Monthly updates on the development of sports venues and mixed-use districts from Brailsford & Dunlavey

July 2025

INDUSTRY NEWS

Aerial view of American Family Field. Photo credit: Milwaukee Business Journal.

B&D to study multi-use district for the Brewers

Transformative study will explore opportunities for new revenue, community benefits

Brailsford & Dunlavey has been selected to lead a transformative study on the development of a multi-use district surrounding the Milwaukee Brewers’ home stadium, American Family Field. This innovative project aims to explore opportunities for enhancing the surrounding area with mixed-use developments that could generate new revenue streams and community benefits. By leveraging our expertise in sports venue planning and development, B&D is poised to help the Brewers and their partners create a vibrant and sustainable district that aligns with both economic and community goals. Click below to read more.

INDUSTRY RECOGNITION

B&D climbs to #25 in ENR ranking of top PMs

Placement is the firm's highest position to date

B&D has once again climbed the ranks in Engineering News-Record’s annual industry rankings, earning the #25 spot on the 2025 list of Top Program Management Firms, the firm's highest position thus far. This milestone reflects B&D’s continued growth, impact, and leadership in delivering strategic, high-performance projects across the nation. Click below to read more.

PODCAST: THE INSTIGATOR

Ryan Aylmer; photo credit: B&D.

What trends are shaping sports venues today?

B&D's Ryan Aylmer breaks it down in the latest episode of The Instigator

What is driving the latest in sports venues these days? On the latest episode of The Instigator podcast, B&D's own Ryan Aylmer breaks down the trends shaping the next generation of stadiums and arenas, from standing-room terraces and social zones (for fans), to athletic districts as a new stream of revenue (for owners), to locker room upgrades (for players). Listen and learn what's next in the business of sports venues, and how firms like B&D are helping teams and cities get there. Click below to listen.

Listen

CENTERS UPDATE

Sonnentag hits its stride with high-impact lineup

The Sonnentag Event Center is showing what’s possible when a multi-use facility hits its stride early. Developed through a public-private partnership, the venue is operated by CENTERS for the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire. Hot off a blockbuster spring and summer slate—including comedian Jeff Foxworthy, a sold-out Bob Dylan performance, and the debut of arena football in Eau Claire—the fall season is set to be even hotter. With national acts, collegiate athletics, and family programming on deck, this new asset is blending town-gown strategy with operational excellence.

Learn more

Established in 1998 by Brailsford & Dunlavey, CENTERS was the first company in the U.S. to provide campus center management services for campus life facilities including sports venues, recreation and wellness facilities, student centers, performing arts venues, conference facilities, and more. Visit or view for more info.

ABOUT B&D'S VENUES PRACTICE GROUP

B&D's Venues Practice Group is a national leader in sports, entertainment, and event facility development. With a legacy of advising on over $10 billion in venue investments across the country, the group empowers public and private sector clients to unlock transformative opportunities through strategic planning, program management, and community-focused development. From Major League Baseball ballparks to community recreation centers and multi-use sports and entertainment districts, B&D’s collaborative approach ensures that each project reflects the unique goals and aspirations of its community. With deep expertise in feasibility, financial modeling, design oversight, and stakeholder engagement, B&D is committed to delivering venues that serve as economic catalysts and vibrant hubs for connection and pride. For more information go to venues.bdconnect.com.

© 2025 Brailsford & Dunlavey. All rights reserved. Venues News & Insights addresses the most pressing issues facing the development of sports venues and mixed-use athletic districts. It is published monthly by Brailsford & Dunlavey, one of the country's leading development advisory and program management firms in the sports venue sector. Visit B&D at bdconnect.com. To view our job openings, go to bdconnect.com/careers. To unsubscribe, click on "UNSUBSCRIBE" below.