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

  • Surging Demand for Student Housing Fuels Major Campus Investment Opportunities

    University leaders throughout the U.S. are accelerating plans to modernize and expand student housing as enrollment stabilizes and demand for on-campus living rebounds. Recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics indicates that total postsecondary enrollment is projected to grow through the end of the decade, with undergraduate enrollment alone expected to increase by more than 8 percent by 2030.

  • Wold Architects & Engineers Acquires VPS Architecture

    Full-service planning, architecture, and engineering firm Wold Architects & Engineers recently announced that it has acquired VPS Architecture, according to a news release. The move will help strengthen Wold’s education and public-sector design expertise, industries in which both companies have strong pre-existing ties and relationships.

  • Florida District Completes Construction on New Leadership Institute

    Pinellas County Schools near Tampa, Fla., recently announced that construction is complete on the new Dr. Michael A. Grego Leadership Institute, according to a news release. The district partnered with Rowe Architects for the project’s design and with Skanska for construction services.

  • University of Kansas Breaks Ground on Entrepreneurship Hub

    The University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kan., recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new KU Entrepreneurship Hub, according to university news. The Hub is part of the university’s School of Business and will include spaces for experiential learning and programming.