Cleveland Clinic Courts is the newest, most innovative NBA practice facility. Designed by renowned sports architectural firm Ellerbe Becket, the 74,000 sf facility, has set the gold standard for professional training facilities.
Located on a wooded site in Independence, Ohio, the $20 million facility features rustic-contemporary wood timber and stone construction, with attention focused on creating a warm atmosphere connected to its remote wooded surroundings.
Careful consideration was given to the site throughout the entire design process. The site itself is designed with environmentally conscience landscaping techniques including a recalculating retention pond with fountains. Within the building, large expanses of glass were carefully placed to take full advantage of the views, invite the exterior inside, and allow for maximum day lighting potential. The exterior wooded site influenced the decision to use heavy Glulam wood structure. This material adds a warm quality to the interior spaces of the building as well as visually communicates and connects with the surrounding trees.
The interior spaces are not only in connection with the exterior, they are also outfitted with the most advanced technology available. For instance, plasma screen televisions, iPod docking stations, state of the art video coaches space and a team theater are all incorporated into the architecture. Spaces are dedicated to full media and broadcast capabilities with multiple interview locations. The facility dons two full-sized basketball courts designed to replicate game day conditions with ample run out space. An advanced weight training room, a low impact running hill, and sports medicine facility have all been included in the design to support player health and development. The facility, with this advanced equipment and technology, has retained a warm, residential quality with spaces dedicated for the relaxation of the players, staff, and their families. A home away from home. This building not only satisfies and expands upon the needs and desires of an NBA team, it does so while creating a comfortable relaxing atmosphere for all who enter.
Other innovative features:
- State-of-the-art strength and conditioning space with dynamic views to the wooded site and cardio workout area with views to the courts.
- Integrated Sports medicine facility that includes direct links to the Cleveland Clinic for data and player development information and an innovative hydrotherapy area.
- The sloping site allowed for secure, underground parking to be included.
- Technology integration from the beginning of design with XOS technology. Features include flat screen televisions, iPod docking stations, video coaching capabilities and a team theatre.
- Two full-size practice courts to replicate game day conditions are the nucleus of the design, with support functions wrapping around the courts.
- Full media facilities and broadcast capabilities including multiple interview locations, direct hookups for satellite broadcast trucks and a separate media entrance.
An innovator since its founding in 1909, Ellerbe Becket is a leader in architecture, engineering, interiors and the construction industry, with office locations worldwide. Ellerbe Becket is a leading designer of sports facilities worldwide including arenas in Charlotte, Memphis, Indianapolis, San Antonio and The University of Virginia.
Contact: news@ellerbebecket.com
