Our firm was honored to serve as the Construction Manager for the New Stanley Bobb Baseball Player Development Center at the University of Maryland, College Park. This facility replaced the temporary domed structure near the Varsity Sports Team House and Shipley Field, providing a permanent, year-round training space for Maryland Baseball’s athletes. Spanning approximately 7,900 square feet, the facility was designed to support player development through specialized training areas, modern infrastructure, and cutting-edge technology. The project was delivered through the design-build method, allowing for seamless collaboration between JVS and JMT Architecture to optimize efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and quality.
The scope of work included demolishing and removing the existing temporary facility, followed by site preparation to accommodate the new structure. Given the constraints posed by existing sidewalks, grading, utilities, parking lots, and stormwater management features, JVS carefully coordinated each phase to minimize disruption to the surrounding environment. The new facility consisted of a steel-framed structure housing three dedicated pitching lanes and three hitting lanes, each featuring suspended ceilings and operable sports netting cages. The entire interior surface was covered with high-performance artificial turf, designed to enhance durability and create an optimal training environment.
The facility included space for equipment storage, electrical closets, future technological enhancements, and training areas. Infrastructure for wall-mounted displays and data feeds was integrated into the design, providing real-time analytics for player performance. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems were carefully coordinated to ensure efficient power distribution, lighting, and HVAC performance. JVS implemented stormwater management solutions to further enhance sustainability that complied with regulatory requirements and environmental best practices.
As construction progressed, JVS was also awarded a change order to replace Lot R3, the adjacent staff, and the athlete parking lot. Despite the additional workload, JVS managed both projects concurrently, ensuring that neither the development center nor the parking lot’s replacement impacted each other’s progress. Due to its location next to the new facility, construction in Lot R3 required careful planning, including erecting a temporary pedestrian walkway to allow students and staff to move safely to and from class while work was underway. Additionally, work had to be paused during sporting events, requiring flexible scheduling and close coordination with the university’s athletics department.
Despite these challenges, JVS completed both the New Stanley Bobb Baseball Player Development Center and Lot R3 on time, and both facilities were handed over on December 31, 2024. Even with the necessary pauses and the complexity of managing two concurrent projects, JVS focused on efficiency and proactive problem-solving.
The New Stanley Bobb Baseball Player Development Center became a transformational addition to UMCP’s athletic infrastructure. By providing a dedicated, all-season training space, the facility enhanced player performance, improved training efficiency, and served as an asset in recruiting top-tier talent. Through proactive construction management, seamless collaboration, and commitment to quality, JVS successfully delivered a facility that will support the university’s athletic excellence for years to come. The simultaneous completion of Lot R3 further demonstrated JVS’s ability to adapt to project expansions, manage challenges effectively, and deliver high-quality results on schedule.
