sports and urban development.
Blog
How Modern Training Centers Can Shape Tomorrow’s Champions
Helping athletes achieve their best, training centers and human performance labs (HPLs) are playing more important roles than ever to support competitors.
Blog
How the Olympics and Paralympics Can Shape Cities in New Ways
A look at the legacy, equity, and sustainability shaping the Games, and how this event can unlock a city’s future potential while showcasing it in novels ways.
Blog
How Technology Is Redefining the Fan Experience at Sports and Music Venues
In this Q&A, our Digital Experience Design and Sports leaders discuss how technology is currently being used to streamline venue operations and enhance the fan experience.
Blog
Elevating the “Standing Room Only” Fan Experience in Sports Venues
In recent years, sports design focused on the premium fan experience. But how can we cater to the standing-room only crowd and make them feel part of the venue experience?
Blog
Small Upgrades, Big Impact: How Sports Facilities Can Enhance the Fan Experience and Deliver ROI
Smaller projects within a sports facility create opportunities to keep a stadium fresh and transform fan experiences in targeted ways.
Blog
Trends to Look for at the 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics
How Paris 2024 is achieving more with less, and the trends shaping the Games wide open.
Blog
Writing the Next Chapter of Sports and Entertainment in Kansas City
Co-CEO Jordan Goldstein and Studio Director Greg Brown detail the evolution of sports and entertainment design and why expanding into this market offers unmatched opportunity.
Blog
Trends Shaping Sports Venue Design in the European Market
Gensler Sports leaders discuss what’s next for stadium and training facilities in Europe, and key opportunities for growth in the European market.
Blog
Trends to Watch: How the Rise of Women’s Professional Sports Is Impacting Venue Design
We talked to six leaders from Gensler’s sports practice about new trends informing the planning and design for the boom in women’s professional sports teams.
Blog
How BMO Stadium Extends the Fan Experience Beyond the Gate
A year-round destination and community asset, BMO Stadium in Los Angeles is a model for other sports and entertainment venues.
Blog
How to Design Practice Facilities Centered on Athletes’ Mental Health
Sports training facilities and performance centers are emphasizing supporting spaces focused on mental health, a key factor in an athlete’s development and overall success.
Trends in Sports
Professional women’s teams secure investments for dedicated practice facilities.
As the popularity of women’s professional sports continues to grow, teams and investors will create spaces that are tailored to the way women athletes train and prepare for games. These facilities will attract top talent and raise standards for gender equity.
Pro sports teams elevate the fan experience with hospitality-inspired VIP interiors.
In professional sports, teams deepen relationships with fans with premium-quality interior lounges, exclusive experiential entryways, and other VIP spaces in both new stadiums and renovations for older arenas.
College sports programs invest in state-of-the-art locker rooms and training facilities for men and women.
As competition for players increases across both men’s and women’s programs, universities look to attract top athletes with hospitality-inspired locker rooms and training centers that support performance and well-being.
SPORTS LEADERSHIP
Ron Turner
Sports Leader, Studio Director, Principal
As a global Sports Leader at Gensler, Ron Turner is one of the industry’s most recognized sports facility designers.
Ryan Sickman
Sports Leader, Principal
Ryan Sickman is a global leader of Gensler’s Sports practice based in the Washington, D.C. office.
Steve Chung
Sports Leader, Design Director, Principal
Steve Chung is a Global Sports Leader and Design Director based in Gensler’s Los Angeles office who has led designs for sporting, training, recreation, and eSports facilities that leverage inclusivity, accessibility, and performance to create personal growth and community wellness.
Alex Phi
Studio Director
Alex Phi is a Design Director in Gensler’s Sports practice, based in Los Angeles, with diverse expertise in multimedia backgrounds and sports.
Andrew Jacobs
Design Director
Andrew is an accomplished designer of sports facilities of various types and sizes and is based in Gensler‘s D.C. office.
Demetra Thornton
Co-Managing Director, Principal
Demetra Thornton is Co-Managing Director in Gensler’s Raleigh-Durham office, focused on projects that push the boundaries of impact, resilience, and experience.
Elizabeth Pritchett
Studio Director
Elizabeth is an interior architectural designer based in Gensler’s Los Angeles office. Her wide range of experience includes large-scale projects across sports, hospitality, rec...
Jonathan Emmett
Design Director, Principal
Jonathan Emmett is Principal and Design Director at Gensler who has dedicated his career to the design of sports venues and training facilities.
Kristin Byrd
Design Director
Kristin Byrd is a registered architect and a Design Director for Gensler’s Sports practice, based in Austin.
Omar Quesada
Design Director
Omar Quesada is a regional leader in Gensler’s Sports practice who brings passion and experience in designing both learning environments and sports facilities.
Tayomara Gama
Sports Leader
Tayo Gama is a Sports Leader for Gensler Europe who is passionate about the transformative power of sport architecture to create an experience-focused future
NEWS
In The Media
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The Washington Business Journal
Gensler Co-CEO Jordan Goldstein Discusses Capital One Arena’s Connection to Its Surrounding Community
The Washington Business Journal spoke with Gensler Co-CEO Jordan Goldstein about how the new People’s Plaza, adjacent to Capital One Arena, will serve as a central gathering place for the community.
December 19, 2024
In The Media
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The Stadium Business
Gensler, Clark Construction Group, and CAA ICON Are Collaborating To Transform Capital One Arena
Capital One Arena renovations include state-of-the-art upgrades, expanded facilities, and innovative design elements to create a world-class destination.
October 29, 2024
In The Media
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Bloomberg Business of Sports
Bloomberg Business of Sports Interviewed Elizabeth Pritchett on the Phoenix Mercury Training Facility Design
Gensler Studio Director Elizabeth Pritchett discussed the firm’s work to help close the gender gap in sports by building state-of-the-art training facilities designed for women athletes. Listen to the podcast.
September 20, 2024
In The Media
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Fast Company
The Las Vegas Aces WNBA Training Facility is “Sparking a Revolution in Women’s Sports”
Fast Company interviewed Gensler Architects Susan Han and Kristin Byrd about their vision and design behind the innovative space, specifically designed for female athletes.
August 24, 2024
In The Media
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Sports Business Journal
Cosm Has Signed On To Be the Anchor Tenant at Centennial Yards Entertainment District
Gensler is the architect for the 70,000-square-foot immersive entertainment venue in Atlanta, which will deliver live sports and experiential entertainment in Shared Reality, Cosm’s cutting-edge technology.
July 22, 2024
In The Media
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Phoenix Business Journal
The Phoenix Mercury’s Brand-New Basketball Practice Facility Opens
The Phoenix Mercury training facility and headquarters, designed by Gensler, opens ahead of the WNBA’s 2024 All-Star Game in downtown Phoenix.
July 18, 2024
In The Media
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The New York Times
Phoenix Mercury Unveil New ‘Crown Jewel’ Practice Facility, Designed by Gensler
The opening of the $100 million amenity-rich performance center coincides with the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game in Phoenix.
July 18, 2024
In The Media
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Forbes
Forbes Spotlighted Plans To Elevate the Fan Experience and Enhance Facilities at the Cincinnati Open
Designed by Gensler, the upgrade of the tournament site in Ohio will update the main stadiums, add a sunken court, and nearly double the number of courts and more than double space for player amenities.
May 20, 2024
In The Media
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Sports Business Journal
Sports Business Journal Spotlighted the Opening of Gensler’s Kansas City Office, Focused on Sports Venue Design
Co-CEO Jordan Goldstein and Studio Director Greg Brown discussed the firm’s work to transform venues into mixed-use destinations that offer a greater diversity of experiences.
May 13, 2024
In The Media
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NHL.com
The Coyotes’ Vision to “Transform the Arizona Skyline” With a Landmark Development
NHL.com spotlighted the Arizona Coyotes’ proposal for an unrivaled, privately funded sports, lifestyle, and entertainment district, designed by Gensler with AECOM Hunt.
April 05, 2024
In The Media
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Fast Company
Inside the New $100 Million, Open-Concept Campus for the Phoenix Suns and Mercury
The headquarters housing the franchise’s employees includes a pickleball court, indoor and outdoor basketball courts, a golf simulator, a kitchen, and more.
April 04, 2024
In The Media
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CNN
CNN Explored the Importance of Efficient Restroom Design in Stadiums Ahead of the Super Bowl
Jonathan Emmett explained how long bathroom lines can be a “friction point,” which is why designers and architects “want to get as many of the amenities, whether it’s for restrooms or concessions, as close to the user as possible.”
February 03, 2024
In The Media
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Engineering News-Record New York
ENR New York Recognized Gensler’s Citi Field Upgrades with the 2023 Award of Merit in Sports/Entertainment
ENR recognized the ballpark upgrade, led by Gensler, among its 2023 New York Best Projects. Encompassing more than 26,000 square feet of renovated space, the project focused on enhancing the game day experience.
November 13, 2023
In The Media
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CSQ
Q&A With Demetra Thornton on Shaping the Future of Sports Design at Gensler
The Street interviewed Gensler Los Angeles Managing Director Demetra Thornton about her career path and efforts to actively contribute to the advancement of African American professionals in the region.
October 25, 2023
In The Media
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Sports Business Journal
Sports Business Journal Featured an Interview with Gensler’s Director of Sports, Jon Niemuth
Jon Niemuth discussed his career path, what it takes to be successful, and how the design of sports facilities will continue to evolve. Watch the interview.
October 10, 2023
In The Media
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Nevada Appeal
Transformative Investments at Grand Sierra Resort Include a Gensler-Designed Sports Stadium
The 10,000-seat sports stadium and concert venue will be the new home of the University of Nevada, Reno men’s basketball team.
September 28, 2023