Why Existing-Conditions Verification Is the Cornerstone of Every Successful Sport-Facility Project

Andrew Altieri, P.E.
Jul 7
3 min read

We design sport facilities! And we know you only get one shot to build yours right. A thorough look at what’s already on (and under) your site is the key to avoiding costly surprises later.

At AE Sports, we know that every great athletic facility begins with something far less glamorous than turf, bleachers, or scoreboards—it starts with the ground beneath your feet. More specifically, it starts with existing conditions verification, a critical step that ensures every design decision is built on a rock-solid understanding of your site.

In this blog, we’re pulling back the curtain on what existing conditions verification entails, why it’s so essential, and how it helps Texas school districts, facility owners, and athletic directors avoid costly surprises down the road.

To Learn more about AE Sports Existing Conditions & Pre-Development Services please go Here: Pre-Development Services

What is “Existing-Conditions Verification” (ECV):

Existing-Conditions Verification (ECV) is the systematic documentation of every visible and measurable element on your site—from the boundaries and topography to the underground utilities and environmental factors. It’s the starting point for every engineering, architecture, and design discipline involved in your project.

Here’s what that process typically includes

1. Existing-Site Feature Documentation

Survey every visible structure: buildings, fences, parking areas, gravel lots, and more.
Establish a complete visual and dimensional inventory of all above-ground improvements.

This prevents conflicts between existing site features and new design elements, especially when additions or renovations are planned

2. Boundary & Title Survey

Clearly define property lines, easements, right-of-ways, and encroachments.
Establish how much land is actually available for development.
Requires certification by a Registered Professional Land Surveyor (RPLS) in Texas.

Without this, you may unknowingly plan a track or softball field on land you don’t actually control

3. Topographic Survey

Create one-foot contour maps and spot elevations.
Identify slopes, low points, and drainage patterns.
Enable accurate grading, earthwork volumes, and floodplain mitigation planning.

Topography governs everything—from how your turf drains to how your fans walk from the parking lot to the bleachers

4. Utility Survey / Subsurface Utility Locations

Locate all on-site utilities: water, fire lines, hydrants, sewer, electric, gas, and telecom (both underground and overhead).
Determine tie-in points for new infrastructure.
Essential for MEP and civil design coordination.

When we understand your existing utilities, we can design smarter, avoid rework, and minimize unexpected costs during construction

5. Environmental & Drainage Assessment

Identify wetlands, floodplains, or other constraints.
Evaluate for historical protections or jurisdictional limitations.
Determine if mitigation measures or alternative siting strategies are needed.

Early identification of environmental conditions can prevent months of delays and ensure your project moves forward without hitting regulatory roadblocks

Why It Matters: Setting the Stage for Success

Existing conditions verification isn’t just a formality—it’s the cornerstone of every successful sports facility project. Here’s why:

Design Accuracy: Every design, from turf drainage to lighting placement, is based on real site data.
Regulatory Compliance: Texas state law requires boundary and title surveys to be completed and certified by an RPLS.
Budget Protection: Identifying challenges early helps avoid scope creep and change orders during construction.
Schedule Efficiency: When your team knows exactly what’s onsite, decisions happen faster, and timelines stay intact.
Safety and Functionality: Proper grading, drainage, and utility routing directly impact the safety of student-athletes and the longevity of the facility.

Our Commitment: Building on the Right Foundation

At AE Sports, we don’t move forward with design until we’ve verified every inch of the site. Because we believe that you only get one shot to build it right—and the only way to do that is to start with certainty.

We work with professional land surveyors licensed in Texas and coordinate closely with civil, MEP, and environmental consultants to ensure your project has a strong, well-documented foundation. It's this level of detail and care that allows us to design custom, high-performance athletic facilities that stand the test of time

Ready to Lay the Groundwork?

If you’re planning an athletic facility upgrade or new construction in Texas, don’t skip this critical first step. Let’s talk about how AE Sports can help you verify your existing conditions and set your project up for success.

Ready to create an enduring legacy for your community? Contact us today to discuss how we can bring your vision to life.