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By Ryan Kingston & Sally Marett

Get Ready To Play

Design for Sports Facilities

Sports facilities hold generations of memories and offer us the promise of greatness, comradery, inclusion and fun. They are places and spaces where the proverbial baton is handed to the next athlete or spectator to take their experience to the next level; whether that be in performance, in connection with community, in personal achievement, or in the comfort of a crowd; we hold our collective breaths, cheer at the top of our lungs, and hug in celebration and commiseration. These experiences shape us, our communities, and our cultural identity, coming together around the promise of a game or competition, yet cementing so much more. We are bonded, we are born, and we are built.


As the world of sport continues to evolve and amaze us, so too do the environments in which athletes, coaches and fans come together. Sporting facilities lie at the heart of our communities, from the local level right through to our national identity. As places where we go to participate in and celebrate the highs and lows of one of our favourite pastimes, they deserve iconic representation to fully celebrate their significance.

Architecture for sport stands at the forefront of innovation with facilities now required to progress the many advancements in performance on the field, court, and in the pool, whilst also enhancing the overall user experience before, during and after the game. The consideration is not just for the athlete and their support team; it is now also firmly placed on the spectator. An excellent spectator experience starts before you have even attended the stadium or facility, beginning on the journey to the grounds and ending on the journey home. Central to our cultural identity and lifestyle, sports facilities fill our calendars on weekends, early mornings, afternoons and evenings as we come together in the pursuit of play.


Before the facility is even built, where it is placed is of upmost significance. This is often a critical foundation in the success of the facility. Its location needs to be accessible, functional, and embedded in community, whilst also considering the surrounding neighbourhood and infrastructure. Once located, a well-designed sporting amenity looks to blend functional design with sustainability, technology, and cultural identity to offer inspiring facilities that represent the people and communities they serve. For some, the sporting field is a home away from home, countless hours spent training, watching, coaching and cheering on, deeply embedding memories of family, community and culture, and there is great opportunity to keep advancing the offerings in this space.


Sporting architecture in 2025 and beyond looks to the creation of venues that are dynamic, immersive, and environmentally conscious, opening many opportunities for the way we experience sport.

The future of sports architecture looks to…

  • Sustainable design and environmental responsibility
    As with many areas of design, the awareness of environmental impact and the value of sustainable choices is increasingly becoming a driving force in the realm of sports architecture. Architects and designers are embracing eco-friendly materials, renewable energy sources, kinetic flooring to generate energy from foot traffic, and innovative waste management systems to create greener sports facilities. From solar panels adorning stadium roofs to rainwater harvesting systems conserving water resources, the future of sports architecture will be intrinsically linked to environmental responsibility.
  • Multi-Sensory Environments
    As technology evolves in our lives (and we literally hold screens in the palms of our hands) the experience of live sport now requires an immersive experience that combines innovation with performance. Architects are designing stadiums that engage all the senses, from visual displays and dynamic lighting to immersive sound systems and unique culinary experiences. This aligns with the notion that deliberate design choices capture the true essence of a time better than any other form of art. Sports venues are becoming holistic experiences that stimulate emotions and create lasting memories.
  • Enhanced Fan Experience and Comfort
    The fan experience will remain a top priority. Current and future sports facilities will focus on creating environments that are not only entertaining but also comfortable and convenient (we all remember cold and uncomfortable plastic seating!). However, the fan experience goes much further than just seating and excellent sightlines. It’s also impacted by crowd movement, wayfinding, climate and temperature control, ease of access to food and beverage options, ease of access to restrooms, and general atmosphere. These elements are becoming the standard, minimum requirements for creating a successful sporting facility. VIP and premium experiences are redefined with exclusive lounges, private suites, and luxury amenities that cater to high-end clientele, whilst the public amenity has increased its circulation, access, and overall experience.
  • Flexibility and Multi-Functionality
    Catering to a diverse range of events beyond sporting competitions and use, venues need to embrace flexibility and multi-functionality through the design of stadiums and facilities that allow easy reconfiguration for concerts, conferences, exhibitions, and community gatherings. This versatility will ensure sports facilities remain relevant and active throughout the year, serving as cultural and economic anchors within their communities. Flexibility can be integrated through elements such as retractable seating, modular surfaces, flexible lighting and audio visual, with convertible spaces supporting stadiums to host a diverse range of events.
  • Celebrating Community Integration and Social Responsibility through Cultural Identity and Local Partnerships
    The future of sports architecture should respond to, engage with and celebrate the community its situated in. This can be achieved through design that considers socially responsible cultural identity, and engages with local communities, forming meaningful local partnerships. Architects have an opportunity to draw inspiration from regional aesthetics and traditions, crafting structures that resonate with the local population and celebrate their heritage through place making and design strategies. These venues can also be designed as social spaces, encouraging community interactions and fostering local connections. Collaborative spaces, co-working areas, and dining options create a vibrant atmosphere that extends beyond the sporting event.
  • Inclusivity and Universal Accessibility
    Sport is a place for all. Inclusivity and universal accessibility and design continues to be of great importance and a priority in the integration into sporting architecture. Community consultation forms a strong foundation in the development of this, and architects have an obligation to be knowledgeable in these areas, offering innovative and unique solutions to keep the design of this moving forward.

We look forward to seeing and being a part of the advancements in sporting architecture. We believe the best is yet to come, as design explores how the sporting experience can be elevated even further.

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