Sports Facility Design: 4 Key Challenges and Smart Solutions

1. Restrooms: Functionality Meets Privacy 

Nearly 60 percent of Americans rely on public restrooms, so it’s no surprise that restrooms are one of the most frequently used spaces in any sports complex, yet they’re often undervalued in the design process. Lowdermilk points out key points to consider during the development stage, including:

• Sightlines and privacy: Mirrors, door swings, and corridor angles can unintentionally create visibility into stalls — architects must evaluate restroom layouts to ensure sightlines and privacy.
• Capacity and amenities: Women’s restrooms often require additional sinks and mirrors to reduce long lines. To accommodate today’s modern families, baby-changing stations should be available in both men’s and women’s facilities.
• Materials and maintenance: Tile and other easy-to-clean wall surfaces outperform drywall in high-traffic restrooms and paper towels, while less “green” than dryers, often reduce water spray and mold growth.
• Security: Cameras at restroom entrances help monitor traffic and address safety concerns.

The overall goal of restroom design is to create a clean, safe, and private environment that can withstand heavy use without creating bottlenecks.

2. Entrances and Exits: Flow and Safety

“A facility’s entrances and exits really set the tone for the entire experience,” says Loudermilk. “Poorly designed entryways can lead to congestion, safety risks, and frustrated guests.” To overcome that, he points out these best practices:

• Clear, spacious entry points: Multiple access points reduce crowding during peak times. Separate VIP or event entrances may be needed in larger venues.
• Drop-off and pick-up planning: Safe, accessible zones for buses, parents, and ADA users are essential.
• Access control and security: Staff should be able to re-enter with credentials, while security cameras monitor traffic easily.
• Wayfinding: Clear signage prevents guests from wandering and ensures easy navigation.

Every entry and exit should balance efficiency, security, and an inviting first impression.

3. Concessions and Catering: Planning for Demand

With food and beverage sales being a top revenue driver for sports facilities, they must be planned correctly. Lowdermilk points out that common pitfalls include undersized kitchens and poor adjacencies. He suggests smart solutions such as:

• Adequate square footage: Plan for both cooking equipment and customer service areas.
• Walk-in storage: Large freezers and coolers are essential to accommodate popular fryer-cooked concession menu items.
• Modern equipment: Incorporating state-of-the-art, cost-effective ventless fryers and griddles can reduce costs and eliminate the need for expensive hood systems.
• Strategic placement: Concessions should be situated in high-traffic areas, while catering kitchens should be located adjacent to meeting rooms and event spaces.

Done right, concessions not only serve guests but also significantly boost profitability.

4. Trash Removal: The Overlooked Detail

Trash removal can easily be overlooked in the design phase. Still, it has a big impact on guest experience and safety. Overflowing bins or poorly placed receptacles can quickly tarnish a venue’s reputation. Lowermilk suggests the following design considerations:

• Outdoor vs. indoor enclosures: Outdoor dumpsters in parking lot corners minimize odor and allow for truck access, while indoor options must control the smell and provide efficient routes.
• Collection routes: Trash should be moved through back-of-house pathways, not guest areas.
• Bin placement: High-traffic zones need frequent collection and weather-protected receptacles with lids.

Even small details, like adding lids to outdoor cans, prevent waterlogged, ripped bags and operational inefficiencies.