University of Virginia Palmer Park Softball Stadium

Photo Credit: 2RW Consultants

University of Virginia Palmer Park Softball Stadium

Charlottesville, VA

Owner

University of Virginia

Sustainability

LEED Silver

Timeframe

2018 – 2020

Size

25,500 SF

Cost

$19.4 million

MEP/FP engineering for this athletics facility includes support for locker rooms, training and meeting spaces, spectator areas, and broadcast operations. The design includes a VRF hybrid HVAC system with DOAS and energy recovery, high-efficiency LED lighting for the facility and field, and water-conserving plumbing fixtures. These systems are tailored to meet performance, ventilation, and operational needs across both player and spectator environments.

Project Goals

The Palmer Park facility for UVA’s women’s softball is strategically located at the center of UVA’s athletic precinct. Palmer Park brings all of Virginia softball’s needs to one location and enables UVA to continue to compete among the nation’s best softball programs.

Services

The project amenities include a locker facility with state-of-the art locker room, players lounge, treatment room, and team meeting space; a player development center with indoor hitting facilities, a concourse area which includes restrooms, concessions, and retail store; a stadium with the capacity for 522 spectators; and a press box to support game operation with televised broadcast capabilities. 2RW provided MEP/FP design for:

A new variable refrigeration flow (VRF) hybrid HVAC system supported by a dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) with energy recovery
High-efficiency LED lighting for the facility and field
Water-conserving fixtures in the locker facility

Results

The best-in-class facilities support program development efforts by attracting fans and boosting female player recruitment.
The DOAS system with energy recovery improves ventilation, making the facility more comfortable and minimizes health impacts for players, staff, and visitors.
The VRF system has no direct reliance on fossil fuels, making it more energy-efficient and supports the project’s goals for LEED Silver certification.
The low-spill LED lighting minimizes light pollution and light trespass to surrounding properties while providing sufficient illumination to meet NCAA and ESPN standards for televised play.