Professional Sports
Designing World-Class Experiences for Fans and Athletes.
At LaBella Associates, we bring comprehensive architecture and engineering expertise to the professional sports market. From designing state-of-the-art arenas to crafting mixed-use developments anchored by professional sports venues, our team delivers innovative solutions tailored to the needs of teams, fans, and communities. With a focus on optimizing site planning, fan experience, branding, and revenue generation, we ensure every project embodies excellence while staying on time and on budget.
Projects of this scale and size have multiple stakeholders. We view teamwork as essential to project success. We cultivate strong relationships with clients and project partners, fostering an environment of openness, trust, and mutual respect. By aligning everyone around a shared vision, we deliver projects that not only meet but exceed the aspirations of teams, fans, and stakeholders alike.
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Preferred Architect & Engineer for the USL
As the preferred architect and engineer of the USL, LaBella delivers high-quality architecture and engineering solutions that meet the league’s highest standards. Our close collaboration with the USL spans every aspect of stadium and mixed-use development, from defining project visions and evaluating potential sites to creating innovative concepts and executing complete designs.
We work hand-in-hand with both existing and prospective team owners, guiding them through every stage of their development journey. Whether developing league standards, assessing site feasibility, or crafting world-class facilities, LaBella is committed to helping the USL realize its ambitious goals and creating vibrant destinations that elevate the fan experience and enrich their communities.
What Matters
Professional Sports
At LaBella, we create sports venues that unite communities, celebrate team identity, and maximize value. Through collaboration and strategic design, we deliver immersive experiences for fans and long-term success for stakeholders. From site planning to funding strategies, our comprehensive approach ensures every project leaves a lasting impact.A Collaborative Approach to Visionary Design
Our design philosophy is centered on communication and collaboration. At LaBella, we believe successful projects stem from inclusive dialogue, engaging clients, stakeholders, community representatives, and local authorities throughout the design process. By incorporating diverse perspectives, we ensure our designs balance operational functionality, aesthetic impact, and user experience. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and connection among users, creating spaces that resonate deeply with fans and communities alike.
Legacy and Branding at the Forefront
Professional sports venues are more than structures—they are legacies. We work with clients to integrate team identity and branding into every facet of the design, creating spaces that embody the spirit of the team and leave a lasting impression on fans. From iconic architectural features to immersive fan experiences, our designs elevate the brand while optimizing sightlines, acoustics, and amenities for unforgettable game-day experiences.
Maximizing Value with Comprehensive Planning
At LaBella, we’re committed to delivering projects that offer the highest return on investment. Our services include:
- Site Planning and Design: Crafting efficient layouts that optimize functionality and fan flow.
- Environmental Remediation and Civil Engineering: Addressing site challenges with innovative, sustainable solutions.
- Revenue Maximization: Incorporating premium seating, concessions, and sponsorship opportunities to boost profitability.
- Mixed-Use Development Integration: Designing venues with connected amenities like shopping, dining, and residential spaces to enhance user experience and generate additional revenue streams.
- Grant Identification and Funding Maximization: Leveraging financial tools to stretch budgets and bring visions to life.
Innovating for the Future of Sports & Entertainment
We push the boundaries of stadium and sports facility design by integrating the latest advancements in architecture, technology, and fan engagement. Our commitment to innovation ensures that every venue we create delivers an unparalleled experience for fans, maximizes return on investment for owners, and remains adaptable for the future. From immersive digital experiences and AI-driven personalization to modular construction and cutting-edge sustainability solutions, LaBella designs for what’s next, so your venue stays ahead of the game.
Official Architecture & Engineering Partner of the Buffalo Bills
In July 2023, LaBella was named the lead civil engineer for Western New York’s largest construction project: the Buffalo Bills’ New Highmark Stadium. Collaborating with lead architect Populous, LaBella is overseeing site design, permitting, SWPPP inspections, construction administration, and archaeological monitoring throughout the project. The state-of-the-art stadium is scheduled to open for the 2026 NFL regular season.
Beyond the field, LaBella’s partnership with the Buffalo Bills extends into the community. As an Official Corporate Partner, LaBella collaborates annually with the Bills’ Community Relations team on impactful outreach initiatives. One standout program is the Buffalo Bills Training Camp experience, where LaBella hosts local students for a day of engaging activities, a firsthand look at the Bills’ practice, and STEM-themed challenges led by LaBella’s team.
Shaping the Future of Football Design: Lessons Learned at Soccerex Miami 2024
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New Highmark Stadium Construction – Year 1 in Review
Continue ReadingWe love the passion and excitement of professional sports and are grateful for the opportunities we have at LaBella to design innovative professional sports venues that further enhance the gameday excitement and fan experience.Michael Woollen, AIA, LEED AP
National Sports & Entertianment Studio Leader
The key focus and driver for all of our sports and entertainment projects is creating community. It is not an expression of ego but instead a reflection of the community, aimed at creating a truly unique fan experience that captures the essence of the local context and human condition.Brad Bartholomew, AIA, LEED AP
National Design Director
Great sports architecture transcends the game, it captures the essence of human experience. These venues become symbols of identity and culture, where the energy of thousands transforms a structure into a living, breathing part of the community. More than just places where matches are played, they are gathering spaces that foster connection, drive economic impact, and tell the ongoing story of who we are.Cristian Petschen
Public Venues Studio Leader
What excites me about racquet sports projects is their power to transform communities. These aren’t just courts—they’re social hubs, economic drivers, and the future of how people connect through sport. We’re not just designing venues; we’re shaping the next generation of play. Whether it’s the social competitiveness of pickleball, the high-energy elegance of padel, or the legacy of tennis, I love crafting spaces that bring people together and redefine the way these sports are played and experienced.Bryan Fike, AIA
Market Leader Racquet Sports Development
My passion for civil engineering/land development design is driven by the unique challenges and opportunities presented in the creation of sports venues. My expertise lies in designing infrastructure that supports both the functionality and sustainability of these spaces, such as the work LaBella contributed to the development of the New Highmark Stadium site. We thrive on transforming complex land into vibrant arenas where fans can get excited and come together.Bob Steehler, PE
Sr. Civil Engineer/Land Development Discipline Leader
