The first project from previous master planning efforts with Drake University, the 38,000sf Basketball Practice Facility was designed to provide this previously lacking function and give a strong visual identity to the campus’ athletics programs. The facility was designed to house two collegiate-size practice courts, practice and game-day locker rooms, team spaces, and a hospitality suite. INVISION partnered closely with the university and construction manager to share information and make decisions quickly throughout the process, facilitating a quick 9‑month design.
The simple form of the courts is visually pulled away from the existing Knapp Center to draw patrons to the new south entry and hospitality space. Added multi-purpose flexibility, increased practice access for athletes, and resolved logistical conflicts were just a few of the added benefits of the new Practice Facility. The project allowed the university to maximize their new space, supporting not only the basketball programs but the recruiting and functioning of Drake University as a whole.
