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How to Build a Safe Sports Venue
According to the National Safety Council, “in 2024, 4.4 million people were treated in emergency departments for injuries involving sports and recreational equipment. The activities most frequently associated with injuries are exercise, cycling, and basketball.”
With that in mind, creating a sports facility that prioritizes safety isn’t just good practice — it’s crucial. “From the parking lot to the courts, every design choice can impact the well-being of athletes, staff, and visitors,” explains Dylan Lowdermilk, project manager at Sports Facilities Companies.
“Whether you’re planning a new build or upgrading an existing venue, integrating safety into the design from day one is the smartest investment you can make,” he adds.
Why Safety Should Be a Core Design Principle
Safety isn’t a feature to retrofit — it’s a foundation. Sports facilities designed with safety in mind reduce liability, improve guest experience, and foster community trust. With expertise in more than 3,000 communities, SFC emphasizes that proactive design choices are far more effective than reactive fixes.
When safety is woven into the blueprint, it influences everything: how visitors enter and exit, how athletes perform without unnecessary risks, and how staff are equipped to respond in an emergency.
Securing the Sports Complex Parking Lot
“A safe and secure guest experience begins before guests even enter the building,” notes Lowdermilk. According to theNational Safety Council, one in five car accidents occurs in parking lots or garages. “Providing peace of mind from the moment visitors arrive is essential,” he adds.
Well-placed outdoor surveillance cameras can reduce crime and vandalism by up to 50%, while thoughtful spacing and equipment placement protect both athletes and guests. Consider these parking lot safety strategies:
- Ample lighting: Measuring “foot-candles” ensures lighting and prevents dark zones and safety concerns.
- Motion-triggered lighting: Activates when someone enters after hours, deterring loitering and alerting law enforcement.
- Strategic camera placement: Covers every access point. Pan-tilt-zoom features allow staff to capture license plates and monitor incidents.
- Controlled entry/exit access: Design entrances, ticket booths, and gates to lock down after hours.
- Pedestrian pathways: Clearly marked walkways and drop-off areas reduce vehicle-pedestrian conflicts.
Outdoor Sports Facilities
“When thinking about outdoor facilities, we consider everything from weather detection and outdoor shelter areas to EMS and fire truck access routes,” says Lowdermilk.
Key safety planning points for outdoor sports facilities include:
- Weather Detection: Utilize both predictive systems (lightning within 15 miles) and actual-strike systems, allowing owners to assess the acceptable risk.
- Shelter Design: Overhangs, batting cages, or central gathering spaces can serve as safe havens during storms.
- Emergency PA Systems: Integrated speakers deliver site-wide announcements, from lost children to active threats. Coverage must include every corner, including maintenance buildings.
Additional design considerations ensure EMS and fire trucks can access all parts of the site, courts and fields maintain safe clearance zones, and protective netting reduces risks for both players and spectators.
How to Create Safe Indoor Sports Facilities
Indoor spaces demand attention to detail. From flooring and humidity control to emergency exits, every design choice affects safety. Lowdermilk highlights eight critical considerations:
- Railings: Use vertical railings to prevent children from climbing.
- Door Swings: Position doors in corridors to avoid accidents with staff carrying food or equipment.
- Wall Padding & Obstacles: Cover exposed columns and avoid abrupt grade changes near courts.
- Playgrounds & Party Rooms: Eliminate blind spots and use single-entry points so children are always accounted for.
- AED Visibility: Install defibrillators in accessible, clearly marked locations.
- Climate Control: Maintaining proper humidity and temperature protects flooring and athletes’ health.
- Runoff Zones: Maintain a minimum of 10 feet between the sidelines and walls or fences, even if they are padded.
- Field Padding: Add cushioning in tight areas to prevent collision injuries.
These details may seem small, but collectively they create an environment where athletes and guests can enjoy their experience without unnecessary risk.
Staff Training: The Human Element of Safety
Even the best-designed sports facility depends on its people. Well-trained, alert staff serve as the first line of defense against accidents, equipment failures, and security threats.
Teams should be trained to identify hazards — such as loose bolts, frayed cables, and faulty ceiling mounts — before they escalate. Regular checklists, emergency drills, and guest service training reinforce vigilance.
As Lowdermilk explains, aligning AED purchases with local EMS models ensures first responders know exactly how to use on-site equipment. This proactive approach exemplifies how staff training and facility design work together to protect the community.
Build Safety Into Every Blueprint
“Designing a safer sports facility complex isn’t just about compliance — it’s about care. Every camera, walkway, and access point plays a role in protecting your community,” says Lowdermilk.
By embedding safety into your design strategy, you create spaces where athletes thrive, families feel secure, and operations run smoothly.
Need help designing or managing your sports facility? Contact Sports Facilities Companies at 727-474-3845. We’ll guide you through planning, development, and operations to ensure your venue is both safe and successful.
