Gensler has been selected as the architect for San Diego State University’s (SDSU) proposed new $250 million multi-use stadium. The global design firm will work alongside Clark Construction, which was selected earlier this year as the design-build contractor for the expandable 35,000-capacity stadium, the university says in a statement.
If approved, construction is slated to begin in early 2020 with a completion date in time for the start of the 2022 NCAA football season.
Clark Construction and SDSU went through a joint selection process to choose Gensler. The final selection was announced to bidders in mid-April, after Clark won the construction contract in February.
“I am pleased with the selection of Gensler as our architect partner on SDSU’s new multi-use stadium,” said J.D. Wicker, SDSU director of intercollegiate athletics. “We had a very competitive process and appreciate the experienced professionals and new ideas that Gensler brings to the table. We have challenged Gensler to design a unique stadium that will meet the needs of the entire San Diego community and look forward to working with our entire team over the next couple of years to deliver a great stadium.”
The SDSU statement says that, during the selection process, the Gensler project team demonstrated a deep understanding of the design-build process. They bring with them world class and current expertise in the design and delivery of sports facilities, including the Los Angeles Football Club’s Banc of California Stadium and Performance Center at Cal State Los Angeles, the new home of the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center, and the recently opened Student Recreation and Aquatics Center at San Jose State University. Gensler is also responsible for the concessions redesign of Petco Park and the modernization of several NFL stadiums, including those in Philadelphia and Cleveland.
“We had the opportunity to consider an excellent group of designers for the stadium and the Gensler team distinguished themselves by their ideas and the strength of talent dedicated to the project,” said Carlos Gonzalez, senior vice-president and regional executive officer for Clark Construction Group. “We were very impressed by their body of work and the new concepts they have developed for the new stadium. We are excited to incorporate Gensler into the project team and we are certain they will maximize the value of the proposed new stadium for SDSU and the San Diego region.”
Gensler will assist SDSU in achieving its goal of LEED Silver designation on the new stadium.
The design and planning for the proposed new stadium is taking place concurrent with the university’s negotiations with the City of San Diego to purchase the land, and the preparation of the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the complete SDSU Mission Valley development. The university anticipates the draft EIR will be out for public review this summer and the California State University Board of Trustees is expected to consider its approval at its first meeting in 2020.
In addition to the new stadium, SDSU Mission Valley will be the location of a campus expansion, which will include a university research and innovation district, a community river park and housing.
