Engineering winning spaces
At WSP, we understand that all sports venues, from Olympic stadia to community swimming pools, must enhance the lives of the people around them. We know how to respect the heritage of much-loved buildings, while keeping them relevant, how to create world-class facilities for schoolchildren and professional athletes alike and how to minimise disruption during construction – making sure these crucial spaces stay in play for those who need them most.
We have been a proud player in global sports development for over four decades, helping clients enrich communities and electrify audiences with striking and sustainable venues. For example, we e are working on a complete overhaul of Chelsea FC’s Stamford Bridge Stadium designed by architects Herzog & de Meuron. Our teams have a long history of supporting the creation of diverse sports facilities for a rich array of clients. Our award-winning portfolio encompasses projects for Olympic and Commonwealth Games as well as the last three FIFA World Cups. Our record covers everything from national stadia to school swimming pools, multipurpose arenas to specialist facilities, in a portfolio that spans the world.
Enabling world-class experiences
Sports events are special. They are times of excitement and tension, highs and lows, moments that make and break careers and are retold for generations. The buildings where they happen are special too. Giving spectators and players outstanding experiences depends on inspiring, comfortable, and reliable structures. At WSP, we know that the venue and the action are intimately entwined.
We are experts in creating sports facilities that deliver every time, whether we are enhancing the race-viewing experience at the Hong Kong Jockey Club, using specialist lighting to impress the crowds at Pert Arena in Australia, or engineering retractable roof for Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York to ensure all-weather protection for tennis stars and fans. When that crucial point is won, or the finish line is reached, our stadia ensure that everyone can be in on the action.
Delivering flexibility and innovation
Successful arenas must juggle many roles without losing their distinctive character. From hosting world-class tournaments and international concerts to training sessions and corporate away days, handling the competing needs of diverse events is par for the course for most sports venues.
At Fulham FC we are creating a new riverside stand that will provide not only increased capacity to Craven Cottage, but a destination venue in a prime location on the banks of the River Thames that can be enjoyed equally on match days and non-match days. This contributes to FFC’s vision to create improved facilities for the neighbourhood as part of a world-class sporting venue.
Ensuring full use of such large spaces best serves the public – and it makes good business sense. However being the go-to place for a wide array of users is not easy. A multi-use facility must effortlessly adapt to its different roles, whatever the site’s constraints and it must do so without diluting the unique atmosphere that inspires all who visit.
We have experience in creating integrated, mixed-use spaces such as the Videotron Arena in Quebec City and the Barclays Center in New York, combining commercial viability with stunning structures. With trailblazing technology and imagination, we find ways around even the toughest engineering challenges. We also have a track record in innovative and cost-effective adaption of existing facilities, like the BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, because sports venues must keep up with a changing world.
Ensuring pace and efficiency
Deadlines are all in the fast-paced world of international sports: no matter what challenges the construction process throws up, opening matches can’t wait. However, the need for efficiency doesn’t stop when the season begins, and even the most impressive structures must operate cost-effectively and energy-efficiently to ensure commercial viability and a sustainable legacy for future generations.
With a calm, creative and high-tech approach, we make sure tight construction timelines are met with the minimum fuss. We deliver high-quality buildings that continue to save money, energy, and time without sacrificing spectator experience, whether through providing cutting-edge information and communications technology services like we did for the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium or implementing innovative green solutions as in case of the Pan Am/Parapan Am Aquatics Centre in Toronto.
Wide-ranging expertise in sports
We bring local dedication, international expertise and a passion for beautiful buildings to every project. Add to that matchless experience of working with architects, owners, councils and developers to create iconic and cost-effective structures that reward both users and operators.
With an intimate understanding of international sports dynamics as well as creative and flexible teams, we tailor global best practice to meet the needs of every project and the different cultures, standards and requirements of each country. Whatever the sport, and wherever the venue, our experts know how to boost building performance and enhance spectator experience.
Experience with every type of sport venue
We have been working on some of the most famous European football stadia including advisory services for England’s national Wembley Stadium in London. In addition, our teams have contributed to numerous exciting football (soccer) stadia across the world, including Cape Town Stadium in South Africa, Basra Sports City in Iraq, Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, and Avaya Stadium in San Hose, USA.
Our work on NFL stadia includes a ground-breaking Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, the multipurpose Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, and the LEED Gold certified Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
Our portfolio also includes sport facilities such as Commonwealth Games Athletes Village in Glasgow, Hong Kong Velodrome, Al Shaqab Equestrian Centre in Doha, Queensland Tennis Centre in Brisbane and Citi Field baseball stadium in New York.
