Scharbauer Sports Complex
In Midland, Texas, sports aren’t just games—they’re a way of life. Recognizing this, the City of Midland partnered with Parkhill to design a transformative 94-acre sports complex that serves as a vibrant hub for the community. Home to the Midland RockHounds AA baseball team—one of only 30 such teams nationwide—the facility blends athletics, entertainment, and community engagement. Featuring a baseball park, a UIL-standard football/soccer stadium, a shared plaza, and a community center, the complex unites diverse activities under one regional architectural vision.
Designing for Versatility and Impact
The complex was designed with flexibility in mind, hosting events beyond sports, such as concerts, car shows, and community festivals. By clustering facilities, the design maximizes shared resources, creating an economical solution without sacrificing quality. Each venue incorporates a “bowl” design with playing surfaces below natural grade, ensuring spectators are close to the action. The football/soccer stadium seats 18,000, while the baseball park accommodates 7,000, including open grass seating. Every design decision enhances the complex’s regional identity, cementing its role as a community focal point.
A Collaborative Effort for Excellence
Parkhill, as the architect of record, partnered with HOK Sports for specialized expertise in sports architecture. Parkhill also led the civil, structural, and MPE engineering efforts, ensuring a seamless integration of form and function. The project was completed in Summer 2002, delivering a legacy of community pride, economic growth, and enhanced quality of life for Midland’s residents.
