Iowa State University Bergstrom Football Complex

Iowa State University’s football training complex was redesigned to meet the Athletic Department's growing needs, focused on improving the flow and visual connections to Jack Trice Stadium and adjacent facilities. Situated next to the existing indoor football practice facility, the project—designed and built in 2012—required Substance Architecture to develop a solution that responded to site constraints and integrated with the overall campus layout while allowing for future expansion and modification.

The result was a simple yet effective organization of spaces tailored to athlete routines, with minimal circulation and highly functional areas including strength training, classrooms, offices, sports medicine, hydrotherapy, locker rooms, equipment storage, and distribution. The building seamlessly connects with the Bergstrom Indoor Practice Facility and Stark Performance Center. With aesthetic inspiration provided by neighboring structures, the Complex provides an inviting, functionally rich environment. Large-scale graphics and LED video walls establish a welcoming 'front door' to the football program while player-centric spaces cater to athletes and enhance recruitment efforts. 

In 2021, Iowa State University Athletics re-engaged Substance to meet the changing demands of college football programs, their players, and staff. The resulting 12,250 square foot expansion includes expanded athletic training space, a suite of recruiting offices, support spaces, a player’s lounge, a nutritional fueling station, and, most importantly, a new state-of-the-art football locker room and players’ lounge. The building's LEED Gold® rating proves that athletic facilities can function efficiently for both the teams they serve and the environment.