More Than a Game: Takeaways from Built for Sports
Posted by [email protected] on May. 27, 2026 / Event Recap / Subscribe 0
On May 14, SMPS San Diego hosted Built for Sports, a panel discussion exploring how sports facilities shape communities, drive economic impact, and create opportunities for AEC professionals across San Diego. Moderated by Khary Knowles of COLBI, the conversation brought together leaders from Petco Park, UC San Diego, The Bishop's School, and San Diego Mesa College for a behind-the-scenes look at the business of sports.
Here are a few takeaways from the discussion:
- Sports facilities have huge impacts on the communities they serve, whether it's the Padres bringing new life to downtown San Diego, UCSD building excitement through its alumni and student base, Mesa College serving as a gateway to higher education for local student athletes, or Bishop's creating meaningful sports experiences for its younger students. From Major League ballparks to community college fields, these projects touch far more than just the fans in the stands.
- The return on investment for sports facilities is not always obvious or top of mind for the institutions behind them, and getting funding at the right time can be a real challenge. Understanding the funding landscape can make or break the ability to pursue these projects.
- Trust, referrals, and delivering on time are critical for sports facility projects, as these projects are often driven by game seasons and academic timelines.
- The fan experience matters. All four panelists said they make a point of attending games at their own facilities to experience gameday from the fan's perspective and identify opportunities for improvement. It’s a reminder that strong facilities are shaped with the end user in mind.
A huge thank you to our panelists Randy McWilliams (San Diego Padres), Al Gomez (The Bishop's School), Andy Fee (UC San Diego), and Ryan Shumaker (San Diego Mesa College), as well as our moderator Khary Knowles (COLBI), for a thoughtful and energizing conversation. And thank you to our sponsors W2W Sport, DLR Group, Clark Construction, USA Shade, Sportsfield Specialties, Mondo, and Verde Design for making this event possible.
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