Weber State University North End Zone
Ogden, Utah
Best Project

Owner: Weber State University
Lead Design Firm: VCBO Architecture
General Contractor: Big-D Construction
Civil Engineer: Talisman Civil Consultants
Structural Engineer: ARW Engineers
MEP Engineer: Lynn Woodward Electric LLC
Subcontractors: Ace Tile & Stone; Acme Construction Inc.; Dalton-Banta Enterprises; MJ Mechanical; Staker Parson Cos.; Sunroc Corp.; Western States Waterproofing

The WSU Wildcats are an important part of the Northern Utah community, and every football game day becomes a community event. The North End Zone project at Weber State was designed to be the focal point of the fan experience at Stewart Stadium, with a new  entrance that welcomes fans as they enter through the plaza.

A key piece of the project for players is the new locker room. Modeled after the locker room of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens, it includes more than 100 individual lockers. A seamless field entry with a garage door opening leads players directly onto the track and out onto the field.

The North End Zone complex was designed and constructed using high-end wood, metal and stone. The building also features specialty murals, unique lighting and plenty of natural light filtering through massive windows that offer great views of the field.

During design, an existing fault line was discovered running north to south along the length of the football field. The original design of the building, which wrapped the entire north end of the field, had to be modified due to the fault line. In lieu of more building space, a new main entrance was added that accommodates a digital scoreboard and provides room for vendors and food trucks to set up on game day.

The Wildcats’ playoff run in 2018 resulted in a four-week delay in excavation for footings and concrete placement. Extremely wet spring weather caused four more weeks of delays, but subcontractors and tradespeople worked overtime to maintain the schedule. The project finished in time for start of the 2019 football season.

Back to Number of Best Projects Entries Remains Strong Despite the Pandemic