Building an indoor sports facility is a challenging project that requires planning and foresight. However, it is also a business; therefore it must make an acceptable amount of profit to survive in the competitive market. Designing and constructing a space for the community is a technical and complicated process. Different factors go into making the best complex, but here are four of the most important ones:
- Local market needs
Indoor sports facilities should provide recreation and leisure opportunities for people of all ages. Developing one that keeps up with the demands of the local community is an excellent way to gain a firm footing in the industry. Your business plan should include a professional study of activities and age groups you plan to serve. Evaluate the types of facilities that your area needs, such as fitness centers, court sports, turf sports, etc. It will help predict the potential profit that the sports facility will make. The goal is to create a complex with the latest design trends that will enhance functionality as well as aesthetic beauty. This process is essential to anticipate whether the project will be financially viable.
- Location
Selecting a partially-developed property may be a cost-effective option when searching for an appropriate site for the sports facility. If you start from an empty piece of land, you will need to spend more time and money on preparing the land for construction, such as clearing away trees, blasting rock, grading, etc. This inadvertently affects the budget, leaving less money for implementing the design.
But before starting, determine the building regulations in your city. Each area has its zoning ordinances, and so obtain permission before digging the first hole. Local municipal planning and zoning departments can help guide and answer questions. Plans also need to be approved before any progress is made.
When deciding on a location, make sure there is ample space for parking. This is a crucial factor that event planners consider when selecting a venue for tournaments. Organizers typically need 50-100 spaces per field. It is equally essential to provide easy access for everyone, including people with disabilities, from the parking lot to the facility.
- Structure
The ultimate goal is to build a structure with state-of-the-art facilities but also with the smallest price tag. Fortunately, innovative technological advancements in engineering have significantly reduced costs without compromising on quality.
Sports complexes are high-impact and high- traffic facilities. Using cost-effective yet high-performance building material is an ideal way to increase the durability of the complex. Using prefabricated steel not only reduces construction time, but it is a low-maintenance option. It doesn’t have to be painted every couple of years, is fire resistant, doesn’t rust, and is more durable to different weather conditions. Remember, creating a structure with proper ceiling height is vital for functionality- 24 feet for court sports and 20 feet for turf sports.
Similarly, proper lighting an essential feature of the complex. Using LED lights saves on the energy bill while also reducing long-term maintenance costs.
Finally, install an HVAC system that is sufficiently able to support the sports center.
- Funding
The biggest hurdle in building a complex is securing the required financing. Though many prefer property ownership, this is not plausible for others. Financing this project through the bank is possible, but because constructing an indoor sports facility is considered to be a high-risk investment, the interest rates may be comparatively higher. The best option is to secure adequate funding, either through the municipality, developmental cooperatives, private entities, nonprofit organizations, or educational institutions. It is vital that the funds are managed properly so that the project continues to move ahead progressively. The goal is to complete the construction as quickly as possible.
An important thing to remember is that once building materials and floor plans have been decided, it is better not to make any changes. The more alterations you make, the more hiccups you will encounter along the way. Not only will it cost more but it will also take longer to complete the construction.