Can the design of a stadium entice more fans to watch their favorite sports teams and entertainers live? Can a stadium be designed to give the home team a competitive advantage?
We think so. McCarthey Athletic Center at Gonzaga University was designed with steep seating risers, making every seat feel closer to the basketball floor than with normally tiered seating. The Kennel has proven to be a highly intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams. Since opening in 2004, all men’s basketball games at McCarthey have sold out and the Zags have achieved a 177–14 (.927) winning record in the building!
This article from Architecture Magazine expands on various ways stadiums can be designed to provide fans with great views from all locations, resulting in smaller building footprints and substantial savings during construction as well as lower long term heating and cooling costs.
