For ten years, VMDO worked with the University of Virginia's Athletic Department to improve the seventy-year-old Scott Stadium. In 1996, VMDO converted the artificial turf field to natural grass, a surface hearkening back to the original stadium, and a symbol of the University’s growing investment in its football team. As the football Cavaliers climbed in the national rankings, the throngs flocking to the stadium on Saturday afternoons began to thicken. To accommodate this increased popularity, the Athletic Department commissioned VMDO to study possibilities for expansion of the existing stadium. Then, in 1997, the team of VMDO and Heery International was selected to enact the plan.

The stadium addition increased seating capacity by nearly twenty-five percent The 60,000 seat facility boasts suites, luxury boxes, and club level seating, plus a new support building with improved locker rooms and expanded press facilities.

The design team also calmed pedestrian and motor flow around the stadium. Elegant fences, gates and entry ways, taking cues from the original 1930’s structure, reestablish the perimeter. The grassy “Hill” at the north end-zone, popular with spectators, provides an open view of the surrounding landscape. A pergola, reminiscent of the classical tone of the University’s Grounds, defines and encloses the space. This new exterior merges the style of the original stadium with the 1970’s addition.

Finally, the carefully phased, three-year expansion took place without disruption to the football season. The expansion, including new concession stands and restrooms, was completed in time for the 2001 fall season.

For ten years, VMDO worked with the University of Virginia's Athletic Department to improve the seventy-year-old Scott Stadium. In 1996, VMDO converted the artificial turf field to natural grass, a surface hearkening back to the original stadium, and a symbol of the University’s growing investment in its football team. As the football Cavaliers climbed in the national rankings, the throngs flocking to the stadium on Saturday afternoons began to thicken. To accommodate this increased popularity, the Athletic Department commissioned VMDO to study possibilities for expansion of the existing stadium. Then, in 1997, the team of VMDO and Heery International was selected to enact the plan.

The stadium addition increased seating capacity by nearly twenty-five percent The 60,000 seat facility boasts suites, luxury boxes, and club level seating, plus a new support building with improved locker rooms and expanded press facilities.

The design team also calmed pedestrian and motor flow around the stadium. Elegant fences, gates and entry ways, taking cues from the original 1930’s structure, reestablish the perimeter. The grassy “Hill” at the north end-zone, popular with spectators, provides an open view of the surrounding landscape. A pergola, reminiscent of the classical tone of the University’s Grounds, defines and encloses the space. This new exterior merges the style of the original stadium with the 1970’s addition.

Finally, the carefully phased, three-year expansion took place without disruption to the football season. The expansion, including new concession stands and restrooms, was completed in time for the 2001 fall season.

Client: University of Virginia

Location: Charlottesville, VA

Discipline: Arenas & Stadia

Completion: 2000

Size: 60,000 seat renovation and expansion

Awards Received

2002 Facility of Merit
Athletic Business Magazine

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