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.
                          Las Vegas Aces Headquarters and Training Facility, Las Vegas, Nevada. © Las Vegas Aces.
                      
                  “
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
        
      
               
                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.                  
                             
                Player 15 Group HQ & Phoenix Mercury Training Facility
          Phoenix, Arizona        
                          
          The new Player 15 Group headquarters and Phoenix Mercury practice facility signals a new standard for the next generation of athletic and organizational excellence.                  
                             
                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.                  
                             
                Al-Ahly Stadium
          Cairo, Egypt        
                          
          Gensler has developed a concept design for a world-class, ground-up stadium for the Al-Ahly football club that redefines the fan experience, drives economic growth, and sets a new benchmark in sports architecture globally.                  
                             
                Rams Village at Warner Center
          Woodland Hills, California        
                          
          With the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams training facility as an anchor, this mixed-use development offers a modern lifestyle where athletes, residents, and visitors can live, work, and play.                  
                             
                Los Angeles Sparks WNBA Training Facility
          El Segundo, California        
                          
          The Los Angeles Sparks’ training facility redefines the athlete experience, blending elite training facilities with wellness amenities.                  
                             
                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.                  
                             
                Los Angeles Chargers Headquarters and Training Facility
          El Segundo, California        
                          
          The Los Angeles Chargers’ headquarters and training facility promotes physical fitness and mental well-being to support well-rounded achievement.                  
                             
                Lenovo Center
          Raleigh, North Carolina        
                          
          Gensler is leading a dramatic transformation of the Lenovo Center (formerly PNC Arena), elevating it to a premier destination for sports and entertainment.                  
                             
                LA Galaxy Dignity Health Sports Park Renovations
          Carson, California        
                          
          The LA Galaxy is refreshing its home soccer stadium to offer enhanced seating options for season ticket holders, attract a growing fan base, and elevate the matchday experience.                  
                             
                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 renovation of the Lindner Family Tennis Center — featuring lush green spaces, a shaded fan pavilion, sunken court, and two-story player clubhouse — ushers the nation’s second-oldest tennis tournament into a new era.                  
                             
                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                  
                             
                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.                  
                            INSIGHTS
 
                
              Blog
            
  The New Economics of Sports Venue Design
          From NIL-driven college athletics to multi-tiered VIP lounges and mixed-use districts, sports venues are evolving into dynamic business ecosystems.                  
                             
                
              Blog
            
  Where Champions Train
          For the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and the Las Vegas Aces, world-class training and practice facilities helped propel them to the top of their game — and the league.                  
                             
                
              Blog
            
  Designing a 24/7 Entertainment Hub in Reno
          The Grand Sierra Resort Reno Arena is more than a sports venue; it’s a fully integrated destination built around seamless entertainment.                  
                             
                
              Blog
            
  The Power of Clean Air in Sports-Centered Design
          In arenas, training centers, and stadiums, air quality is not just a comfort factor — it’s a competitive edge, affecting athletes’ ability to train, compete, and recover.                  
                             
                
              Blog
            
  Al-Ahly Stadium Brings Fans Closer to the Action
          Facing height and capacity restrictions, an innovative design solution turned these challenges into an opportunity to design a year-round, landmark sports venue.                  
                             
                
              Blog
            
  What Do Consumers Want? Gensler’s U.S. Consumer Experience Report Uncovers Key Insights
          Gensler’s latest consumer research delves into how design can impact human experiences for the better.                  
                             
                
              Blog
            
  How Repositioning Houston’s Astrodome Can Serve as a Model for Aging Sports and Entertainment Venues
          A proposal to redevelop and repurpose the iconic stadium into a multi-use venue would preserve the building’s historic integrity while giving it new life.                  
                             
                
              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?                  
                            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 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...                  
                             
                Jon Niemuth
          Director of Sports, Principal        
                    
                    
          Jon is a veteran sports designer at Gensler, invested in delivering sports and entertainment venues that are integrated into the fabric of their urban context.                  
                             
                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
          Sports Leader, Design Director        
                    
                    
          Kristin Byrd is a Sports Leader and a Design Director for Gensler’s Sports practice, based in Austin.                  
                             
                Omar Quesada
          Design Director, Principal        
                          
          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
            
          ![]() Sports Business Journal
           Sports Business Journal        
                    
  Sports Business Journal Spotlights Gensler’s Three New Leadership Additions To Help Advance Sports Practice
          Gensler’s addition of Trevor Bechtold, Chris DeVolder, and Edward Mills brings over 65 years of combined sports design experience, which will help advance the design of stadiums and training facilities worldwide.                  
                          
                      September 09, 2025
                            
           
                
              Press Release
            
  Gensler Strengthens Global Sports Vision With High-Impact Leadership Additions
          The new leaders are based in San Francisco and Kansas City — bringing in a new generation of expertise to deepen its investment in sports design.                  
                                
                      September 09, 2025
                            
           
                
              In The Media
            
          ![]() The Second Serve
           The Second Serve        
                    
  The Second Serve Spotlights the Updated Cincinnati Open, Inspired by Roman Stadiums
          The Cincinnati Open underwent a $260 million renovation led by Gensler. Design Director Kristin Byrd explained that the design was inspired by the sunken courts of 20th-century Roman stadiums.                  
                          
                      August 11, 2025
                            
           
                
              In The Media
            
          ![]() Yahoo Sports
           Yahoo Sports        
                    
  The Reimagined Cincinnati Open Is “Grander Than Ever” Following a $260 Million Upgrade
          Yahoo Sports featured the transformed Cincinnati Open, which Gensler’s Kristin Byrd says will make “an enormous impact for many generations to come.” The upgrade includes a six-court facility and a new clubhouse.                  
                          
                      August 03, 2025
                            
           
                
              In The Media
            
          ![]() Fast Company
           Fast Company        
                    
  Fast Company Explores How New Stadiums Are Designed to Beat Extreme Heat
          Gensler Sports Leader Ryan Sickman discussed Gensler’s designs at Austin’s Q2 Stadium and at Cairo’s Al-Ahly Football Club, which features sunken seating and a perforated facade to support ventilation.                  
                          
                      July 25, 2025
                            
           
                
              In The Media
            
          ![]() Tradeline Inc.
           Tradeline Inc.        
                    
  Tradeline Inc. Highlighted Athletic Facilities Designed To Support Women at All Levels
          Gensler’s Demetra Thornton, Kristin Byrd, Marine Maroukian, and Elizabeth Pritchett, noted the need to design spaces that “support the many hats that a lot of these female athletes are wearing.”                  
                          
                      July 23, 2025
                            
           
                
              In The Media
            
          ![]() The New York Times
           The New York Times        
                    
  The New York Times Spotlights Centennial Yards as a Prime Example of Sports-Anchored Developments
          The forthcoming Centennial Yards Entertainment District in Atlanta, designed by Gensler and SHAPE, is spotlighted as an example of the rise of real estate developments led by professional sports teams.                  
                          
                      July 20, 2025
                            
           
                
              In The Media
            
          ![]() Forbes
           Forbes        
                    
  Gensler Is Leading the Master Plan and Stadium Design for Related Midwest’s The 78 Mixed-Use Development
          Chicago Fire FC’s new home will create a mix of housing, parks, public spaces, and year-round activation. Gensler’s Kirk Funkhouser discussed how the stadium design respects Chicago’s architectural past.                  
                          
                      June 16, 2025
                            
           
                
              In The Media
            
          ![]() Audacy
           Audacy        
                    
  How Cities Can Build Thriving Entertainment Districts
          Audacy interviewed Scott Sayers from Gensler Kansas City about how cities can build thriving entertainment districts by approaching a stadium and its surrounding areas as “one cohesive community.”                  
                          
                      June 01, 2025
                            
           
                
              In The Media
            
          ![]() Yahoo! News
           Yahoo! News        
                    
  Gensler is Designing Three Luxury Suites at D.C.’s Capital One Arena to Elevate the Guest Experience
          Design Director Andrew Jacobs explained, “We’re bringing a new level to Capital One Arena — rethinking everything from the overall ambiance to the smallest touchpoints.”                  
                          
                      May 19, 2025
                            
           
                
              In The Media
            
          ![]() Los Angeles Times
           Los Angeles Times        
                    
  Hollywood Park Studios Will Serve As the 2028 Olympic Games International Broadcast Center
          Built by Los Angeles Rams owner Stan Kroenke and designed by Gensler, the space will house hundreds of broadcasters during the Summer Games and will later be used to make movies, television shows, and more.                  
                          
                      May 13, 2025
                            
           
                
              In The Media
            
          ![]() Los Angeles Times
           Los Angeles Times        
                    
  Los Angeles Times Shared Plans for the Rams’ New Headquarters as Part of a Mixed-Use Development at Warner Center
          Gensler Principal Eric Stultz was interviewed, along with Rams’ owner Stan Kroenke, Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, and other partners, about Rams Village, which will anchor the $10 billion mixed-use development in the San Fernando Valley.                  
                          
                      April 06, 2025
                            
           
                
              In The Media
            
          ![]() TheStreet
           TheStreet        
                    
  How Innovations in Architecture Are Transforming How We Experience Sports
          Gensler Co-CEO Jordan Goldstein discussed the firm’s work to reshape sports and entertainment facilities in 2025 across projects including Phoenix Mercury’s Training Facility and HQ and Capital One Arena.                  
                          
                      March 17, 2025
                            
           
                
              In The Media
            
          ![]() Dezeen
           Dezeen        
                    
  Dezeen Revealed Gensler’s Design for Al-Ahly Football Club’s First Home Stadium in Cairo
          Gensler Sports Leader Tayomara Gama says the design “aims to create a landmark venue that embodies the spirit of the club and acts as a cultural and economic catalyst for the region.”                  
                          
                      February 17, 2025
                            
           
                
              Press Release
            
  Gensler Unveils Visionary Concept for Al-Ahly Football Club’s First Home in Cairo
          Gensler’s design aims to create a landmark venue that embodies the spirit of the Al-Ahly Football Club and acts as a cultural and economic catalyst for the region.                  
                                
                      February 17, 2025
                            
           
                
              In The Media
            
          ![]() Axios
           Axios        
                    
  Why the Latest Stadium Renovations Aim to Make Fans Part of the Game
          Gensler co-CEO Jordan Goldstein shares how sports experiences can create “a whole ecosystem that attracts fans and event-goers — from hotels to restaurants and bars, retail and cultural attractions.”                  
                          
                      January 02, 2025