SSR’s Inaugural Sports Summit Recap

In late 2024, leaders from our sports practice gathered in Nashville for SSR’s inaugural Sports Summit. Led by myself and Greg Swafford, this event was a pivotal moment for our organization, providing an opportunity to reflect on our achievements, strategize for future growth of our sports and entertainment practice, and development plans for our owners. 

Current State of Our Sports Business and Market Analysis 

We began by celebrating our significant growth, proudly noting our #12 ranking in the 2024 BD+C Sports Giants list. Our active projects span all five major sports leagues, as well as collegiate, casino, and community work. This diverse portfolio highlights our versatility and commitment to excellence across various sectors. 

Key success points were discussed, including the highlighted projects we’ve won and the widespread leadership driving our success. We reviewed sales performance and revenue, providing a comprehensive market analysis that underscored our strong position in the sports and entertainment market. 

Future Growth and Opportunities 

Looking ahead, we explored strategies for growth and how we can stay close to our clients to provide even better service. Upcoming opportunities were identified, and we discussed how we can fill voids in the market.  

The future of the stadium and arena market was a key topic, with a focus on sustainability, efficiency, longevity, and technology. We emphasized the importance of proactive leadership in design, recognizing that anticipating and addressing future needs is crucial for creating venues that stand the test of time. Proactive design involves not only meeting current standards but also envisioning and integrating future advancements in technology, sustainability practices, and user experience. By staying ahead of industry trends and incorporating innovative solutions, our sports venues remain relevant, efficient, and valuable assets for years to come. This forward-thinking approach allows us to deliver exceptional value to our clients, enhancing the overall experience for fans and stakeholders alike. 

We also explored opportunities for other SSR business units outside MEP, recognizing the value they can bring both as standalone offerings and as part of a collective service. Key areas of focus included: 

• Sustainability: With the use of public funds, it’s crucial to ensure these massive stadium and arena projects have a return on investment for the community. We aim to integrate sustainable practices that not only benefit the environment but also provide long-term value to our clients and the communities they serve. 

• Building Enclosure: Emphasizing not only the exterior but also the interior curtain walls between spaces with different uses. This approach ensures that our designs are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, meeting the diverse needs of modern sports venues. 

• Commissioning: Recognizing that sports venues often have unique operating needs and are high-profile projects, we need to ensure they operate as designed. Our commissioning services focus on verifying that all systems are functioning optimally, providing peace of mind to our clients. 

• Technology: The demand for advanced technology in sports venues is growing. From WiFi and security to broadcast features and sports-specific technology like ball trackers in tennis, we aim to stay ahead of the curve. By integrating cutting-edge technology, we can enhance the fan experience and improve the accuracy and efficiency of sports operations. 

Action Moving Forward 

Our success is deeply tied to our owners, whose energy and passion drive our achievements. We are committed to building a team that can respond to the growing volume of work, ensuring we grow our talent and maintain our culture. Being intentional about scaling is crucial to our continued success. 

Moving forward, this group will convene quarterly, with annual in-person summits to maintain momentum. We will emphasize developing client action plans and proactively responding to the needs of our clients and projects. Identifying key areas for growth, including specific locations and submarkets, will be essential to our strategy. 

The Sports Summit was a valuable opportunity to align our vision and set a clear path for the future, with goals to benefit SSR, our owners, and our clients. With a strong foundation and a forward-thinking approach, we are well-positioned to continue our success in the dynamic sports and entertainment market.