Homefield Kansas City Showcase Center

One of our primary challenges was delivering a top-tier training venue within a fixed budget established prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. As material and labor costs surged dramatically in 2020–2021, the team was required to continually adapt and refine program elements. Despite these financial pressures, the team remained committed to fulfilling the client’s vision for a premier destination for youth sports events and training.

The project’s vision was clear: create a space that supports athletic excellence while fostering a sense of community. With a unique balance of gritty, edgy elements and warm, inviting touches, Homefield Kansas City reimagines what a youth athletic center can be — a destination that empowers athletes, engages parents, and enriches the local community.

Our design approach focused on creating a facility that blends function and inspiration. The building welcomes visitors with a striking, backlit perforated metal curtain wall that sets the tone for the experience within. Inside, an airy lobby flooded with natural light showcases vibrant graphics and a wood-slat ceiling, creating a space that is both energetic and welcoming. A bold entry tunnel labeled “Athletes Only” immediately immerses youth participants in an environment designed for focus and competition.

The design thoughtfully incorporates spaces tailored to the diverse needs of its users. The Learning Stair, for instance, is more than a functional architectural element; it’s a multi-use centerpiece that encourages team gatherings, coaching sessions and presentations. Its dynamic form, paired with a muraled backdrop, transforms it into a landmark within the facility — a place where connection and inspiration naturally converge.

The branding strategy at Homefield Kansas City seamlessly integrates design with storytelling, creating a space that celebrates both athletic achievement and local culture. Every element, from the graphics to the wayfinding, contributes to a cohesive narrative that inspires athletes and engages the community.

Environmental graphics blend Olympic-inspired visuals with photography of local street sports, grounding the facility in Kansas City. These images, paired with vibrant murals and bold typographic elements, infuse the space with energy and personality. The “Pathway to the Pros” messaging runs throughout the facility, reinforcing aspirations for young athletes and tying the space to broader goals of athletic excellence.

The “hype tunnel” is a standout feature in the branding approach, designed to evoke excitement and exclusivity for athletes. Its dramatic lighting and “Athletes Only” signage underscore the importance of focus and determination. The Learning Stair, adorned with a graphic mural, serves as both a functional space and a photogenic backdrop, further tying branding into the architectural experience.

Wayfinding and court markings are carefully designed to complement the facility’s visual identity. The integration of color — from court lines to overhead beams — creates a sense of unity and clarity throughout the space. Even the seating areas reflect the branding ethos, with distinct zones for public and private use that highlight the versatility of the Homefield system.

This intentional branding approach elevates Homefield Kansas City beyond a traditional sports facility, making it a space where athletes, families and the community can connect, compete and celebrate.

Design Team

Francisco Besa (creative director)
Earl Santee (principal in charge)
Mike Donovan (project manager)
Mitch Brown (project architect)
Norman Friedman (project designer)

Collaborators

Star Signs (fabrication)

Photo Credits

Matt Kokourek

Open Date

April 2024