The playing field is depressed 25 feet below the main concourse, which is slightly raised above street level to maximize capacity in the lower seating bowl. Both bowls provide continuous views to the playing field from the majority of the main concourse. The upper bowl has ‘gaps’ to provide opportunities for air flow into the stadium, as well as prominent views of the iconic Houston downtown skyline. It is constructed of precast concrete. The lower bowl consists of concrete poured on grade with a variety of seat types including full chair backs, bench seats with backs and regular bench seats.

Premium seating includes a club level and 12,400 square foot lounge overlooking the field. In addition, 26 suites stretch from end zone to end zone on the stadium’s south side, along with 42 loge boxes. Student-athletes now enjoy state-of-the-art locker facilities, including a locker room suite for the Houston Football team, three visitor locker rooms and a synthetic turf field.  

The 22,403 square foot Bert F. Winston Band and Performance Center at the east end of the stadium contains Spirit of Houston Band Recital Halls and classroom spaces. The adjoining Sanders Red & White Hall multi-purpose area and the Houston Athletics Ticket Office measure an additional 7,633 square feet.

Ease of access is also a significant feature of the stadium design. The stadium orientation positions the north sideline seats adjacent to an existing parking garage, and west end zone seats to a Metro light rail stop. A surface parking area adjoining the stadium near south sideline seats was redesigned to increase efficiency and provide a drop-off point. The pedestrian path on the south side of the stadium leads from the Metro rail station to the whole campus. 

Page served as design architect of record on the stadium and DLR Group as sports design architect. It opened August 29, 2014 with the first home game of the season. The design accommodates future expansion at a capacity of 60,000 seats through the construction of strategic columns and structures during the initial phase, allowing for the most efficient means of accomplishing an expansion.  

Media

“Project Team Breaks Ground On New University of Houston Stadium.” ENR Texas and Louisiana, February 15, 2013

“HoustonPBS UH Moment: New UH Football Stadium a Recruiting Tool with Better Views.” University of Houston, June 17, 2013