University of North Texas Apogee Stadium Apogee Stadium is First LEED Platinum Stadium in the United States

The Challenge

The University of North Texas challenged HKS to design a facility that would be the most sustainably designed stadium in the country while serving as a revenue-generating facility for its university.

The Design Solution

Providing the entire North Texas region with a venue for a variety of outdoor events from college football to high school band competitions, the new stadium is nestled into the contoured sloping terrain. HKS designers preserved a grove of Post Oak trees and respected the natural, open character of the site. The stadium grounds have a campus feel, which was an element of the University Master Plan. A natural amphitheater and areas for tailgating, picnics and pregame festivals surround the stadium and integrate game day celebrations into the action.

The stadium circulation follows the sloping site descending from east to west through plazas, special event areas and concourses. The stadium features state-of-the-art high-efficiency mechanical systems, water-efficient plumbing, regionally obtained materials and permeable paving. Three 150-foot tall wind turbines provide a half million kilowatt hours per year to UNT’s power grid.

The $20 million, 20-year sponsorship with Apogee is the second-largest naming rights agreement for college football stadiums.

The Design Impact

After opening in September 2011, was Apogee became the nation’s first LEED Platinum certified collegiate stadium. It was also the first new collegiate venue to incorporate on-site renewable energy using wind turbine power, which will substantially offset external energy demand. The new stadium, which replaced 59-year-old Fouts Field, was designed to reduce energy consumption by more than 20 percent.

The project achieved an 80 percent reduction in landfill construction waste; 20 percent in recycled content; 45 percent in regional materials and more than 40 percent in certified wood.