Designing a multi-sport athletic facility requires careful planning, smart design, and high-quality equipment. Schools, universities, and recreation departments increasingly need facilities that can host multiple programs year-round, including football, baseball, pickleball, and field hockey.
Creating a space that meets safety standards, supports multiple sports, and allows easy changeovers depends on flexibility and durable systems. With the right layout and product choices, your complex can seamlessly transition from a Friday night football game to a weekend pickleball tournament without sacrificing performance.
This guide outlines the essential design strategies, equipment options, and long-term considerations for building a multi-sport facility that is safe, efficient, and future ready.
Start with a Flexible Layout
A successful multi-sport facility begins with smart layout design. The goal is to maximize shared use, minimize changeover time, and keep safety a top priority.
Key layout principles:
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Design overlapping areas when possible. Soccer and lacrosse often share similar turf dimensions, and one tennis court can fit up to four pickleball courts.
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Ensure lighting, surface traction, and drainage remain consistent throughout.
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Provide a minimum of 15 feet of runoff for outdoor fields and 3 to 6 feet for indoor courts.
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Dedicate storage space for portable goals, nets, and protective padding to keep walkways clear.
Bison’s ceiling-suspended basketball systems and portable volleyball standards help maintain floor space and simplify transitions between programs.
Bison’s Partnership with NFHS: Trusted Equipment for Every Sport
Bison’s long-standing partnership with the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) reflects its commitment to delivering safe, compliant, and durable sports equipment for schools and institutions nationwide.
Initially recognized as a leader in basketball equipment and the exclusive NFHS partner for that sport, Bison has expanded its innovation across volleyball, soccer, football, and other field and gymnasium sports.
In 2021, Bison became the exclusive NFHS Soccer Goal Partner, strengthening its leadership in field sports and its dedication to athlete safety. This partnership ensures Bison products meet or exceed national standards for performance, reliability, and long-term value.
No matter the sport, Bison offers a goal for every game, trusted by schools, universities, and community programs across the United States.
Designing for Football and Combination Fields
Soccer is one of the most popular field sports in U.S. schools and community programs, making it a key component in any multi-sport facility design. A well-planned soccer area can also share space with football, lacrosse, or field hockey, allowing your facility to host more programs without additional construction.
As the exclusive Soccer Goal Partner of the NFHS, Bison is proud to manufacture goals that meet national safety and performance standards for schools and athletic facilities. Every Bison soccer system is engineered for long-term reliability, compliance, and player protection.
Design and equipment tips:
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A standard high school soccer field measures between 100 and 120 yards long and 55 to 80 yards wide, depending on available space.
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Maintain at least 10 feet of clearance beyond each goal line for safety.
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Use combination soccer and football goals to maximize field usage when sports share the same area.
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Choose institutional-grade aluminum goals, such as those featured in Bison’s Soccer Goal Systems, for durability and safety.
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Add post padding and ground anchors to stabilize portable systems and meet NFHS safety recommendations.
For guidance on selecting the right soccer goals for your facility, read our Bison’s Guide to Selecting the Best Soccer Goals for Your Field for insights on sizing, materials, and compliance.
Designing for Pickleball and Tennis
Pickleball continues to grow across schools and communities, and it integrates well with tennis layouts when planned properly.
Court details:
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A regulation pickleball court measures 44 feet by 20 feet.
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A tennis court measures 78 feet by 36 feet, and a single tennis court can hold up to four pickleball courts.
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Use portable pickleball net systems for flexible indoor and outdoor configurations.
Choose cushioned vinyl or sport tile surfaces indoors to reduce fatigue and noise. For outdoor installations, acrylic or modular surfaces are durable and easy to maintain.
Designing for Baseball and Softball
Baseball and softball fields share key infrastructure such as dugouts and bleachers but differ in field geometry and base distances.
Layout and safety considerations:
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High school baseball fields use 90-foot base paths, while softball fields typically use 60-foot paths.
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Consider combination backstops and adjustable pitching rubbers to support multiple age groups.
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Add modular bleachers and foul poles for improved safety and field versatility.
Bison’s Outdoor Field Equipment Collection includes benches, padding, and aluminum bleachers designed for high-use school and park facilities. Regular field grading and protective fencing help reduce injury risk and extend equipment life.
Designing for Field Hockey and Lacrosse
Field hockey and lacrosse can share the same playing surface with proper marking and goal placement.
Recommendations:
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A field hockey field measures approximately 300 feet by 180 feet.
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A lacrosse field measures about 330 feet by 180 feet.
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Use goal frames with heavy-gauge aluminum and anchored bases for safety.
Bison’s Field Hockey and Lacrosse Goals are built for strength, portability, and weather resistance, making them ideal for school and community use.
Indoor Facility Integration
Indoor gyms must accommodate multiple sports within limited space. The right equipment makes this easy without compromising safety.
Design best practices:
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Install ceiling-suspended and wall-mounted basketball systems to free floor space.
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Use floor sleeves or adjustable nets for volleyball and pickleball.
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Maintain a ceiling height of at least 23 feet to meet NFHS requirements for indoor play.
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Add divider curtains and padding to separate activities safely.
Surfaces, Safety, and Spectator Comfort
Choosing the right surface directly impacts player performance and long-term maintenance.
Surface recommendations:
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Artificial turf: Best for football, field hockey, and lacrosse. Choose systems that balance traction with cushioning.
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Hardwood or sport tile: Ideal for basketball, volleyball, and pickleball.
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Clay or grass: Suitable for baseball and softball, depending on climate and maintenance budgets.
Safety and comfort considerations:
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Add wall and post padding in high-traffic areas.
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Provide safe seating, shaded viewing areas, and accessible routes for spectators.
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Verify that lighting and drainage meet NFHS and local standards.
Long-Term Value and Maintenance Planning
A multi-sport facility should be designed for decades of service. Selecting institutional-grade systems ensures long-lasting performance with minimal upkeep.
Maintenance essentials:
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Schedule routine inspections for goals, nets, and sleeves.
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Replace padding and hardware as needed.
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Store portable systems properly to prevent corrosion and frame stress.
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Choose suppliers that offer replacement parts and warranty support.
Explore Bison’s complete catalog of sports equipment to find systems engineered for schools, parks, and community facilities nationwide.
Conclusion: Build for Flexibility and Longevity
A well-planned multi-sport facility gives schools and communities more ways to engage athletes, host events, and maximize space throughout the year. Choosing equipment that meets national standards and adapts easily between sports ensures long-term safety and performance.
Bison’s institutional-grade systems are built with that flexibility in mind. From soccer goals and volleyball systems to indoor basketball setups, every product combines durability, safety, and NFHS compliance.
Explore Bison’s full line of indoor and outdoor sports systems or connect with your local representative through the Bison Dealer Locator to plan or upgrade your facility with confidence.