University of Colorado Champions Center
Boulder, Colorado, United States
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Typologies
Training Facilities
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Building Activities
Training and Development
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Services
Architecture, Brand Activation, Master Planning
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Completion
2015
CHALLENGE. Nestled along the Flatirons and Rocky Mountains, the University of Colorado campus is among the most scenic in America. While the setting acts as an ever-present selling point to recruits, CU’s athletic facilities had begun to show their age. Together with CU, we created an athletic complex expansion master plan to not only upgrade and activate spaces with the Buffaloes’ brand, but create a new showcase facility that tied the department together and created a path to sustainable success.
INNOVATION. The resulting expansion and renovation of the university’s athletics complex was the largest renovation in the history of both Folsom Field and its neighbor to the north, the Dal Ward Athletic Center. New amenities include an end zone club, premium seating, Olympic sport locker rooms and expanded training, sports medicine and academic areas.
Acting as the northeast cornerstone and showcase facility of the complex is the five-story Champions Center. Staff and student-athletes are treated to world-class spaces to work, study and train. Our team of architects and brand activation specialists brought the facility to life with immersive environments (showcased in the video below) that represent the rugged tenacity of CU’s student-athletes.
A rooftop terrace, meanwhile, provides stunning views overlooking Folsom Field and the Flatirons. It’s become a highly-sought space on non-game days for weddings and other events.
The Champions Center also features the CU Sports Medicine and Performance Center, an innovative partnership between the CU School of Medicine and Boulder Community Health. The center treats world-class athletes and weekend warriors alike with the latest in sports medicine equipment.
IMPACT. What was once a spaced-out network of athletics facilities has come together for efficiency and excellence. The new home of CU football and athletics gives student-athletes, staff and fans access to amenities and resources second to none in the PAC-12.
We’re creating a completely interconnected environment, combining athletics, academics and staff offices, to provide a shared home – and a shared sense of pride in our community.
Rick George / University of Colorado athletic director
Facts and Figures
- LEED Certification
- Platinum
- Indoor Practice Facility
- 105,000 square feet
- Rooftop Terrace for game day and special events
- 18,000 square feet
- High Performance Strength Training
- 13,000 square feet
Awards
- 2019
- USGBC Mountain Region Building Performance Award
- 2017
- USG NACDA Sustainability Awards Runner-up
- 2016
- ENR Mountain States’ Best Project Award | Best Sports Project category