The University of Alabama commissioned Davis Architects to modernize the aging Sewell-Thomas Stadium. Fan amenities were insufficient, and past additions failed to consider sightlines from the seating bowl to the field. Though the existing structure was incredibly complex (over 200 column lines in existing documentation), through extensive BIM modeling, our team shifted the seating bowl to allow for optimum sightlines from every seat, suite, and club.
Fan and player amenities were at the forefront while designing the new, 81,700-square-foot stadium. Fans were grateful for a concourse with easy access to restrooms, concessions, a team store, and foodservice kiosks. Care was taken to add seating options in a variety of price points, including 12 new suites, two new club lounges, a home run berm, a new student section, and field-level seating. Fans also have access to the new viewing plaza along the third baseline for excellent views of the field. A new outfield walk connects both sides of the concourse with a protected playground for families and pregame picnic areas. New graphics and wayfinding signage celebrate the extensive history of the Crimson Tide baseball team. An expanded press box with spaces for TV, radio, print press, and game production was also included.
New player amenities included a home team locker room, lounge, showers, restrooms, team meeting room, weight room, and bullpen. We worked with the team to fill the player spaces with engaging graphics and historic mementos. In addition, a new four-lane indoor batting facility was constructed on site and greatly expands practice opportunities for the team.
The Crimson Tide’s rich athletic history began with baseball, and the renovations once again elevate Sewell-Thomas Stadium to one of the premier baseball facilities across all of college baseball.