LaBella’s Higher Education Experts Share Athletic Facility Planning Strategies in University Business
RIT’s Judson Stadium project demonstrates how to upgrade athletic facilities without missing a season.
Modernizing collegiate athletic facilities doesn’t have to mean putting campus activities on hold. In a recent article published by University Business, LaBella’s Higher Education Studio Manager Jerry DeRomanis, AIA, and Project Manager Jessica Kruse, AIA, explain how thoughtful planning and phased construction can help institutions improve their athletic facilities while maintaining campus operations.
In “How to Upgrade Athletic Facilities Without Missing a Season,” Jerry and Jessica break down the key steps to successfully designing project phasing before designing the facilities, using Rochester Institute of Technology’s Judson Stadium as an example, following its completion in 2026.
Their recommendations include:
- Plan beyond individual facilities. Consider how the entire campus must function over time.
- Make every phase count. Design each improvement to support future projects and minimize rework.
- Prioritize uninterrupted operations. Account for athletic seasons, major campus events, and temporary facility needs early in the planning process.
Thank you to University Business for sharing Jerry and Jessica’s insights with higher education leaders!