University of Massachusetts Amherst

New Training Facility & Press Box

Project at a Glance
Location

Amherst, MA

Architect

Perkins + Will

Project Type

New Construction

Project Overview

  • Demolition and new construction of a press box sitting 40-70 feet from the ground
  • Partial synthetic turf field replacement to accommodate new building utilities
  • Safely managing construction on an active campus and at a football stadium that remained in use throughout the project

The University of Massachusetts Amherst football program became a full member of the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and a member of the Mid-American Conference. Although football games have been held at McGuirk Alumni Stadium for the past 45 years, the stadium was no longer adequate to support the team in its move to the new conference.

The new team facility features an open-air game viewing deck, provides space for team lockers, weight training, coaching staff offices, team meeting rooms, conference rooms, sports medicine exam areas, equipment storage, a multi-function room and the UMass Hall of Fame. The stadium received upgrades including the demolition of the existing press box, which was rebuilt and upgraded to include broadcast, coaching, viewing suites, food service areas, tel/data rooms and video scoreboard support space.