Van Andel Soccer Stadium Hope College

Holland, Mich.
Construction Cost: $3.2 million
Occupancy Date: October 2009

Through a generous lead donation from the David and Carol Van Andel Foundation, Hope College has created a state-of-the-art soccer facility touted as the best small college soccer venue in NCAA Division III. Utilizing a precast concrete stadia superstructure, this facility includes stadium-style and bleacher seating for 1,400 fans.

A concessions stand, restrooms, two locker rooms, a training room and a meeting room for visiting teams were placed conveniently beneath the stadium, allowing for maximum use of space on a constrained site. Placing these program spaces under the structure also allows for a better separation of spectators and players and creates a “big venue” feel for teams as they enter the field through a tunnel.

Due to the close proximity of a roadway, the massing was carefully broken down to create a human scale by the sidewalk. The exterior materials of brick and stone were selected to offer a rich collegiate appearance for a facility that is situated at the eastern gateway to both the campus and the city. These materials also unify this facility with the other portions of the athletic campus. The decision to use synthetic turf was made in order to maximize usage for both the men’s and women’s team practices and competitions, as well as to make the facility available to students for academic and intramural use.

Because of the prominent location within the city, the college has also made the complex widely available for community and public use. To help facilitate increased community use and provide a premium social experience for the campus and beyond, community, the design included lighting for night games.