Design in Depth Series: Sports & Architecture

June 10 | 5PM – 7:30PM | Washington 1000 Conference Center | TICKETS

Conceptual Image: Commanders Stadium                               Conceptual Image: Memorial Stadium

It has been a landmark year for sports in Seattle, but the magic happens long before the first whistle blows. Have you ever wondered what truly makes a great sports venue, or how a massive stadium can actually serve the community it calls home?

Join us for an evening dedicated to the design of the “game day” experience. We’re bringing together two industry leaders to explore how we are reimagining the “living memorial” and the modern arena:

  • Doug Demers (HKS): Sharing insights on national trends and the creation of world-class, year-round experiential districts like the Washington Commanders’ New Stadium.

  • David Kunselman (City of Seattle): Discussing the highly anticipated renovation of Seattle’s own Memorial Stadium and its role as a sustainable civic anchor.

From national design breakthroughs to the transformative projects in our own backyard, we’ll explore how thoughtful architecture turns a simple game into a lasting community legacy.

Whether you’re an urbanist, a sports fan, or a design enthusiast, this is a conversation about the future of the sports experience.

Continue the conversation and enjoy the views at our post-program rooftop reception. TICKETS

Panel Discussion Overview

HKS, Experiential Districts

HKS is renowned for designing venues that go beyond game-day utility, creating immersive, year-round destinations. Leveraging their history with iconic venues like SoFi Stadium and AT&T Stadium, HKS aims to build a world class experiential district. Learn more about their current projects, including the proposed Commanders Stadium.

City of Seattle, Memorial Stadium

The renovation of Memorial Stadium is a cornerstone project for Seattle, bridging nearly a century of high school athletic tradition with a modern vision for civic engagement. Since its opening in 1947, the stadium has served as more than just a sports venue; it is a “living memorial” and a central force of the city’s cultural life. Its legacy is further cemented by its role in the 1962 World’s Fair and as the inaugural home of the Seattle Sounders in the 1970s. By revitalizing this landmark within the active cultural hub of the Seattle Center, the project ensures that the deep roots of community and student achievement remain at the forefront of the city’s architectural evolution.

This transformation is anchored by a unique non-profit ownership model designed to ensure the facility remains a mission-driven, sustainable community asset rather than a purely commercial venture. While the land and stadium are owned by Seattle Public Schools, a strategic partnership with the City of Seattle enables the site to evolve within the active cultural hub of the Seattle Center. This collaboration allows for professional-grade infrastructure upgrades that enhance the surrounding district, creating a vibrant, year-round destination that benefits both residents and visitors.

Images Courtesy: HKS & One Roof Partnership