Athens, Georgia
Client: University of Georgia
Size: 3 acres
Status: Completed 2011
Awards: 2012 Merit Award, Georgia ASLA
Collaborators: Cooper Carry & Associates, Uzun + Case Engineers
From game-day concourse to multi-use civic space in the heart of campus.
Located at the heart of the University of Georgia campus, Reed Plaza was designed as a multifunctional public space serving both Sanford Stadium and the broader student community. HGOR transformed the lower-level event concourse into a vibrant, comfortable plaza that supports intense game-day activity while functioning as a flexible gathering space on non-game days. Through strategic planning, efficient coordination, and a fast-paced delivery process, the project enhances the stadium experience while expanding opportunities for everyday student life.
Design Strategy: One Space, Two Identities
The design of Reed Plaza balances the contrasting demands of peak game-day crowds and daily campus use. This dual-purpose approach ensures the plaza remains accessible and active beyond football season.
On game days, the plaza operates as a lower-level event concourse, supporting high volumes of pedestrian traffic. To support stadium operations, the plaza incorporates new restroom facilities, a 21-window concession building, and multiple zones for freestanding vendor opportunities. These elements were carefully integrated to maintain clear circulation paths and efficient crowd movement while providing comfort, convenience, and flexibility during events. The layout reinforces strong pedestrian flow and minimizes congestion during peak use.
On non-game days, the space transitions into an open, welcoming public realm for student gatherings, events, and daily use. With pedestrian experience as a central driver of the design, the plaza connects seamlessly with surrounding campus pathways and stadium access points, creating an intuitive and legible experience for students and patrons alike. Materials, scale, and spatial organization were selected to align with the historic character of Sanford Stadium while supporting contemporary use.
Timely, On-Budget Delivery
The successful delivery of Reed Plaza demonstrates HGOR’s ability to manage complexity under a stringent schedule. Acting as prime consultant, HGOR led a multidisciplinary team that included architectural, structural, MEP, lighting, and civil sub-consultants, navigated tight timelines, coordinated critical decision-making, and produced comprehensive documentation to support efficient construction. Through close collaboration with the client and consultant team, Reed Plaza was completed on schedule and within budget while meeting demanding project constraints. More than a decade after completion, the plaza still functions as both a high-capacity stadium concourse and a valued campus amenity.
