Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

University of Washington: Husky Stadium Renovation and Expansion

  • 03/01/15
Husky Stadium Renovation and Expansion

PHOTOS © 2013 DOUG SCOTT and HOK (bottom center), ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Husky Stadium has been the home of University of Washington football for over 90 years. A substantial renovation and expansion to the stadium, which opened in 2013, transformed it into a state-of-the-art facility that better serves the needs of students, student-athletes and fans. The design solution developed by HOK provides enhanced amenities while maintaining the stadium’s historic character and surrounding natural setting.

Located adjacent to Lake Washington, the design responds to tight site constraints and enhances the stadium’s outdoor amenities through the creation of large landscaped plazas. On event days, the plazas expand to their full extent, providing continuous public space around the entirety of the stadium bowl. The stadium’s proximity to the softball facility and football practice fields allows for shared use.

Inside the stadium, complete demolition and reconstruction of the lower bowl and south side stands brings fans closer to the action. “The running track, which previously surrounded the field, was removed and the new synthetic turf field was installed four feet lower to optimize sightlines,” says Brad Schrock, director of sports, recreation and entertainment for HOK. “Minimizing sideline dimensions allowed us to bring seating as close to the field as possible and create new premium seating options desired by fans.”

Six “Touchdown Terrace” patio suites and 60 club seats were added at the field-level, offering fans a front-row, toes-on-turf, game-day experience. New circulation to the concourses and seating allows for easy access to The Zone, a popular pregame and half-time gathering space that offers activities for fans of all ages. In addition, The Zone offers up close access to the Husky Team as they enter the stadium.

Extensive efforts were made to minimize the facility’s environmental impact. The project is targeting LEED certification and adheres to Salmon-Safe Project guidelines.

This article originally appeared in the issue of .

Featured

  • Rethinking K-12 Schools as a Continuous Learning Experience

    Most students move through three or more separate facilities during their K-12 journey, yet the built environments they encounter at each stage have traditionally been designed in isolation, with little continuity in spatial language, learning philosophy, or physical resources. Each new school is a reset with different layouts, learning models, expectations, and ways of moving through a building. The next generation of school design is making the case that the first day of kindergarten and the last day of high school can and should feel connected through common support systems and infrastructure in the physical environment.

  • Spaces4Learning Announces 2026 Product Award Winners

    Spaces4Learning has just announced the winners of the 2026 Product Awards! The award program spotlights outstanding product development achievements of manufacturers and suppliers whose products or services are considered to be particularly noteworthy in their ability to enhance K–12 and higher-education learning environments.

  • Wold Completes Geothermal Projects at Two Minnesota Schools

    Wold Architects & Engineers recently announced that it has completed two geothermal expansion projects for Mounds View Public Schools in Shoreview, Minn., according to a news release. The work at Highview Middle School and Irondale High School serves the district’s long-term goal of reducing energy costs and dependency on non-renewable fuel sources, as well as improving building performance.

  • Cal Poly Humboldt Starts Construction on Healthcare Education Hub

    California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt in Arcata, Calif., recently announced that work has begun on a renovation project that will turn the Stewart Building into a new Healthcare Education Hub, according to a news release. The university is partnering with Sundt Construction Inc. for construction services.