University at Buffalo, Murchie Family Fieldhouse
Murchie Family Fieldhouse is a premier-sized indoor practice facility, rivaling the nation’s best. A full-size turf football field, rubber sprinting tracks, pole-vaulting and triple jump pits, and motorized suspended softball hitting tunnels fit comfortably within this remarkable indoor expanse alongside two multi-level indoor filming/viewing towers.
The University of Buffalo teamed with CHA to design this pre-engineered building that marries aesthetics with the surrounding area while accommodating activities, from expanded recreation and intramural programs to university and club events—all within a single, convenient campus location. Glazing at the entry plaza and filtered daylight wall panels infuse the space with natural light, creating an energizing atmosphere. Central to the facility is the football field. Adorned with a premium AstroTurf Rootzone 3D3 Blend turf system, football field striping, end zones, and safety clearances, the field boasts enduring performance and visual appeal. This versatile space accommodates year-round football practice and can be divided into four 95-foot-by-180-foot recreational fields.
The Murchie Family Fieldhouse is a game-changer for university athletics, offering student-athletes a state-of-the-art refuge for rigorous training during New York’s challenging winters.
Project summary
Expansive 92,000-square-foot facility housing full amenities for year-round practice.
Premium 74,958-square-foot turf football field boasting endurance and aesthetics.
The versatile indoor practice field can be divided into four recreation fields.
Talk to an expert
Ed O'Hara, RLA*
Sports Business Line Director
Ed is one of the country’s premier sports designers. He has designed and overseen the installation of over 350 synthetic turf fields as well as over 400 natural grass turf fields, many of which are located at colleges and universities across the country. He has 34 years of progressive sports facility planning, landscape architecture and project management experience, including 1,200 projects since joining CHA in 1988.
