Fresh off a trip to the NBA Finals, the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sept. 19 unveiled the next step in their road to the championship.

Cleveland Clinic Courts is the newest, most innovative NBA practice facility. Designed by renowned sports architectural firm Ellerbe Becket, the 74,000 sq. ft. (6,800 sq m) facility, has set the gold standard for professional training facilities.

Located on a wooded site in Independence, Ohio, the $20 million facility features rustic-contemporary wood timber and stone construction, with attention focused on creating a warm atmosphere connected to its remote wooded surroundings.

Careful consideration was given to the site throughout the entire design process. The site itself is designed with environmentally conscience landscaping techniques including a recalculating retention pond with fountains.

Within the building, large expanses of glass were carefully placed to take full advantage of the views, invite the exterior inside, and allow for maximum day lighting potential. The exterior wooded site influenced the decision to use a heavy wood structure. This material adds a warm quality to the interior spaces of the building as well as visually communicates and connects with the surrounding trees.

Other features include:

• Strength and conditioning space with dynamic views to the wooded site and a cardio workout area with views to the courts.

• Integrated Sports medicine facility that includes direct links to the Cleveland Clinic for data and player development information and a hydrotherapy area.

• The sloping site allowed for secure, underground parking to be included.

• Technology integration from the beginning of design with XOS technology. Features include flat screen televisions, iPod docking stations, video coaching capabilities and a team theater.

• Two full-size practice courts to replicate game day conditions are the nucleus of the design, with support functions wrapping around the courts.

• Full media facilities and broadcast capabilities including multiple interview locations, direct hookups for satellite broadcast trucks and a separate media entrance.

“We’re proud to be part of a facility that will make the Cleveland Cavaliers even more successful than they already are,” said Ellerbe Becket Principal-in-Charge Doug Beichley. Ellerbe Becket also designed the Cavs’ arena in downtown Cleveland, now called Quicken Loans Arena, along with several arena enhancements.

Ellerbe Becket, founded in 1909, performs architecture, engineering, interiors and construction, and has office locations worldwide. Ellerbe Becket designs sports facilities worldwide including arenas in Charlotte, Memphis, Indianapolis, San Antonio and the University of Virginia.

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