The project was originally conceived as a vehicle to upgrade the college’s legendary football program. The project evolved to become a flexible, multipurpose 5,400 seat stadium. The new Shula Stadium accommodates football, soccer and track, while supporting adjacent base-ball and softball fields and providing flexibility for intramural programs. Facilities within the stadium’s main structure include locker rooms, training room, weight room, offices, meeting rooms and a Hall of Fame to honor Coach Shula and other JCU alumni who have also played and/or coached in the NFL.

 

The new home grandstand complex and Press Tower Building were placed between the existing football and baseball fields. This created a unique opportunity for the Press Room to view both fields. The new stadium complex serves as a year-round venue for hosting meetings and receptions. The Shula Center, at the main concourse level, houses the NFL Hall of Fame Coach’s memorabilia and features former student-athletes who have played or coached in the NFL.

 

The lower level structure, the plinth for the grandstands, is the backbone to the facility. It houses three locker rooms, offices, weight training, training equipment, meeting and support spaces. A continuous corridor at the northern edge becomes the organizing tool for this efficient scheme. A new baseball dugout was integrated into the base of the Press Tower, below the Shula Center.

 

The architecture is complimentary to the adjacent dormitory building and historic campus. The towers at either side of the press room are an abstraction from the main University Administration building tower, which gives the stadium a bold presence. By including metal panels and curtainwall into the composition, a modern, yet timeless, quality is attained.