The modern centerpiece of the athletics campus on the grounds of Duke University, this project was a multi-phased transformation of Wallace Wade Stadium, the home of Duke’s football team. The project focused on enhancing the fan experience, with field-level renovations including: lowering the football field five feet, removing the running track, adding seating and installing an entirely new playing field and scoreboard. Additionally, all concourse and stadium perimeter fencing, and gated entries were replaced. Concourse-level fans now experience new concession stands, retail, modern restrooms, ticketing and ADA/Companion seating balconies. The new Press Tower houses 22 suites and network broadcast space. The club level offers 858 club seats and a dining area. The fourth floor includes the press box, coaches’ boxes and network broadcast space.

Design-Build and Football Means Victory

The integrated team structure within the design-build environment provided a platform for working within the ever-changing dynamic of a university campus as well as the challenges associated with a heavily-used athletics facility. Because the renovations spanned several years (and football seasons), a challenge for both the design and construction teams was phasing the work to accommodate home games and graduations. Temporary press and coaches’ boxes were designed and installed for use during home games while the renovations were occurring, and exceptional care was taken to minimize impacts to student-athletes, students and fans. Ultimately, not a single game had to be played offsite during the course of design or construction, and the field and stands could be utilized as intended.

Design-Build Team

Client/Owner:	Duke University
Design-Build Firm:	The Beck Group
Engineer:	RMF Enginneering
Project Manager:	The Beck Group
Construction Duration:	21 Months

Photo Credit: Keith Isaacs