Athletic Facility Design & Renovation: The Process and Importance of Expert Guidance

Designing or renovating athletic facilities for Texas high schools is a complex undertaking that requires precise planning, expert execution, and a deep understanding of the unique demands of high school sports. From football fields to multi-sport complexes, these projects must meet the needs of athletes, spectators, and communities while ensuring compliance with regulations and delivering long-term value. Central to this process is the guidance of experienced engineers and architects, who work collaboratively to bring vision and functionality to life. Here’s how expert involvement makes a difference.

The Role of Engineers and Architects: A Unified Team

Engineers & architects are the crucial to the success of any athletic facility projects, ensuring functionality, safety, and longevity. Together, they:

Develop designs that prioritize usability and compliance with local regulations.
Integrate systems like lighting, drainage, and irrigation to meet athletic and environmental needs.
Solve challenges, such as maximizing efficient use of land and field durability while meeting the needs of the athletes, coaches, & spectators.
Deliver cost-efficient solutions by identifying the best materials and technologies.

Engineers, bring a technical perspective that ensures facilities operate seamlessly under heavy usage and harsh weather conditions. Whether it’s designing effective drainage to combat large rain events or ensuring a turf system can withstand the intense wear of a football season, their expertise underpins every successful project.

Representing the Owner Throughout the Process

An often-overlooked but vital role of engineers and architects is serving as advocates for the owner—your school district—throughout the project. This includes:

Initial Planning: Translating your vision into actionable plans while identifying potential challenges early.
Procurement: Crafting detailed specifications and managing the bidding process to ensure you get the best value without compromising quality.
Construction Oversight: Acting as your eyes and ears on the construction site, ensuring contractors follow the design and meet performance expectations.
Final Inspections: Verifying that every component of the facility meets safety, performance, and aesthetic standards before turning it over to the school.
Stakeholder Communication: Providing regular updates and clear communication, so school administrators, athletic directors, and the community remain informed at every stage.

This owner-focused approach protects your interests, ensures transparency, and keeps the project on track.

The Procurement Process for High Schools

A successful project begins with a strategic procurement process, guided by experts who understand the complexities of athletic facility construction. Here’s what the process entails:

1. Define Your Project Goals

Experienced professionals help identify your school’s priorities, balancing athletic program requirements, community expectations, and budget constraints.

Identify the sports and events the facilities will need to support (e.g., football, soccer, baseball, softball, tennis, etc...).
Determine your budget and desired project timeline.

2. Engage an Experienced Engineer/Architect

Seek out professionals with a proven track record in designing and overseeing athletic facility projects.
Their expertise will help avoid pitfalls and ensure your field meets all safety and performance criteria.

3. Issue a Request for Proposal / Bid (RFP)

Work with your engineer or architect to create a detailed Construction Documents and an RFP outlining: Project scope, Specifications (e.g., turf material, infill type, track surfacing, court equipment, etc...), Performance standards (e.g., Gmax thresholds, fiber height, surfacing elasticity, other requirements), Evaluation criteria for selecting vendors, and more.
Publish and Advertise the RFP in according to your district’s procurement policies.

4. Evaluate Proposals

Review vendor proposals with your engineer or architect, focusing on: Quality of materials and warranties, Vendor experience and references, Compliance with safety and environmental standards, Cost and timeline alignment.

5. Select a Contractor with the Winning/Low Bid

Award the contract to the vendor that best meets your school’s requirements.
Your engineer or architect can help negotiate terms and give you the knowledge you need to select the right team.

6. Oversee Installation

During the construction phase, your engineer or architect will: Monitor progress to ensure compliance with the design plan, Conduct quality assurance checks on the turf system and base layers, Perform final testing (e.g., Gmax testing) to certify the field is ready for use.

Risks and Benefits with or without Experienced Guidance

Without Expert Guidance

Attempting a project without the expertise of seasoned engineers and architects exposes your school to significant risks:

Functional Failures: Inadequate drainage, poor lighting, or unsafe surfaces can compromise the usability of your facility.
Regulatory Violations: Non-compliance with building codes and ADA requirements can result in fines, delays, or safety hazards.
Cost Overruns: Mismanagement during planning and construction can lead to escalating expenses and subpar results.

At the end of the day most contractors are good at what they do but are susceptible to letting the details slip through.

With Expert Guidance

Partnering with an experienced team brings substantial benefits to help ensure nothing slips through the cracks:

Tailored Solutions: Your facility will be designed to meet specific athletic and community needs.
Compliance and Safety: Experts ensure the project meets all legal and safety standards.
Efficient Use of Resources: Thoughtful design and planning optimize your budget for maximum impact.
Long-Term Value: Durable materials and advanced systems reduce maintenance costs and extend the facility’s lifespan.
Owner Advocacy: You’ll have a trusted partner to safeguard your interests throughout the project.

Build a Legacy for Your Community

At AE Sports, we specialize in designing and renovating athletic facilities that serve as the heart of Texas high schools. With decades of experience, we’re committed to delivering solutions that reflect your vision, meet the highest standards, and create a lasting legacy for your student-athletes and community.

Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to discuss your project. Let’s build something extraordinary together.