Payne Indoor Athletic Facility

The House of Payne

Home to one of the most prestigious college football programs in the nation, the University of Georgia engaged in designing a cutting-edge Indoor Athletic Facility. Dubbed the “the House of Payne,” this facility serves as a symbol of excellence, fostering the recruitment and development of elite student-athletes. Boasting a 100-yard football practice field, a 65-meter track with runways and jumping pits, and a versatile netting system accommodating all university athletics programs, our design encapsulates Georgia’s dedication to state-of-the-art athletic environments.

Despite challenges posed by a crowded campus athletic district, strategic site selection and design considerations ensured optimal use of the new indoor space without compromising existing outdoor practice fields. By adding the facility to Butts-Mehre building, football operations were centralized. Innovative design elements, such as lowering the indoor field level and selecting complementary exterior materials, further enhance its harmonious blend with the surrounding campus context.

The innovative design integrates a translucent wall panel system, bathing the interior with soft, filtered daylight. Additionally, an LED lighting system enhances the ambiance with 75 feet of radiant illumination over the field, ensuring optimal conditions for training and performance.