Gensler
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Overview

The Barry P. Gossett Basketball Performance Center gives Maryland basketball its first dedicated home, pairing equitable training environments with advanced tools for athlete development.

Location
Client

Opportunity

Maryland’s basketball programs needed more than additional space. They needed a dedicated home that could support equity, performance, and student-athlete daily life.

For years, Maryland’s men’s and women’s basketball teams shared the Xfinity Center with other athletic programs and university events. Limited access created unpredictable practice schedules and logistical challenges that were out of step with a Big Ten program. The university needed a facility that could give both programs reliable training time while supporting student-athlete development and team culture. Just as importantly, the project needed to establish equal access and amenities without erasing the distinct identities of the men’s and women’s programs.

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Why This Matters

  1. 01

    Equal Opportunity

    Providing equivalent space and amenities for both programs makes equity a foundational part of the facility, rather than an afterthought.

  2. 02

    Better Daily Routines

    Reliable access to courts and training resources reduces scheduling conflicts, allowing athletes to practice earlier and devote more time to academics and campus life.

  3. 03

    Competitive Advantage

    A purpose-built performance environment gives Maryland a stronger platform for athlete development, recruitment, team culture, and long-term success.

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Solution

An “equal yet bespoke” approach creates a shared home where mirrored resources support equity while tailored spaces reflect each team’s identity.

Gensler organized the two-story center around a mirrored layout, giving each program identical square footage and amenities while tailoring locker rooms and lounges to team culture. Each team receives a collegiate court and a half, supported by Noah shooting analytics, Perch performance monitors, strength and conditioning areas, hydrotherapy, recovery spaces, and equipment rooms. Coaches’ offices and meeting spaces overlook the courts, while a connector links the center to Xfinity Center. Black brick and expansive glass establish a contemporary identity aligned with Maryland’s newer campus architecture.

From brief to build: how the design team translated “equal yet bespoke” into a mirrored plan, unifying concept, and distinct spaces for each program.

The process began by balancing two programs with a shared performance mission and distinct cultures. The team used repetition, or “visual echo,” through texture and tone to express equity in the building’s form. Shared spaces at the center create a unifying core, while mirrored program areas distribute resources evenly. Ground-level training, recovery, and equipment spaces keep performance tools close to athletes, while upper-level offices and meeting rooms maintain visibility to the courts. The building’s black brick and glass design strengthens its connection to the evolving campus.

Impact

The new performance center replaces scheduling uncertainty with a dedicated environment designed to support Maryland athletes’ development and well-being.

Earlier practice availability, equal amenities, and advanced performance resources strengthen daily routines while creating a stronger foundation for recruitment and long-term competitiveness.

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What Changed Because of This

  1. 01

    Daily Performance

    Dedicated training, recovery, and performance spaces give both teams reliable access to the resources they need throughout the day.

  2. 02

    Real-time Technology

    Advanced tools, including shooting analytics and performance monitoring, give athletes real-time insights that support training and development.

  3. 03

    Program Identity

    A distinct architectural identity and team-specific lounges create a true home for Terrapin Basketball while supporting recruitment and program pride.

Recognition

01

Sports Business Journal

The outlet highlighted Gensler’s addition of three sports architects who bring more than 65 years of combined expertise designing stadiums and training facilities worldwide.

Team

Project Leadership

FAQ

01

Where is the Barry P. Gossett Basketball Performance Center located?

The performance center is located on the University of Maryland campus in College Park, Maryland, connected with the Xfinity Center.

02

How large is the performance center?

The facility encompasses 44,000 square feet across two stories.

03

Who is the facility designed for?

The center serves Maryland’s men’s and women’s basketball programs, including student-athletes, coaches, trainers, administrators, and prospective recruits.

04

What spaces does the facility include?

The center includes dedicated courts, strength and conditioning areas, hydrotherapy and recovery spaces, equipment rooms, tailored locker rooms and lounges, coaches’ offices, and meeting spaces.

05

How does the project support equity?

A mirrored layout gives the men’s and women’s programs equal square footage and amenities, while tailored lounges and locker rooms allow each team’s identity to remain distinct.