USA Hancock Whitney Football Stadium

The design was divided into five concurrent projects to facilitate the ambitious schedule. The stadium is host to the University of South Alabama Jaguars on Campus as well as the NFL Reese’s Senior bowl.

• • Location:  Mobile, AL
  • Project Size:  25,450-seat stadium
  • Cost:  $78,000,000
  • Facility Type: Sports & Recreation
  • Owner: University of South Alabama
  • Services:  Electrical/Telecommunications, Fire Alarm and Mechanical/Plumbing Engineer

The project started out as a secret master plan and budget effort. Dell was contacted by the University to participate in this effort for the development of the engineering requirements, as well as the budget necessary. Dell worked closely with the University staff to establish anticipated utility demands and the necessary hydronic and site medium voltage utilities to support the project.

The 25,450-seat football-stadium, including state-of-the-art video board with integral sound system also incorporated 45,000 SF operations building that houses the USA football coaching staff offices with a 10,000 SF learning resource center and state-of-the-art locker rooms into the design. The exterior concourse that houses concession and restroom buildings also hosts a 35,000 sf Press Tower that includes an 800-seat club level lounge, interior conference area, dedicated level with 11 suites, including the President’s suite and an Upper press level.

The athletic field lighting features an 8-pole LED design providing 175FC at the field which exceed the NCAA National Champion Ship Final Site level of play. The athletic field lighting infrastructure and pole foundations have also been designed to support a field illumination level of 200FC, suitable for National Football League level of play. This higher level of illumination will allow the University to host national high-definition broadcast events.

High-efficiency HVAC systems include multiple central station chilled water air handling units serving variable air volume terminal units with hot water heating coils.  Variable volume pumping systems are provided for chilled water and heating hot water distribution.  Kitchen ventilation systems consist of multiple hoods, variable speed fans, and welded stainless steel ductwork.  Domestic hot water is generated by water-to-water heat exchangers in conjunction with the campus heating hot water system.  New direct digital controls are provided and integrated to the university’s building automation system network.