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

Vol. 5, Issue 3

March 2025

Photo credit: Adobe Stock

Stadium planning doesn't start with the rendering

Laying the groundwork needs to happen before design commences

A stunning stadium rendering can capture attention, but what if we told you it’s one of the last steps in the planning process? In this issue, our resident sports venue expert and stadium architect David Almany reveals why the real work begins long before the first sketch is drawn. From financial feasibility and stakeholder alignment to site selection and long-term revenue planning, the foundation of a great sports venue isn’t its design—it’s its strategy.

Click "Read more" below for the full story.

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

Planning for Target Field's future

B&D delivers a strategic roadmap to keep Target Field a top-tier ballpark

How do you ensure a Major League ballpark remains world-class for decades to come? In this issue's Project Spotlight, we explore how B&D, alongside Mortenson and Populous, partnered with the Minnesota Twins and the Minnesota Ballpark Authority to conduct an initial long-term capital needs assessment for Target Field. This preliminary study provided a high-level analysis of the ballpark’s current condition and outlined strategic investment priorities for maintaining and enhancing the stadium over time.

By assessing structural, mechanical, and operational systems, forecasting capital investment needs through 2039, and benchmarking against peer ballparks, B&D helped define a clear path for sustaining fan experience, sustainability, and operational excellence at Target Field.

>> Click "Read more" for the full story.

INDUSTRY EVENT

Kansas City hosts luncheon for women's pro soccer team to kick off 2025 season

B&D's David Almany had the exciting opportunity to attend the 2025 KC Current Kickoff Luncheon on March 5, hosted by the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. David was a guest of JE Dunn Construction, who delivered CPKC Stadium, the world’s first purpose-built sports venue for a professional women’s soccer team. He also had the opportunity to meet KC Current forward Kristen Hamilton, who joined the JE Dunn table.

B&D is proud to support transformational venue projects like CPKC Stadium, which exemplifies the power of innovative sports infrastructure to enhance communities and advance professional women's sports.

Top row, L-R: Kedra Burcham, Marcia Youker, David Almany. Bottom row, L-R: Emilee Baron, Kristen Hamilton, Richard Martin, Cassie Morrison.

CENTERS UPDATE

How CENTERS is shaping the future of campus sports venues

For nearly two decades, CENTERS has played a key role in transforming campus sports venues into dynamic spaces that serve students, fans, and communities. Founded with the goal of providing customized solutions for collegiate sports and event facilities, CENTERS has evolved beyond facility management to enhance engagement, generate new revenue streams, and support student success through tailored programming.

Learn more about the history of CENTERS in reshaping campus sports venues:

Watch on YouTube

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.

CONTACT B&D's VENUES PRACTICE GROUP

Go to venues.bdconnect.com to learn more about Brailsford & Dunlavey's Venues practice group. Interested in speaking to us about a sports venue or mixed-use project? Contact David Almany today.

© 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. To learn more, go to venues.bdconnect.com. To view our job openings, go to bdconnect.com/careers. To unsubscribe, click on "UNSUBSCRIBE" below.